ABS Working Group 9, Cali, Colombia

The ninth meeting of the ABS Working Group (ABS 9) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will be held from 22-28 March in Cali, Colombia. ABS 9 will continue negotiations on an international regime on ABS, and focus on the consolidation of operational texts developed at the seventh and eighth meetings of the Working Group. With regard to the main components of the regime, including traditional knowledge, the meeting is expected to proceed with the negotiating process with a view to achieving consensus. It should be recalled that, in accordance with Decision IX/12 of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the CBD, the Working Group is instructed to finalize the international regime and to submit for consideration and adoption by COP 10 an instrument/instruments to effectively implement the provisions in Article 15 and 8(j) of the Convention and its three objectives. ABS 9 is the last meeting of the Working Group before CBD COP 10, to be held from 18-29 October 2010, in Nagoya, Japan. Natural Justice's Johanna von Braun, Holly Shrumm, Kabir Bavikatte, Gino Cocchiaro and Harry Jonas will be in attendance. Kabir will be advising the African Group while Johanna, Holly, Gino, and Harry will be coordinating consultations and presenting at side events. Daily reports can be read on: http://www.iisd.ca/biodiv/abs9/