International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB)
9th Conference of the Parties, Bonn, Germany
21 May, 2008

> Article 8j working group thematic area

Thank you Madame Chair,

It is my pleasure to make this intervention on the 8(j) thematic caucus of the IIFB. As you have requested, we will be succinct and directly to our points.

First, as is the IIFB consistent position we believe the UNDRIP should be reflected in the decision paragraph. We would suggest wording based upon preambular para. 4.1, subpara 7 that would read:

“Recognizing and affirming the UNDRIP adopted by the GA on 13 September 2007; considering that the rights identified in the Declaration, are relevant to 8j and other commitments under the CBD.

Related to this point, we request that the wording “indigenous and local communities” be amended to state “Indigenous Peoples and local communities” throughout all 8(j) decisions and text.

We strongly support the continuation but reorganization of the programme of work of 8(j), particularly tasks 15 and the further development of the Draft Elements of an Ethical Code of Conduct.

The IIFB proposes amendments to the para 4.1. A., subpara 5 that speaks to the timing of the 8(j) WG. It is our suggestion that the 8(j) WG should be back to back with SBSTTA 14.

Madame Chair, our final point is that we recognize that there are many Parties that have concerns regarding the lack of progress of the 8(j) WG to elaborate on elements of a prospective ABS IR. We share these concerns. We are not opposed to prospective amendments to para. 4.2. A, subpara 10 that speaks to the collaboration of the ABS and 8(j) WG.

Moved from opening statement but to be dealt with during drafting session.

We place secondary emphasis on tasks 7, 10 and 12. It is our initial impression that these tasks might be consolidated into one single task. It is our impression that an ABS elements might include aspects of guidelines on misappropriation and protection of tk. To speak directly to the draft paras, we support the adoption of paras. 4.2. A, subparas 7, 8 and 9.

Fourth, we strongly support para. 4.2 A., subparas 1 and 3 that speaks to the furtherance and integration of Article 10(c) of the CBD.

This requires the deletion of reference to the ABS WG. It is our position that a back to back meeting with SBSTTA more appropriately reflects the cross-cutting nature of 8(j) to other Articles of the CBD. From a practical standpoint, this amendment achieves two important purposes – 1. Fuller and more effective participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in the work of SBSTTA and 2. Lessens the agenda drift that is occurring between the ABS WG and 8(j) WG. As we noted in our opening statement in the plenary, we have strong concerns regarding the threatening nature of ABS issues overtaking the 8(j) POW.


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