Contact Groups Continue Discussions on Synthetic Biology、Climate Change, and Resource Mobilization|2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference

 Following Sunday’s ceremony, opening and regional statements marked the beginning of the official proceedings of the UN Biodiversity Conference, including the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the 11th Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CP MOP 11), and the fifth Meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol (NP MOP 5) on access and benefit-sharing (ABS). Two Working Groups met in the afternoon, to review draft decisions, and establish multiple contact and informal groups. Four contact groups met in the evening to address draft decisions on: Article 8(j) and related provisions on Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and traditional knowledge; digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources; biodiversity and health; and biodiversity mainstreaming.

 

The delegation from the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) has arrived in Colombia to attend the meeting on November 25.

 

Synthetic Biology: The group addressed the first five operative paragraphs of a non-paper prepared by the Co-Chairs based on prior discussions. On developing a thematic action plan on capacity building, delegates debated: taking into account the outcomes of the multidisciplinary Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG), with some opposing; referring to synthetic biology “applications,” “organisms, components, and products,” or taking a wider approach to also cover techniques and methods; and covering areas related to “assessment” and “regulation” of synthetic biology, in addition to research and development. On capacity building for synthetic biology assessment, those opposing noted that assessments are covered by the CP capacity-building action plan, and called for avoiding duplication. The proponents highlighted the need for assessments to support the Convention’s objectives beyond biosafety. Delegates also discussed specifying that assessments would cover both positive and negative impacts, with some calling for focus only on positive ones. References to capacity building for assessment and regulation remained bracketed.

 

Climate Change: The group addressed a revised non-paper. Delegates debated between “achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement” or “limiting global average temperatures increase to below 1.5ºC” for avoiding further biodiversity loss and achieving the CBD 2050 Vision. Some said limiting temperature increase is a prerequisite for addressing biodiversity loss, and others remarked that the Paris Agreement’s goals align to related decisions on ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions. No agreement was reached.

 

Resource Mobilization: The Co-Chairs suggested addressing the operational part of the draft decision, expressing optimism that “this will allow us to go through the strategy on resource mobilization without having to repeat all the safeguards and operating principles in each paragraph.” They tabled a proposal suggesting that the Conference of the Parties (COP) adopt the 2025-2030 resource mobilization strategy, as outlined in annex I, as guidance for all parties, actors, and stakeholders in mobilizing resources from all sources to implement the Convention and its Protocols, as well as to achieve the goals and targets of the GBF, taking into account national circumstances and priorities, while clarifying that its purpose is to encourage action without establishing new obligations.

 

Editor: Maggie

Checked by: Richard      

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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