Distr.

CONVENTION ON	GENERAL

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

UNEP/CBD/COP/2/2/Rev.1

18 October 1995

ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE

CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Second meeting

Jakarta, 6-17 November 1995

LOCATION OF THE SECRETARIAT

Note by the Secretariat

1.	The Conference of the Parties at its first meeting decided (1/10) "to consider and take a decision on the location of the Secretariat at its second meeting". Parties interested in hosting the Secretariat were invited by the Conference of the Parties to submit their offers to the Secretariat by 31 March 1995 and to include in their offers, to the extent possible, details relating to inter alia:

(a)	Facilities to be made available, including offices, meeting rooms and conference facilities;

(b)	Availability of institutional support, including programmes of relevance to the Convention, academic programmes and representation of Parties through diplomatic offices;

(c)	Direct support, including financial and technical support;

(d)	Privileges and immunities to be extended to the Secretariat and its staff, including the nature of the headquarters agreement or other arrangement to be established with the Secretariat and diplomatic privileges for Secretariat staff and families;

(e)	State of civic amenities, including health and education facilities.

2.	Paragraph 6 of decision 1/10 provides that the Conference of the Parties, at its second meeting, will make every effort to reach a decision on the location of the Secretariat by consensus. In the event consensus is not possible and, at the time of voting, rule 40, paragraph 1 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties has not been adopted, the Conference of the Parties shall for this item:

(a)	Take a decision by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting; and

(b)	If a two-thirds majority does not emerge for any one offer after the first round of voting, successive rounds will be taken, the offer receiving the least votes being eliminated after each round, until only two offers remain and one receives a two-thirds majority vote of the Parties present and voting.

3.	Attached to the present note are the offers submitted to the Secretariat by the Governments of Canada, Kenya, Spain and Switzerland by 31 March 1995. The offer of Canada was revised as of 10 April 1995.

Annex I

OFFER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

TO HOST THE SECRETARIAT OF THE

CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

1. INTRODUCTION

Canada has played a significant role in the preparation, negotiation, and conclusion of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. These efforts on the international scene have been accompanied by an active and prolonged public awareness campaign in Canada, and concerted and energetic action to conserve the natural environment and protect biological diversity. The Government of Canada is convinced that Montréal, which is already, by virtue of the Montreal Protocol, the headquarters of a major UN sustainable development organization (the Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund for the Protection of the Ozone Layer), would be an ideal site from which to implement the Convention for which the new Secretariat will be responsible. The following summarizes the main advantages and benefits that would flow from such a location. It should be noted that the possibility of adding further financial advantages is currently under active consideration by partners in the public and private sectors.

2. PHYSICAL INSTALLATION OF THE SECRETARIAT

The City of Montréal has designated part of downtown Montréal as the "International City", where most of the 45 international organizations in Montréal have chosen to locate, where the World Trade Centre, the Palais des congrès, and the Montréal Exchange can be found -- along with, as of 1996, the new ICAO building currently being built. The new ICAO headquarters will include an international conference centre whose facilities will be available to other UN organizations on a priority basis at nominal cost. The International City offers a range of first-class hotel accommodations, as well as all the services required for international organizations and international activities.

In accordance with its mandate and well-established practice, the Montréal International Conference Centre Corporation (MICCC), created by the Governments of Canada and Quebec and the City of Montréal, commits itself to accommodate the Secretariat from the commencement of its operations in a space of approximately 1,000 square metres situated in a prestige building of the International City. The actual amount of space remains to be determined, and could in fact be increased to suit the needs of the Secretariat as it evolves. In the context of a 10-year commercial lease (renewable), MICCC is offering a contribution in the order of US$400,000 to US$500,000, which will provide the Secretariat with free rent for five years (until the year 2001). An extension of this rent-free period beyond 2001 will be examined, although no firm commitment can be made at this time. Ongoing maintenance costs plus the costs of services will be the responsibility of the Secretariat, while the lessor will be responsible for repairs and major maintenance costs. For its part, the City of Montréal has pledged to provide furniture and telecommunications equipment, in cooperation with the private sector. The Montréal International Conference Centre Corporation is studying the possibility of putting office spaces at the disposal of representatives of least-developed countries for temporary visits or meetings (this measure would facilitate the representation of these countries from a New York base, which is a one-hour flight from Montréal. This is a practice already followed at the ICAO, where a good number of representatives from least-developed countries take part in the work of the Organization by coming into Montréal from New York for meetings and conferences). MICCC has also begun discussions with Bell Canada, whose head office is situated in the International City, to ensure that the area and the organizations located there have access to the highest-performance communications and telecommunications services.

3. CONFERENCE INSTALLATIONS

Montréal, which ranks with Washington and New York for the number of major international meetings held on its territory, has a varied range of complexes, rooms, and facilities for conferences. The International City itself includes the Palais des congrès--an ultra-modern building complex which can handle up to 12,000 people; and in 1996 it will also feature the new ICAO conference centre, designed and built to UN standards and requirements, and installed with the latest equipment. The ICAO, which already cooperates closely with the United Nations Environment Programme's Multilateral Fund secretariat, is also willing to make its rooms and facilities available to the Biological Diversity secretariat, on a priority basis at nominal cost. Several first-class hotels offering thousands of rooms are situated in the International City itself or within short walking distance. The International City has a vast range of services and advantages, from convenient access to the Metro and Montréal's underground city, to the easy availability of services such as translation, interpretation, rapid printing, etc. The International City also has ultra-modern telecommunications equipment and installations, notably for video conferencing.

4. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

Because of its geography, vast resources, and a solid scientific, technological and industrial base that relates to the objectives of biological diversity, Canada has a wealth of expertise, and is capable of substantial "technology transfer" in this field. This is described in Appendix A, "Canada and biological diversity". Quebec also has a remarkable range of programmes and institutions dedicated to implementing the objectives of the international agreement (see Appendix B, "Quebec and biological diversity"). Montréal has also given itself important tools for the protection of biological diversity. In particular, it has internationally-renowned institutions such as the Botanical Garden, the Biodome, and the Biosphere. The city's four major universities, along with the École Polytechnique, have built up highly-respected competence in the field of sustainable development. Montréal is the head office of the federal government's St. Lawrence Centre, a major centre (150 people) for research and implementation of a vast conservation and protection programme for the St. Lawrence River, and the Canadian Meteorological Centre. Montréal is more generally a major employment centre in the environmental field, with some 900 active organizations -- including companies active in the environmental industry, research centres specialized in water, forest, environmental assessment, environmental law, etc. (for example, IREQ, Quebec's energy research institute, has more than 300 researchers). Montréal is also becoming a diverse, internationally-recognized centre for leading-edge biotechnology research.

At the international level, Montréal has, in less than five years, become a centre of attraction for international organizations that are active in the field of sustainable development. The Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund operates there with limited resources and budget--and remarkable efficiency and success. This augurs well for a climate of cooperation and the achievement of synergies between this secretariat and that of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The ICAO also has the capacity and willingness to bring administrative and logistical support to the two secretariats. The new Secretariat could in addition benefit from the collaboration of the Environmental Cooperation Commission of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), recently installed in Montréal. Finally, the presence in Montréal of a division of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) should be noted, as well as that of the environmental cooperation organization E7, which was created at the initiative of the Group of Seven most industrialized countries and brings together the major electrical production companies of the G7.

5. DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION

Montréal has some 80 consulates, as well as the permanent representation of some 60 countries at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Montréal is also two hours by highway from Ottawa, the capital, where there are over 130 diplomatic missions; and about one hour by plane to New York City (with 200 flights per week between Montréal and New York City) and Washington (location of the Global Environment Facility - GEF). This proximity to the headquarters of the United Nations represents a real advantage, demonstrated by the ease with which representatives of some of the least-developed countries and the "Island States" (some 45) are already able to participate at meetings of the ICAO in Montréal with a one-hour flight from their bases in the American metropolis.

6. DIRECT ASSISTANCE (FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL)

Regarding the contributions mentioned above, Montréal's offer contains the following elements:

-	The Montréal International Conference Centre Corporation offers a financial contribution in the order of US$400,000 to US$500,000 to provide the Secretariat free rent for a five year period (from now until 2001), within the context of a 10-year lease on a 1,000 square-metre space in a prestige building in the International City in downtown Montréal. An extension of this contribution beyond the year 2001 can be discussed, but no guarantee can be offered in this regard. MICCC is studying further the possibility of putting office spaces at the disposal of representatives of least-developed countries, for temporary visits or meetings (see section on diplomatic representation, above).

-	The City of Montréal offers a direct financial contribution in the order of US$100,000 for the purchase of furniture and other office equipment for the use of the Secretariat upon its installation in Montréal.

-	The Government of Quebec offers a financial contribution of US$200,000 per year for a period of five years, and also offers (at the discretion of the Secretariat) loans of services valued at US$150,000 per year for five years (this involves the loan of professional services of a "neutral" character in the field of management or administrative support).

-	The Government of Canada offers a financial contribution of US$800,000 per year for the first five years, for the use of this secretariat.

In addition to the support measures referred to above, the Montréal International Conference Centre Corporation will put at the Secretariat's disposal the normal range of services it offers to international organizations that locate in Montréal:

-	temporary accommodation at SCCIM of the individuals responsible for moving the Secretariat (for example, five or six persons for several months);

-	designation of an experienced SCCIM agent responsible for facilitating the installation of the Secretariat and its people, and ensuring access to essential public sector services (e.g. health programmes) and private sector services (personnel search, housing, placement of dependents in the school system, etc.)

The services industry is particularly developed and diversified in Montréal, and it includes many companies with international scope and recognition (engineering, studies, consultants, lawyers and legal

writers), which are specialized in the various sectors and disciplines related to sustainable development.

7. PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES

Federal legislation enables the Government of Canada to extend legal recognition to international governmental organizations, as well as the privileges and immunities to their employees and representatives that are prescribed in the international conventions currently in effect (see Appendix C for description of privileges and immunities). A headquarters agreement is normally concluded with the international organization, the model being that of agreements already signed with United Nations organizations established in Canada (e.g. ICAO). The Government of Quebec also accords, through agreements with international organizations, advantages which include tax exemptions (for example, income tax and sales tax on goods and services) for the organization concerned, its non-Canadian employees, their spouses and members of their families, as well as access to the social security system (e.g. health insurance). Employees of recognized international organizations, their spouses, and their children benefit from access to university on the same conditions and costs as Quebec students.

Spouses of employees of international organizations (as well as their children with certain conditions) are provided easy access to the labour market.

8. ACCESS AND TRANSPORTATION

Two international airports serve Montréal (Dorval and Mirabel). Some sixty airlines use these airports, and connections are frequent, convenient, and rapid with most major international destinations (for example, daily connections with the main European airports). Montréal is in the same time zone as New York, Washington, and Toronto and the duration of the mainly daily links with these cities is about one hour. The Montréal region has an excellent public transportation system, and its Metro, known worldwide for its speed, safety, and comfort, is linked at numerous points to the underground commercial city which extends over more than 29 kilometres. Automobile traffic is generally fluid and rapid.

9. COST OF OPERATION AND COST OF LIVING

Highly favourable operating costs represent a determinant factor in the decision of more than 25 international organizations to install or move their head office into Montréal over the past five years:

-	The operating budget of UNEP's Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund for the Protection of the Ozone Layer is around US$2 million per year (this figure includes rent of a high floor in a prestige building, salaries and benefits for 18 employees, service contracts and all other costs), while the programme budget has increased considerably (US$510 million for the period 1993-1996).

-	Figures published by the International Civil Service Commission on the comparative costs of remuneration, as of 10 April 1995, of UN employees in various cities showed a major difference in the real value of this remuneration. Thus, the wage bill for the proposed staff of the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal would amount to only 51% of that in Geneva, 78% of that in Madrid and 71% of that in Nairobi.

-	The cost of living index for cities, set by the United Nations, showed the following comparison as of 10 April 1995:

Montréal	Madrid Genève	Nairobi	104	134 203	147

-	The UN's Daily Subsistence Allowance was as follows for the same cities as of 1 January 1995 (in US$):

Montréal	Madrid Genève	Nairobi	116	178 192	136

-	Finally, according to the annual ranking of 53 cities (1994) entitled "Prices and earnings around the Globe" published by the Union Bank of Switzerland, Geneva placed 5th highest on the cost of living index (including rental costs). Madrid stood 31st, Montréal 41st and Nairobi 53rd.

10. SOCIAL PROTECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Residents of Quebec have access to a complete regime of social protection, including free medical and hospital care. Montréal is a medical centre recognized across North America, the medical faculties of the Université de Montréal and McGill University are among Canada's best, and several hospitals in the metropolitan region nave acquired a solid reputation, in Canada and abroad. Hospital and medical care is available in French and English, and can be found in other languages, as well.

11. EDUCATION

Montréal has four major universities, two of them French (Université de Montréal, Université de Québec à Montréal) and two of them English (McGill University, Concordia University), as well as two university schools, the École Polytechnique and the École des Hautes Études Commerciales. At the primary and secondary level, public instruction is provided in French and in English. Nearly 20% of the school population goes to private institutions, among them some highly renowned schools which attract foreign students, including dependents of officials of the United Nations and multilateral institutions in Washington. Montréal has a number of institutions with international affiliations (including two French lycées), some of which teach in languages other than English or French (German, Japanese, Greek, etc.)

12. QUALITY OF LIFE

Montréal and its region constitute an economic, industrial and cultural metropolis of more than 3 million people. A cosmopolitan and multilingual city, Montréal is also the city in the world where English/French bilingualism is most widely practiced. The highest quality of life is available there, at a favourable cost. A comparative study of 100 metropolitan regions in 45 countries by the Population Crisis Centre of Washington (1991) put Montréal in first place, according to 10 indicators: public health, cost of food and meals, living space, quality and cost of lodgings, communications, education, quality of air and water, traffic, and noise pollution. The cost of residential housing in Montréal is

particularly reasonable; houses and apartments are very affordable to rent or buy -- even in the downtown core. Access to the "great outdoors" is particularly easy: less than an hour's drive to the south can be found the mountains and countryside of the Eastern Townships, and the same distance to the north is the immense Laurentian region with hundreds of lakes and dozens of ski centres. A city of festivals, known also for the quality of its artistic productions (e.g. the Montréal Symphony Orchestra), Montréal is one of North America's leading cultural centres.

Appendix A: CANADA AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Discussion

Canada enjoys an international reputation for its commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. This commitment was particularly evident in Canadian leadership towards the development and during the negotiation of the Convention itself. As the first industrialized nation to sign the Convention, Canada continues to demonstrate world leadership through the early development of a national biodiversity strategy and the early conduct of the needed biodiversity country studies.

Canada also demonstrated a commitment to cooperative action on environmental matters respecting air quality, transboundary waters, migratory birds, internationally important wetlands and fisheries. This reputation translates into a high level of respect amongst Convention Parties for Canadian initiatives and programmes that help to conserve and sustain internationally-shared biological resources. Further, Canadian legal, institutional, policy research, and public participation infrastructure, supporting our international initiatives, offer useful and practical models for the conduct of biological conservation actions elsewhere throughout the globe, including the Arctic.

Similarly, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use initiatives, undertaken at the federal, provincial and territorial levels, provide ample evidence of the Canadian commitment to meeting the goals of the Convention. Guided in these national initiatives by a high level of dependence on forestry, agriculture, fisheries and wildlife-related resources, Canadian expertise, particularly in economic assessment, environmental impact, protected areas, pollution prevention, and local stewardship is already being demonstrated with developing countries. Location of the Secretariat within Canada would facilitate this necessary exchange with developing nations.

Establishment of the Secretariat within Canada would also provide ready access to a broad diversity of temperate and more-northerly ecozones that contain high percentages of the world's wetlands, freshwater, forest and marine resources. This richness and diversity provide a highly-relevant setting for the operation of the Secretariat and for the sharing of conservation management and partnership demonstration projects with Parties to the Convention. Such projects find application elsewhere and serve as valuable examples of workable stewardship and management programmes relevant to biodiversity conservation. Model forests, sustainable agriculture, wildlife co-management, stream stewardship and, land use planning are among the biodiversity success stories relevant to a large number of different ecozones.

There are also benefits to operation and implementation of the Convention to be derived from the proximity of the Secretariat to other institutions and agencies. Biodiversity conservation particularly of transboundary resources, cannot be achieved without establishing continental approaches to conserve these shared resources, such as water, air, migratory fish and wildlife. Location of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation in Canada, for example, provides currently for the opportunity to establish ties between trade and biodiversity--ties that would be strengthened through proximity to the Biodiversity Secretariat. Other examples of note include proximity to museum

collections, botanical gardens, and the IUCN/Canada office.

A Canadian site would also allow important connections to be established with world-renowned research, university centres and institutes. Aquatic ecology, toxic pathways, ecosystem functioning, traditional ecological knowledge, wildlife and other research can be readily accessed in this manner to support the work of the Secretariat.

Appendix B: QUEBEC AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

The Government of Quebec has been a strong supporter of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. On 25 November 1992, it formally adopted the Convention's principles and objectives by decree. Quebec's implementation strategy will soon be presented for public consultation, and is expected to be adopted by the Government in Summer 1995.

When it began developing its implementation strategy, Quebec recognized that it possesses a number of legal, administrative, and socio-economic instruments for pursuing the objectives of the Convention, that is, conservation of biological diversity, sustainable development of the elements which support it, and a fair and equitable sharing of the advantages flowing from the exploitation of genetic resources.

The very wide field of biological diversity is covered by numerous laws in Quebec. They deal with, notably: the right to a quality environment; the quality of the environment itself; the protection, safety, and enhancement of species which live here, or are threatened or vulnerable; pollution prevention and depollution; waste management; the use of dangerous products; as well as the management of the territory and its natural resources for sustainable development.

These laws underpin a number of social and fiscal mechanisms of encouragement, persuasion, consultation, involvement, and representation of citizens, native people, and others.

Quebec also realizes that the recent evolution of its environmental situation is relatively very encouraging. Progress has been achieved over the last decades, particularly in the management of ecosystems, based on two main principles:

-	that environmental concerns be integrated into the commercial or recreational operations that affect forest, wildlife, and other resources;

-	that some territory should be set aside and protected.

Forests cover nearly 50% of the surface of Quebec, nearly 765,000 square kilometres. They are under enormous usage pressures, particularly for lumber in the south and for pulp and paper in the coniferous zones. Forest users face the challenge of reconciling, in the same area, the needs for natural habitats for animal and plant species, as well as recreation and ecotourism -- while assuring adequate, sustainable forest industry production and the necessary diversity of species. Quebec also responds with conviction to the requirements of foreign customers for certification guaranteeing that the forestry operating procedures respect good environmental practice, as well as the principle of sustained yield of forests.

In its food biotechnology sector, Quebec will soon have a sustainable development policy. Quebec has taken vigorous action, with many partners, to control the contamination of air through industrial and other activity -- which has multiple impacts on biological diversity; and it has assumed a

leadership role in this field at the continental level.

As for parks, ecological reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and other zones protected for the purpose of conservation of species and ecosystems, Quebec is stepping up the rate of new area preserved through statute. Regional communities, local groups, and private enterprise are also involved in their management. By the year 2000, territories legally protected for conservation purposes should cover some 7% of the territory of Quebec.

The network of protected areas in Quebec includes 16 parks, 50 ecological reserves, two wildlife preserves, 19 sites protected by Quebec's wildlife foundation, the Fondation de la faune du Québec, and three floral habitats.

More than 98% of the Quebec population and human activities are concentrated in the Saint Lawrence drainage basin. Some 9,000 square kilometres of territories along the Saint Lawrence are reserved to protect marshes, swamps, islands; and to protect coastal zones for wildlife nesting or reproduction, for fish spawning, or as sites for safeguarding wildlife.

A marine park of 1,138 square kilometres, now being created, will contribute to the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems in Quebec. Special protection is provided for 372 square kilometres of salmon rivers, in a band extending along about 6,200 linear kilometres of rivers. Nearly 7% of riverbanks, flood plains, and seaboard are subject to regulation for their optimal protection, maintenance and quality of the species living there. Quebec accords a priority to the protection of river areas, by defining norms for their use and paying special attention to the judicious use of wetlands. In the case of the latter, government authorization is usually required before they are used or developed.

There are 496 wildlife sites already protected, totalling 42,236 square kilometres. This does not include fish habitats: these constitute the multitude of lakes and watercourses of Quebec, whose usage is also regulated.

In Northern Quebec, with its very fragile ecosystems, 57,000 square kilometres have been put in reserve for future parks. The development of James Bay was carried out in accordance with agreements between the governments and native communities, and much of it is based on large scale environmental assessments of complex and inter-related issues.

Two conventions, involving governments and native people, are intended to harmonize northern resource utilization with the needs and lifestyles of native populations. Rights and advantages have also been granted to them to ensure their pursuit of traditional activities in the region, and to provide opportunities for improved economic, social, cultural, and community development.

Quebec has a number of centres or industries in the field of biotechnology, which are in full growth (pharmaceutical production, research in medical and industrial biotechnology, and special production related to the agri-food industry, biological pesticides, etc.). There is a strong awareness of the need not only for rapid development, but also for assurances of biological safety.

Among the public institutions well established in biotechnology in Quebec, special mention should be made of the Biotechnology Research Institute, the Institut Maurice Lamontagne, the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec, the Centre québecois de la valorisation de la biomasse, two agri-food technology institutes, the Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (linked to the Montreal Botanical Garden), the Institut Armand-Frappier, and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS).

The main environmental concerns pursued by the Government of Quebec at the international level include:

-	The prevention, elimination, or reduction to acceptable levels of pollution generated in Quebec, pollution with a direct impact on neighbouring jurisdictions, as well as pollution with global or planetary impact.

-	The prevention, elimination, or reduction of negative impacts from water volume variations and diversions of waters.

-	The preservation and optimization of biological diversity.

Quebec's international activities in the environment, biological diversity, and sustainable development are carried out by a great number of consultants, numerous institutions of research and higher learning, and by various government departments and organizations. Finally, the Quebec environmental industry was recently made the object of an export strategy.

Appendix C: PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES

CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Canada would seek to conclude a headquarters agreement with the United Nations which is based on similar agreements with other specialized United Nations agencies, e.g., ICAO. Within that agreement the following provisions would be offered:

A)	Officials

1.	With the exception of Canadian citizens, senior officials (P4 and up) and officials (P3 and lower) shall have the privileges and immunities set out in Section 18 of Article V of the United Nations Convention on Privileges and Immunities as follows:

(a)	be immune from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and all acts performed by them in their official capacity;

(b)	be exempt from taxation on the salaries and emoluments paid to them by the Secretariat;

(c)	be immune from national service obligations;

(d)	be immune, together with their spouses and members of their families forming part of their households, from immigration restrictions and alien registration;

(e)	be accorded the same privileges in respect to exchange facilities as are accorded to officials of comparable ranks forming part of diplomatic missions in Canada;

(f)	have the right to import free of duty their furniture and effects, including motor vehicles but excluding alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, at the time of first taking up their post in Canada.

2.	In addition to the above, senior officials (P4 and up) will have the following privileges:

-	part (f) above for the duration of their posting, including alcoholic beverages and tobacco;

-	relief from the Goods and Services tax/GST (i.e., VAT) for themselves and their dependents. The GST stands at 7% at this time. There is no minimum or maximum claim or expenditure. This is done by reimbursement;

-	exemption from the Provincial Sales Tax/PST throughout Canada (rates differ in each province, ranging from 5% to 14%) for themselves and their spouses. There is no minimum or maximum claim or expenditure. This is done by reimbursement or at source depending on provincial legislation;

-	driver's licences without examination (except the eye test) or payment of fees;

-	free licence plates.

3.	Members of the family of senior officials and officials forming part of the household will receive authorization to accept employment in Canada. The definition of members of the household is as follows:

-	Spouses

-	Children under the age of 19 who are unmarried

-	Children between the ages of 19 and 25 who are unmarried and in full-time attendance at an education institution in Canada.

-	Children aged 25 and older who are physically or emotionally dependent.

4.	Senior officials (P4 and up) would be allowed, for the duration of their posting, the importation of vehicles free from customs duties and taxes.

The duty free importation of vehicles which do not meet Canadian specifications is allowed with the requirement that the vehicle is re-exported at the end of the employee's term.

5.	The immunity from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and all acts done by them in their capacity as officials or as head of the Secretariat shall continue to be accorded, notwithstanding that the person concerned is no longer an official or the head of the Secretariat.

B)	Secretariat

1.	The Secretariat would be granted relief from the following taxes:

-	the GST on all goods and services, including cars for the Secretariat. There are no minimum or maximum limits, claim or expenditures. This will be done by reimbursement;

-	the Québec Sales Tax (QST) on all goods and services. There are no minimum or maximum limits, claim or expenditures. This will be done by reimbursement.

2.	The Secretariat, its property and its assets, wherever located and by whomsoever held, shall

enjoy immunity from every form of judicial process and execution except in any particular case in which the head of the Secretariat has expressly waived the immunity. Such waiver shall be understood not to extend to any measure of execution, save with the express consent of the head of the Secretariat. The Secretariat agrees to establish guidelines as to the circumstances in which the head may waive any immunity of the Secretariat, and as to the method in which any such waiver shall be made.

3.	The premises of the Secretariat shall be inviolable. The property and assets of the Secretariat, wherever located and by whomsoever held, shall be immune from search, requisition, confiscation, expropriation and any other form of interference, whether by executive, administrative, judicial, or legislative action, except with the consent of and under the conditions agreed to by the head of the Secretariat. This Article shall not prevent the reasonable application of fire or safety protection regulations.

4.	The Secretariat, its assets, income, and other property shall be:

(a)	exempt from all direct taxes except for charges for public services;

(b)	exempt from customs duties in respect of articles imported or exported by the Secretariat in the furtherance of its function; articles imported under such exemption shall not be sold or disposed of in Canada except under conditions agreed to by the Government of Canada; and,

(c)	exempt from any prohibition or restriction on import, export or sale of its publications, and exempt from customs duties and excise taxes in respect thereof.

5.	The archives and documents of the Secretariat shall be inviolable at any time wherever located.

6.	The Secretariat shall enjoy in the territory of Canada for its official communications, in whatever form, treatment not less favourable than that accorded by the Government of Canada to any foreign state, including its diplomatic missions.

Annex II

OFFER FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

1. BACKGROUND

1.	Further to the preliminary offer of the physical location of the Permanent Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) made in a letter from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya dated 18 November 1994, to the Executive Secretary of the Interim Secretariat of the CBD; and further to the decisions of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the CBD held from 28 November to 9 December 1994 in Nassau, the Bahamas, on the location of the Secretariat; the Government of Kenya wishes to present its substantive offer to host the Secretariat.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.	The conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity resources is an issue so dear to humankind and Kenya in particular. The world's largest reserve of biological diversity (biodiversity) is found abundantly in the South. Kenya happens to be the only developing country from the South that has in place a major United Nations System, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), that handles all UN environment related issues such as biodiversity. It would, therefore, be only fitting for the Secretariat to the CBD to be located in the South in general, and in Kenya in particular. This would be in line with Agenda 21 article 38.22 (h), which strongly supports the idea of co-location of the secretariats established by UNEP in the future to ensure most efficient use of resources.

3.	In making this bid, Kenya recognizes her strategic geographic location not only within the African continent and its offshore islands, but also as a bridge between the developing countries of Asia and Oceania on the one hand, and those of South America, Central America and the Caribbean on the other. Within her Sub-Saharan position, Kenya is well placed to represent the bio-economic interests of the South in liaison with those of the industrialized North. In the context of biodiversity, Kenya, a recognized biological centre of diversity, may well be likened to the biblical "Garden of Eden" , as evidenced by her spectacular natural biodiversity. From the evolutionary cradles of mankind at Koobi Fora and Olorgesaile in the Great Rift Valley, to the great herds of plains game in today's Masai Mara, the message of Kenya's unique heritage of biological diversity lives on. Indeed Kenya, like most countries of the tropics, is a custodian of a considerable fraction of the world's biodiversity. In particular, Kenya continues to make her contribution to the international community through her commitment to the conservation of biodiversity. Up to 8% of Kenya's land area is set aside for conservation; which includes 26 national parks, 30 national reserves and two game sanctuaries. In addition, about 2.5% of Kenya's land area is forest reserve rich in biodiversity. Kenya is also a committed player in the international scene, having ratified several major Conventions on biodiversity.

4.	In the following paragraphs, we present an overview of Kenya's offer in the background of her sound international facilities and telecommunications infrastructure. We also take note of Kenya's unique strengths not only as a showcase of biodiversity, but also as a country that is friendly to the international civil servant in both human and economic terms.

3. KENYA'S BIODIVERSITY

5.	Kenya lies astride the Equator on the eastern side of the African continent. Though within the tropics, Kenya has most if not all of the major habitats of the world; ranging from the glaciers atop Mt. Kenya to the deserts of the north, and the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. The country has significant variation in its topography and landscape, e.g. the Rift Valley, which is associated with high degrees of biological diversity. In essence therefore, Kenya's extensive biodiversity is a consequence of adaptation to these habitats.

3.1	Habitat diversity

6.	The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are home to a wide array of marine life, including the rich animal and plant communities of the coral reefs, off-shore islands, and the intertidal zone. The 608 Km long coastline is indented with river estuaries and creeks, which are more often than not choked by mangrove forests teeming with among others, fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

7.	The dominant scenery in Kenya consists of the woodland-bushland-grassland vegetation mosaic, covering up to 70% of the country's land surface. The northern, eastern and southern areas of the country are dominated by thickets and semi-arid bushlands, characterized by the Acacia/Commiphora complex. Most wildlife sanctuaries are located in these areas. Extensive savanna grasslands, interspersed with fertile farmland, are found mainly in the spectacular Rift Valley. Also found here are Kenya's unique saline and alkaline lakes (Turkana, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elmenteita and Magadi) and hot springs. Other inland water bodies include the freshwater lakes (Victoria, Naivasha, Baringo and Jipe) and numerous rivers, streams and natural wetlands. To the north, dry grasslands degenerate to rocky and sandy desert stretches, typified by the Kaisut and Chalbi deserts east of L. Turkana. The highlands flanking the Rift Valley are dominated by Mt. Kenya and the Nyandarua range to the east, and the Mau range and Mt. Elgon to the west. Dry highland forests characterize the lower reaches of these highlands (and many hills scattered all over the country), while highland moist forests cover areas over 2,000 m high. Patches of tropical rain forest do occur in the country, the largest being the Kakamega forest in Western Kenya. Rich in biodiversity but largely decimated, traces of similar but lowland tropical forest are found in the coastal region interspersed with cultivation. Afroalpine glaciers are found on Mt. Kenya. Moorlands occur below the glaciers, and at heights above 3,200 m on Mt. Elgon and the Mau and Nyandarua ranges.

3.2	Biodiversity and conservation

8.	Endowed with such a variety of ecosystems, it is therefore not surprising that Kenya is home to some 35,000 known species of animals, plants and microorganisms. It is with this realization that the Kenya government has taken firm measures to protect this biodiversity, not just for the nation but for the whole world. A considerable portion of Kenya's land area is set aside for wildlife conservation in order to ensure the survival, conservation and sustainable use of these valuable national assets.

9.	Kenya enjoys a well established system of game parks and reserves, ranging in size from the smallest, the 2 Km2 Saiwa National Park to the largest, the Tsavo National Park, which covers over 47% of the total protected area. Some of these sanctuaries are world-famous, no doubt due to their remarkable diversity and numbers of large mammals. In 1968, Kenya established her first marine national parks at Malindi and Watamu, thus initiating a system of protected marine habitats that now stands at four marine national parks and five national reserves.

10.	Although practising a range of in situ and ex situ strategies, the focus of flora conservation in Kenya is the forest, where the rate of exploitation has been of greatest concern. Total government forest cover stands at 2.4 mi ha, while the total woody biomass is 433 mi. ha. Closed canopy indigenous forests account for some 1.2 mi ha, while woodlands cover some 2 mi ha. Whereas woody products account for the greatest loss in forests, non-woody products like honey, wild fruits and vegetables, fibre, and traditional medicines represent friendlier aspects of forest use by indigenous

peoples. Most conservation efforts (independent of government) depend on local communities, whose customs and practices over time have assured a 'symbiotic' relationship with the environment. Thus Kenya's genetic resources owe much to these communities, who have sustainably used their biological resources for ages.

11.	Kenya's efforts in biodiversity conservation are clearly manifest in her actions and commitments to the international community. Kenya is a party to the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Algiers, 1968; the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, 1971; and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Washington, 1973; among others. Recently, Kenya became signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity in June 1992. Finally, Kenya is the only country in the world that regularly disposes of illegally acquired but widely traded wildlife products like ivory, rhino horn, leopard skin, etc. by public burning. This is an emphatic and clear signal to the international community of Kenya's resolve and intent to pursue her commitment to biodiversity conservation at any cost.

4. KENYA'S CONTRIBUTION AS HOST TO THE CBD SECRETARIAT

4.1	Facilities (Buildings, Offices, Meeting and Conference Rooms)

12.	Office space will be provided in the prestigious NSSF Building on Nairobi Hill overlooking the panoramic city centre. Three floors covering approximately 2,300 m2 will be available for Secretariat offices, meeting rooms and support services. In addition, Kenya will provide annually US $500,000 to meet rental, furnishings, major maintenance, utilities and office infrastructure for two years. Full security at entry points and car parks will also be provided by the government.

13.	Conference facilities for large groups (e.g. COP meetings) are readily available at the nearby Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), which is Kenya's premier conference facility. It is located 1 Km away from the NSSF Building across the scenic Uhuru Park. Smaller group meetings can be held at nearby 5-star (Serena, Intercontinental, Pan Afric) and other high-class (Fairview, Milimani, Silver Springs) hotels within walking distance of the NSSF Building. Further out, excellent conference facilities are available at the Safari Park Hotel complex, Kasarani and the UN compound at Gigiri.

14.	On a long term basis, the Kenya government would be willing to provide up to 10 acres of land within the environs of Nairobi for the Secretariat to construct its permanent premises.

4.2	Financial and Technical Support

15.	Kenya is a developing country whose financial resources are limited. However, as already stated, the government will provide such support as will be necessary to ensure full operations of the Secretariat for two years. Similarly, our technical resources are limited, but Kenya will be ready to cooperate with the Secretariat to the extent that she is able to assist. In this regard, the National Biodiversity Sub-Committee of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Environment (IMCE) will provide the necessary liaison. Kenya has a large pool of qualified personnel at various levels to provide the necessary technical inputs to the Secretariat.

16.	Kenya has in place direct, reliable and fast international means of communication. Mail, telegram, cable, telex, telephone, facsimile, and e-mail (via Internet) are all available. Satellite trans-receiving facilities have long been installed. Recently in collaboration with UNEP, the government entered into participation in the MERCURE telecommunications booster project. The government has already set aside a reserve in excess of 360 lines for UNEP's exclusive use. During the first COP to the CBD in the Bahamas, Kenya was able to assist UNEP receive simultaneous translations of all working papers in the six official UN languages straight from their headquarters in Nairobi through print media. This resulted in substantial financial savings for UNEP. Such is the kind of cooperation the government expects to extend to the Secretariat.

4.3	Institutional support

17.	National institutional support to the CBD Secretariat will be coordinated through the National Biodiversity Sub-Committee of the IMCE, which has the mandate over biodiversity affairs. The sub-committee is an umbrella organization grouping together all institutions in Kenya dealing with biodiversity issues at the policy, research, financial, technical and international levels. These include, among others, a number of government ministries, the National Universities (through their departments of Botany and Zoology), the National Environment Secretariat (NES), the Kenya Mission to UNEP, the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), the Forest Department, the Department of Resources Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS), the National Council of Science and Technology, the National Museums of Kenya, the Fisheries Department, the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, the Kenya Industrial Property Office, the Attorney General's Chambers and the Office of the President's Research Clearance Unit. A representative of the FAO/UNDP/GEF Biodiversity Project for East Africa is also a member of the sub-committee. The sub-committee is also mandated to foster close linkages with its sister organizations, the national committees on Genebanks, Plant Genetic Resources and Wetlands. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in biodiversity matters e.g. the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), the Kenya Energy and Environment Organizations (KENGO), the East African Wildlife Society (EAWS), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the African Wildlife Fund (AWF), the African Biodiversity Institute (ABI), IUCN, etc., may be co-opted into the sub-committee as and when necessary.

18.	In addition, many international and regional organizations dealing in areas relevant to biodiversity operate in Kenya. These include organizations of the UN system (FAO, UNEP, UNESCO, WHO), the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), African Academy of Sciences (AAS), Desert Locust Control Organization (DLCO), and the Regional Centre for Services in Surveying, Mapping and Remote sensing.

19.	Biodiversity education at the grassroots is in the hands of the Provincial Administration and traditional systems, and is supplemented in school programmes and the national networks of the National Museums of Kenya and the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya. At the academic level comprehensive degree programmes are offered at the national Universities, including specialist courses on environmental studies at Kenyatta and Moi Universities. The University of Nairobi offers a Masters degree programme in biology of conservation which has trained professional wildlife managers from many African countries as well as American students. This course began more than 20 years ago, long before conservation biology became a recognized discipline of study in the United States.

4.4	Representation of Parties through Diplomatic Offices

20.	Parties to the CBD may be represented through their diplomatic missions to the Republic of Kenya and/or to UNEP. The following are some of the countries so represented: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Botswana, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, European Community, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Ghana, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait,

Lebanon, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, PLO, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK, USA, Venezuela, Yemen, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

4.5	Nature of the Headquarters Agreement, Privileges and Immunities to Secretariat staff and their families

21.	The nature of the agreement on the headquarters will be similar to the one in force with regard to the UNEP headquarters. Dependants of Secretariat staff will be eligible for employment in the Kenyan job market.

22.	The Government of Kenya became party to the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations and the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the UN by ratification in 1965. The Privileges and Immunities Act (Cap 179), which came into force on 6 April 1970 gives the force of Kenyan law to the relevant provisions of the Conventions. It applies to all foreign diplomatic and consular missions whether or not the state represented by the mission is a party to the Conventions, and International Organizations which have been gazetted under the act (save where immunities and privileges are contained or amplified in specific agreements concluded between individual organizations and the Government of Kenya).

23.	The states to the Vienna Conventions acknowledge that the purpose of privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of diplomatic and consular missions. The individuals enjoying the privileged status and treatment for which the Conventions provide are therefore under special obligation to observe discretion in the exercise of their privileges and in reliance upon their immunities particularly in dealing with non-privileged persons with whom disputes which cannot be resolved by reference to courts of law in the ordinary way may arise.

24.	The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is prepared to assist and advise the Secretariat in matters pertaining to privileges and immunities as the need may arise. Members of the Secretariat and their families will enjoy the following privileges and immunities in Kenya:

(a)	Exemption from regulations relating to the control of foreigners living in Kenya;

(b)	Exemption from personal taxation as provided by article 34 of the Vienna Conventions;

(c)	Exemption from land rates;

(d)	Exemption from stamp duties;

(e)	Free parking at parking meter zones;

(f)	Exemption from payment of motor vehicle registration and road licence fees;

(g)	Exemption of payment of driving licence fees for those with valid licences;

(h)	Exemption from customs tax and value added tax on the purchase of petrol;

(i)	Exemption from payment of value added tax on telecommunications equipment including telephone, telex and fax facilities;

(j)	Exemption from payment of value added tax on security services;

(k)	Exemption from payment of licences for household radio and television receiving sets;

(l)	Exemption from payment of value added tax on electricity;

(m)	Importation free of customs duties and value added tax of any goods for the family forming part of household goods;

(n)	The personal baggage of diplomatic agents is exempt from inspection unless there are serious grounds for presuming that it contains prohibited or restricted goods;

(o)	Official supplies which include furniture, office equipment, hardware, supplies for official ceremonies for example trade fairs, exhibitions and national days may be released free of custom duty;

(p)	Members of staff may import their personal and household effects including free of customs duty and VAT two cars, if they are married and accompanied in Kenya by the spouse, but if they are single or not accompanied by their spouse in Kenya then they are allowed one car;

(q)	There is no fixed number of cars for official use although the number of cars in the name of a United Nations Secretariat for this purpose must be reasonable taking into account the mission's responsibility;

(r)	Kenya Government respects the right of foreign missions to appoint members of their staff in accordance with Article 7 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and Article 19 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

5. KENYA AND THE WORLD

5.1	UNEP and Habitat

25.	Since her independence, Kenya has formulated her own environmental policies and has established an effective institutional framework for their implementation. Besides showing an early concern for environmental protection, Kenya's initial awareness was enhanced by the Stockholm Declaration of 1972, and the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme whose Headquarters are in Nairobi. This made Kenya the first developing country to be chosen as the headquarters of a United Nations Organization. In 1976, the United Nations Human Settlement Secretariat (UNHSS - Habitat) was also established in Kenya.

5.2	Other regional and international organizations

26.	In addition to the international and other institutions (previously given) involved in biodiversity, the following regional and international organizations are also based in Kenya - African Social Studies Programme (ASSP), Union of Radio and Television Network of Africa (URTNA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Regional Organization (ARSO), Shelter-Afrique, International

Labour Organization (ILO), African Institute for Higher Technical Training Research, European Economic Community, UNICEF Regional Office for Africa, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa, Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), US Agency for International Development (USAID), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), ODA (UK), Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD), Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), International Louis Leakey Memorial Institute for Africa (ILLMIA), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Institute of Primate Research (IPR), International Crops Research Institute for Arid and Semi-Arid Tropics Regional Centre (ICRISAT), United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), International Potato Centre (IPC), Microbiological Resources Centre - Regional Centre (MIRCEN).

5.3	NGO activities

27.	In Kenya, NGO activities have covered a wide spectrum of activities in the public sector. The most common activities include Environmental Management and Conservation, Public Health Care, Education and Technology, and Agricultural activities. Those involved in biodiversity work include: Tree shade clubs of Kenya, Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS), Green Belt Movement, Environmental Liaison Centre International (ELCI), The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Global Environment Consultants, African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), Kenya Museums Society (KMS), Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK), Appropriate Development Information (ADI), Kenya Girl Guide Association (KGGA) etc.

6. LIVING IN KENYA

6.1	People, Travel and Leisure

28.	Kenya has a comfortable, winterless weather. The population of Kenya is characterized by ethnic diversity. It has a population of 25 million, represented by over 40 indigenous tribes. There are in addition, Europeans, Arabs and Asians. Religions professed in Kenya are as varied as its people. There are more than 1700 registered religious organizations in the country. Of these 70% are Christian, with numerous Afro-Christian sects, and about 20% Muslim. The remainder belong either to traditional religions, or, Hindu sects, Parsees, Buddhists, Bahai, Jains and Sikhs.

29.	The cosmopolitan capital city, Nairobi, which is fondly referred to as the "Green City in the sun" is home to about 2 million people. At an altitude of 1,661 m (5,450 ft), Nairobi enjoys an average temperature of 19.4oC (70oF) ,with an average rainfall of 907 mm (35.7 in) annually. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is situated 16 Km (20 mins drive) from the city centre, bordering the Nairobi National Park on the southern outskirts of the city. JKIA is a modern airport providing Kenya with an international air junction served by some 30 airlines with flights to every part of the world. Kenya Airways has local flights to major towns like Kisumu, Malindi and Mombasa (which also has another international airport); while charters at Wilson airport (in Nairobi) will fly to any national park and most towns in Kenya and the East African region. Train services to major towns are provided by Kenya Railways, both day and night.

30.	Taxis are also available. The state controlled Kenatco taxis and the "London-look" taxis charge per kilometre. Other taxis like the yellow cabs usually are negotiable before travel. Several international car hire companies are represented in Kenya. Rates vary on a daily or weekly basis depending on the type of vehicles for hire. Kenya Bus Services, and Nyayo Bus Service, provide transport within the city. This is supplemented by "Matatus", a peculiarly Kenyan mode of transport. Inter-town transport is provided by Coast Bus, the Coach, Akamba, Nyayo Bus, Malindi Bus, Taita Express, Goldline and Taufiq, which are coach services, and numerous Country Bus services to various towns in Kenya and neighbouring countries. In fact, the well developed tourist infrastructure, with wildlife safaris to diverse upcountry scenes, coastal beaches, and historical sites, make travelling in Kenya truly memorable.

31.	Kenya has one of the best developed hotel industries in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering on an annual average basis over 26,500 beds per night. This capacity is largely concentrated in Nairobi and along the coast. These hotels and lodges are operated to high international standards, and have well-equipped facilities for major international conferences. They also operate gourmet restaurants, offering a wide range of tastes from around the world. Examples within Nairobi (excluding those previously mentioned) include: Ambassadeur, Nairobi Hilton, Norfolk, Grand Regency, New Stanley, Meridian Court, Sixeighty, Jacaranda, Nairobi Safari Club, Mayfair Court, Boulevard, Utalii, and many others.

32.	World-famous vacation spots dot the country. The premier destination is the coast with its beaches, hotels and lodges. Equally popular are the game parks and reserves, served not only by safari lodges but also luxury tented camps. The northern tourist circuit is graced by world-famous facilities like the Tree-tops Hotel and the Mt. Kenya Safari Club. Away from the usual tourist haunts, one can enjoy a quiet but equally eventful holiday around L. Victoria in western Kenya, or up in the wilds of the north. Excellent bird-watching is possible at numerous localities.

33.	A wide range of outdoor sports is available, including golf, game fishing, mountain climbing, horse riding, sailing, etc. Nairobi is the home of the Safari Rally, a tough international event now in its 45th year. Horse racing is a regular weekend event at the Nairobi racecourse. In addition is the usual array of popular sports including soccer, lawn tennis, volleyball, netball, basketball, hockey, rugby, track and field, swimming, martial arts and many others.

34.	News and entertainment on radio and television are offered by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). Twenty-four hour international news coverage is presented by the Kenya Television Network (KTN), including live CNN coverage and pre-recorded footage. A Cable entertainment service is offered by the Cable Television Network (CTN). In addition, international news from the BBC and Deutsche Welle is presented by KBC on a daily basis. The print media is fronted by three English language dailies ('The Daily Nation', 'The East African Standard' and 'The Kenya Times'), with a total circulation of over 0.25 million. There are in addition two Kiswahili dailies, and a plethora of weeklies and magazines. International newspapers, e.g. from Europe and America are also available.

6.2	Schools and Hospitals

35.	Nairobi has many schools offering foreign and international curricula. These include Braeburn, Kenton College, Laiser Hill, Green Acres, Banda, Rusinga, Hillcrest, Parkview, German School, French School, Swedish School, and many more. In addition, there is the usual range of Kenyan ordinary and high cost schools. There are five national Universities and several polytechnics. There are several private international Universities including the United States International University (Africa), Daystar University, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

36.	There are 31 hospitals, 18 health centres and 139 health sub-centres and dispensaries in Nairobi. There is a comprehensive healthcare infrastructure in place, offering services of up to the highest international standards. Some of the major hospitals in Nairobi include Kenyatta National, Nairobi, Aga Khan, MP Shah, Mater-Misericordiae, and Guru Nanak. Emergency support services include the St. John and City Ambulance System, Medivac, Flying Doctor Service (AMREF) and African Air Rescue

Services (AAR).

6.3	Cost of Living, Banking and International Finance

37.	The cost of living in the city of Nairobi is much lower compared to other UN host cities, or indeed to most major cities of the world. The prices of fresh vegetable foods are particularly low almost the whole year round, no doubt due to the low costs of labour. Salaries for domestic help are similarly low, thus enabling the international civil servant to enjoy a comparatively high standard of living. The housing stock around Nairobi and its suburbs offers a broad variety of facilities, from small apartments and maisonettes to large executive bungalows amidst lush gardens. The cost of services of all types is generally low, reflecting the abundance of low-cost labour. The Kenya government is willing to assist permanent missions, their staff and families in finding suitable accommodation.

38.	Nairobi has a well-developed Central Business District, the core of business and banking in the country. The city is the financial and communications centre for East and Central Africa, hosting most regional offices of the World Bank and its affiliates. In addition, most international banks are represented in Nairobi, including Standard Chartered, Barclays, Citibank, First American, ABN-AMRO, Meridian-Biao, Bank of India, Commercial Bank of Africa, Bank of Baroda, Indo-Suez, Bank of Oman, Bank of Tokyo, and many more. There are also major local banks with international business networks like the Kenya Commercial Bank, the National Bank of Kenya, and a number of smaller ones. In addition are numerous finance houses transacting business either in affiliation to major banks or independently. Banking services include ATMs, major credit cards (local and international) and "wire" services to major cities in the world. There are no barriers to the transfer of funds to and from Kenya.

Annex III

OFFER OF THE KIGDOM OF SPAIN TO HOUSE IN MADRID THE SECRETARIAT TO THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Spain, by virtue of its preferential strategic location, its geography and history, forms an essential link between the European Union and Africa, the Near East and Latin America, maintaining particularly close links of cooperation with all of these regions, at all levels: cultural, economic, scientific, information, training, etc. Similarly, the most recent Spanish foreign policy, focusing on friendship, peace and cooperation, has further enhanced excellent relations with the countries of North America, Eastern Europe, the Far East and the rest of the world, with which we have a shared outlook on international issues.

Spain's unsurpassed position constitutes a major advantage for the international projection of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, should it be based in Madrid.

For the above-mentioned reasons, Spain is a country with considerable experience in administration, protection, investigation and cooperation in the field of biodiversity in conjunction with most of the world's countries.

1. INSTALLATIONS, OFFICES, MEETING ROOMS

AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES

A.	Location

The offices which Spain is offering to house the Secretariat of the Convention are located in a building on the Campo de las Naciones in Madrid, close to Madrid-Barajas International Airport and linked with the whole city via the M40 motorway.

The Campo de las Naciones complex, which is Madrid's most modern business centre, consists of:

-	1 fair and exhibition hall measuring 150,000 sq. metres;

-	1 conference centre measuring 57,188 sq. metres net surface area;

-	2 hotels;

-	8 office blocks;

-	Gardens;

-	Golf course.

B.	Features

The Secretariat Headquarters would be housed in one of the buildings close to the conference centre, consisting of:

-	Control centre for plumbing system, supervision and maintenance of air conditioning and control of:

. presence,

. intruders,

. entrance of vehicles and individuals,

. entry surveillance cameras,

. lighting in general-access areas,

. fire detection,

. security patrolling,

. magnetic contact locks on office doors,

. volumetric detection equipment in all foyers.

-	Secretariat Offices

Sufficient office space will be provided for the number of staff envisaged. At present, we are proposing a basic offer of 1,300 sq. metres utilizable surface area. Part of this space could be equipped to provide support for contracting Parties who have no diplomatic office in Madrid.

The above-mentioned 1,300 sq. metres have good natural illumination and are fully fitted with lighting, hot and cold central air conditioning, telephones, optic-fibre systems and will be distributed as required by the Secretariat.

The building has 2 garage levels and the basic offer includes 10 parking spaces.

C.	Equipment

The offices will be fully furnished and equipped, to include advanced communications systems, all provided by Spain.

The Secretary of the Convention will be provided with a residence free of charge.

2. AVAILABILITY OF INSTITUTIONAL BACKUP, INCLUDING PROGRAMMES OF RELEVANCE TO THE CONVENTION, ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES AND REPRESENTATION OF PARTIES THROUGH DIPLOMATIC OFFICES

With reference to the preamble and dispositions of the Convention, where emphasis is placed on the importance of relevant research and training, access to and transfer of technology and scientific and technological cooperation, the following points should be considered when evaluating this candidacy:

-	Of all the countries of the European Union, Spain has the greatest biodiversity;

-	The Spanish Government has established 30 germ plasm banks and management of these ensures that basic alimentary genetic resources are controlled by the Government and the scientific world, accounting for over 25,000 ecotypes;

-	Through the FAO, Spain cooperates with various developing countries, both in terms of exchanging enhanced material and in a scientific and technical capacity, since over 3,000 food specialists and scientists have been trained over the last ten years in Spanish centres. The administrative experience of controlling Spanish biodiversity on a scientific basis - through universities, the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Higher Council for Scientific Research), the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias (National Institute for Agrarian Research), etc. - has been developed in 338 protected parks, representing 5 per cent of the national territory;

-	Spain recognizes the importance of extending cooperation in the field of biological diversity to developing countries and, together with other countries, is currently developing research projects on the following ecosystems: tropical and subtropical mountains; pastures and savannas; coasts, dunes and mangrove swamps; and rainforests. The Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional (Spanish Agency for International Cooperation) is based in Madrid, and is the subsidiary body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for channelling and coordinating cooperation projects assisted by Spain;

-	Madrid, the capital of Spain, has some 90 diplomatic missions from the States members of the Convention.

Telecommunications

With regard to telecommunications, connections can be made from Madrid to the Iberpac network and the Red Telefónica Conmutada (Interlinked Telephone Network - RTC), which allow connection with the global telecommunication networks. It is also possible to use Ibertex, teletex, telefax, datafax, tele-alarm, telecontrol, telemedia and video-conference services and connection to the Hispasat I and II satellites. The Spanish Government is also an active participant in the United Nations Environment Programme telecommunications project Mercure and will be installing one of the project's communications exchange stations in Madrid.

3. DIRECT FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

-	Annual financial contribution by Spain of US$ 1,000,0000, for biological diversity projects managed by the Secretariat in consultation with the Government of Spain, part of which could also be used for meetings of experts or technical assistance to the Secretariat.

-	From the intellectual and scientific perspective, Madrid has five universities with 74 departments and chairs specializing in environmental issues, and an additional 55 linked to the environment, with a total throughout Spain of 234 and 183, respectively. Similarly, Madrid hosts 49 research centres for environmental matters, with a total of 222 throughout the country.

4. PREROGATIVES AND IMMUNITIES TO BE GRANTED TO THE SECRETARIAT AND ITS STAFF, INCLUDING THE FORM OF AGREEMENT ON

THE HEADQUARTERS OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT TO BE ESTABLISHED

BY THE SECRETARIAT AND DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES FOR OFFICIALS

OF THE SECRETARIAT AND THEIR FAMILIES

A.	Privileges and immunities

Spain will sign a headquarters agreement with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity similar to existing agreements with other international bodies already present in Spain. Some of the provisions offered are listed below.

B.	Privileges of the offices of the Secretariat

1.	Legal status

The Secretariat will enjoy legal status and the right to rent, acquire and transfer real estate, and to contest at law.

2.	Inviolability

The premises, archives and official correspondence of the Secretariat will be inviolable, wherever they may be located. The Secretariat may use codes and send and receive correspondence by pouch under the same conditions as diplomatic missions. Pouches may be inspected to ensure that they solely contain official correspondence only where serious suspicions exist and in the presence of an authorized representative of the Executive Secretary.

The property of the Secretariat will be immune from search, requisition, confiscation, expropriation and any coercive measures, whether executive, administrative, judicial or legislative. The Spanish authorities will guarantee protection of the Headquarters.

3.	Immunity from judicial process and execution

The Secretariat will enjoy immunity from criminal, civil and administrative jurisdiction, except where this has been expressly waived or in the case of damage caused by a vehicle in the event of an accident (whether owned or leased by the Secretariat or in any event being used by the Secretariat for official purposes). Acceptance of contractual clauses recognizing judicial process will presuppose a waiver of immunity, although such clauses will not be presumed to affect immunity from measures of execution unless this is expressly waived.

4.	Tax exemptions

The Secretariat will be exempt from payment of national, regional and municipal taxes and charges on the land and premises of its headquarters. This will also include value-added tax on deliveries, leases and building and maintenance work in excess of 125,000 pesetas, and payment of direct taxes on its income or other property, with the exception of specific services provided.

The Secretariat will enjoy diplomatic exemption in importing and exporting property for official use, under the same terms as those accorded to diplomatic missions. This exemption will extend to all forms of customs duty and connected charges, except the cost of storage, transportation and other similar services.

Exempted goods, together with goods supplied and services provided in connection with the supply of water, gas, electricity, heating fuel and telephonic and radio-telegraphic communications to the Secretariat will be exempt from payment of value added tax, within the limits established by existing international conventions and, in the case of office equipment, provided that the value of the goods acquired exceeds 50,000 pesetas.

5.	Other provisions

The Secretariat will enjoy freedom and support with regard to exchange and transfers and will be granted preferential treatment similar to that accorded to diplomatic missions in its use of public services such as postal, telephonic, telegraphic and radio-telegraphic services, in terms of priorities, rates and tariffs, among others.

The Spanish authorities will facilitate the entrance, exit and residence of representatives of Parties to the Convention, directors and staff of the Secretariat, their spouses and children and, in exceptional cases, other family members living with them. The same facilitation shall be extended to all those requiring access to the headquarters in an official capacity, provided they have given due notification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The necessary visas will be issued free of charge and in the shortest possible time. Exemption will also be granted from inscription in the register of foreigners and from obtaining residence and work permits, provided they are not otherwise gainfully employed or engaged in professional activities.

C.	Status of representatives of Parties to the Convention

When attending meetings convened by the Secretariat, the representatives of the Parties to the Convention will be accorded inviolability with regard to their persons, residences and personal property while carrying out their duties. They will likewise be immune from arrest, detention and judicial action in connection with anything they may do while carrying out such duties.

They will be accorded the same customs privileges as diplomatic officials with regard to their personal effects, exemption of their personal baggage from inspection and restrictions on immigration and freedom of exchange. Their personal baggage will be exempt from inspection unless there are serious grounds for presuming that it contains items other than those destined for official use or the personal use of the representative and members of his/her family, or objects the importation or exportation of which is prohibited or which are subject to quarantine in Spain. In such cases inspection may be carried out only in the presence of the interested party or his/her authorized representative.

D.	Status of the Executive Secretary, Assistant Secretary and officials of the Secretariat

The Executive Secretary of the Convention will be accorded the privileges, immunities and prerogatives of heads of mission, and his/her assistant or deputy will be accorded those of chargés d'affaires ad interim. In all cases, any deliveries, leases, building and maintenance works in excess of 125,000 pesetas, supplies of gas, water, electricity, fuels, telephonic and radio-telephonic communications supplied to the Executive Secretary's residence will be exempt from value-added tax. These tax exemptions will apply exclusively to the Executive Secretary's residence and only where it has been acquired or rented by the Secretariat for official use as such a residence.

The Executive Secretary will appoint officials who may, by virtue of their official duties, enjoy the privileges, immunities and prerogatives accorded to diplomatic agents. This category may be extended down to include P-4 grade officials (provided this does not exceed a maximum number established by mutual agreement and subject to review every two years). In any event, the Executive Secretary, his/her deputy and senior officials from P-4 upwards will be allowed to import items for personal use tax-free.

This franchise will be accorded with a view to guaranteeing the smooth operation of the functions involved and will not extend to Spanish nationals, habitual residents or those engaged in remunerated activities in Spain.

Consumer and other articles thus imported should be in accordance with the personal and family requirements of the beneficiaries. Goods covered by the franchise and the provision of services will be exempted from payment of value added tax within the limits established by the international conventions in force. In all cases, the exemption from value-added tax on personal effects or furnishings for the residences of senior staff from grade P-4 upwards shall be limited to a period of 18 months immediately following accreditation.

The Executive Secretary may import two vehicles free of duty and other senior staff from grade P-4 upwards may import one, with the possibility of others being authorized. Delivery of these vehicles will be exempt from payment of value-added tax.

Senior staff from grade P-4 upwards will be exempt from inspection of their personal baggage, unless there are well-founded grounds for supposing that it contains objects on which duty must be paid or the importation of which is prohibited, but inspection may be carried out only in the presence of the interested party or his/her authorized representative.

The Executive Secretary may also designate officials entitled to benefit from the same privileges as administrative and diplomatic staff. In all cases, they will be entitled to the franchise on importation of items for personal use on joining the Secretariat, provided they are not Spanish nationals or resident in Spain.

Officials with Spanish nationality or permanently resident in Spain will be able to enjoy legal immunity with regard to official duties carried out in the exercise of their functions. In the event of such immunity being withheld, legal measures will be applied in such a way as to avoid undue hindrance of the Secretariat's functions.

Dependent spouses and children of accredited persons who are not gainfully employed in Spain will enjoy the same privileges and immunities as the person of whom they are dependants. In all cases, the spouses of senior and administrative staff will have free access to the labour market.

The Secretariat should provide notification of nominations, recruitment, cessation of employment and status in each case.

E.	Immunity of experts

Experts not included in the previous paragraphs will, in the course of their duties, whenever necessary for the purposes of their work and in the event of official journeys on behalf of the Secretariat, be accorded immunity from detention or embargo of their personal baggage, except when apprehended in flagrante delicto, in which case the Secretariat shall be immediately informed. They will also be immune from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and acts performed by them in their official capacity, and will retain such immunity even when their official duties have ended.

The Executive Secretary may waive the above-mentioned privileges and immunities on his/her own behalf and on that of the officials of the Secretariat and of experts.

5. CIVIC AMENITIES, INCLUDING HEALTH AND EDUCATION SERVICES

Madrid is a modern city offering the widest range of facilities to cater to the needs of both staff members of the Secretariat of the Convention and delegations attending meetings convened in the city.

By way of example, we provide below an approximate figure for civic health and education facilities in the city. As far as hotels and other accommodation services of possible interest to visiting delegations are concerned, Madrid offers a wide range of options from the most economical to the most luxurious.

The same can be said with regard to cultural activities and scientific and commercial events such as trade fairs and exhibitions. On the latter point, Madrid is host to a profusion of meetings, conferences and seminars, among which those linked to environmental themes are becoming increasingly numerous.

Public universities

five

Educational centres

Public kindergartens and primary schools 330

Private kindergartens and primary schools 490

Private secondary schools 300

Public secondary schools 136

Health centres

Number of hospitals 78

Number of beds 24,000

Annex IV

OFFER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SWITZERLAND

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is currently housed in the Geneva Executive Centre, Geneva. It shares this location with a number of other bodies working in the field of the environment and sustainable development, including the UNEP Regional Office for Europe, the secretariats of the CITES and Basel Conventions, the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC), the Global Resource Information Database (GRID), the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (at the moment, still in Geneva), and the interim secretariat of the Convention on Desertification. Other organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), have their world headquarters in the immediate surroundings, where the regional or liaison offices of many other intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations are also located. There is no doubt that this geographical concentration of a large number of international organizations has been, and continues to be, of benefit to the international community: it facilitates team-work, enables rapid informal dissemination of information and increases the effectiveness of the work.

Switzerland has made great efforts to facilitate the conclusion of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the work of its Secretariat. Switzerland allocated $4.2 million in 1993 and $3.8 million in 1994 to meet, inter alia, the cost of the installation, furnishing and operation of the interim and then permanent Secretariat, as well as staff salaries, the cost of the first and second meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Convention on Biological Diversity (ICCBD), and a large part of the cost of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention. It should also be said that Switzerland contributes 124 million Swiss francs in multilateral assistance to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) -- 80 million francs for the pilot phase and 64 million francs for phase 1 -- and 162 million francs in bilateral assistance for global environmental issues. The share of these contributions allocated to the conservation and sustainable utilization of biological diversity will amount to about 100 million Swiss francs between 1991 and 1999. Switzerland is thus making a significant contribution towards supporting projects that help recipient countries to pursue their economic development while integrating the conservation of the biological diversity of their ecosystems.

Switzerland is convinced that keeping the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Geneva cannot but be beneficial to the international community, for the following reasons:

-	First, keeping the Secretariat in Geneva makes for continuity in the initial implementation of the Convention, which is at the moment a very difficult task and one that requires resources: it would mean no relocation, no resignations because of a change of base, no house-hunting, no loss of contacts, etc., all of which would inevitably slow down work.

-	Secondly, Geneva and the area around the lake are home to a large number of governmental and non-governmental organizations with activities directly linked to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Switzerland is convinced that the closeness of these organizations will act as a stimulus for new ideas and will promote the synergy and multidisciplinary approach necessary for the implementation of the Convention.

-	Thirdly, Geneva is host to more than 140 permanent missions to international organizations. Relocating the Secretariat would entail significant expense for Governments: they would have to strengthen their bilateral embassy -- if they have one -- with specialists on multilateral issues or open a new permanent mission. The most logical and economical approach would therefore be to use the existing specialized government networks and resources. In this respect, Switzerland is well aware of the problems sometimes faced by government representatives without a permanent mission in Geneva. For this reason, the government of the canton of Geneva has decided to build, close to the Palais des Nations, a "Universal House", in which some 6,200 sq. metres of office space will be provided for the least developed countries, as defined by the United Nations, starting from 1998. In addition, the Geneva authorities have declared their readiness to provide the same countries with financial support to meet some of the costs of renting temporary office accommodation elsewhere in Geneva until the "Universal House" is opened. On request, other forms of support to other countries could be considered.

Switzerland would take this opportunity to recall that there is quick and direct access to Geneva by air from most countries. It has fast and efficient road and rail networks, as well as ultra-modern telecommunications facilities. In addition to French -- the official language -- English, Spanish and Arabic are also widely spoken there. Multilingual schools, both public and private, offer high quality education to children in the international community. Furthermore, Switzerland offers the Secretariat and its staff the same privileges and immunities as those granted to the United Nations and the other intergovernmental organizations in Geneva.

-	Fourthly, Switzerland is prepared to continue supporting the Secretariat's activities: the premises and fittings at the Geneva Executive Centre will continue to be made available to the Secretariat free of charge until April 1998. Thereafter, the Secretariat will remain at the Geneva Executive Centre or move to the Palais Wilson, a prestigious and historic building that is currently being renovated, where additional offices will be available in 1998. Spacious conference rooms are available at the Palais des Nations and at the Geneva International Conference Centre. Switzerland is ready to provide resources additional to those deriving from its obligations as a Contracting Party to the Convention for a total annual amount of up to 1.5 million Swiss francs (approximately 1.3 million United States dollars) for the period from 1995 to 1998, if the Secretariat remains in Geneva. Subject to parliamentary approval, the competent Swiss authorities will endeavour to maintain that support beyond that date.

The Swiss Government draws attention to the appendix, which provides detailed additional information on its offer.

Appendix

to the communication from the Swiss Government concerning

the retention in Geneva of the Secretariat of the

Convention on Biological Diversity

1.	Offices

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is currently accommodated in the Geneva Executive Centre, one of the most modern administrative buildings in Geneva. It has a total of about 13,000 sq. metres of useable office space. It contains six meeting rooms, the largest of which can hold 52 people. The Centre is a seven-storey building that was constructed four years ago and is located close to the airport with direct access to the Swiss and French motorway networks. It has an advanced energy-saving heating and air-conditioning system, lifts, a cafeteria, an underground car park, and modern telecommunications facilities, including a system of direct satellite links and an internal digital information network. Moveable partitions make the offices adjustable to user needs.

At present, the following bodies are located at the Geneva Executive Centre: the UNEP Regional Office for Europe; the Information Unit on Climate Change; the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC); the secretariats of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal; the Global Resource Information Database; the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; and the interim secretariat of the Convention on Desertification.

It is foreseen that a number of these bodies will eventually move to the Palais Wilson, which is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, near the Palais des Nations, in an area known for its hotels and parks. With the assistance of the Swiss Federal Government, this building will be transformed into an "Environment House" in which 4,700 sq. metres of office space will be available in April 1998. The renovation and development work began in October 1994. The final distribution of office space among the various users will be discussed at a later stage with the responsible officials concerned. Palais Wilson will be made available as a matter of priority to the UNEP Regional Office for Europe and other international bodies dealing with environmental matters.

Switzerland endeavours to provide new organizations with offices free of charge from the moment they commence their activities, in order to support them in the start-up phase of their work. In the case of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, offices have been made available free of charge and will continue to be up to April 1998. In principle, it is then for the Contracting Parties to the Convention to bear the operating costs of its Secretariat. The latter does have the chance of renting offices in Geneva at a preferential rate. In addition, the Swiss authorities do not rule out the possibility of providing, when the time comes, special financial support to cover all or part of the expenses relating to office rental.

2.	Conference centres

In addition to the conference rooms at the United Nations Offices at Geneva, the following facilities may be used for major conferences:

-	"Geneva International Conference Centre" (CICG)

The Centre is situated close to the Palais des Nations, in the immediate areas of all the major international organizations based in Geneva. Its facilities include:

- Seating for 2,218 delegates in conference rooms of various sizes;

- Simultaneous interpretation facilities for 6-8 languages;

- A press centre and studio for video conferences by satellite link;

- A telecommunications network;

- Nearby underground parking;

- A large cafeteria, restaurant, post office, news stand, bank and other facilities.

-	"Palexpo"

Palexpo is a huge exhibition and conference centre (70,000 sq. metres) next to the airport, which is used as a venue for exhibitions such as Geneva Motor Show and the Telecom Fair. Although it was designed for events other than United Nations meetings convened by the United Nations, it contains fully equipped conference rooms of various sizes which can be adjusted at short notice because of the building's flexible internal design.

-	"New conference centre at the President Wilson Hotel"

A new conference centre (10 meeting and conference rooms with a capacity of 2,000 persons, fully equipped with simultaneous interpreting facilities) is under construction at the President Wilson Hotel. The centre is privately owned. It will become operational in mid-1995.

3.	Permanent missions based in Geneva

As of 1 March 1995, the permanent missions or permanent observer missions directly established for the United Nations Office in Geneva were as follows:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, People's Democratic Republic of Korea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The European Community, the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Organization of African Unity have also established permanent observer missions to the United Nations in Geneva.

Switzerland would emphasize that the permanent missions are government delegations specifically mandated to deal with multilateral issues such as the implementation of the Convention. In cities where no such network of permanent missions exists, Governments are obliged to call on their embassy - if they have one - which perform a bilateral diplomatic function and have a staff different from that of a permanent mission. As a result, they must supplement their staff with specialists on multilateral issues. Keeping of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Geneva therefore represents a considerable saving for Governments.

-	The "Universal House"

The government of the canton of Geneva has decided to build a "Universal House" with a total surface area of approximately 6,200 sq. metres. It will be made available to the least developed countries, as defined by the United Nations. The building will be situated close to the Palais des Nations and offices there will be provided free of charge should the countries concerned so desire. The maintenance costs will be met by the canton of Geneva. The Geneva authorities have also expressed their intention of providing support to the countries concerned to cover part of the cost of renting offices elsewhere in Geneva during the period up to the opening of the Universal House, probably in 1998. Other forms of support to other countries could be considered on request.

4.	International organizations in Geneva likely to benefit the work of the Secretariat

There are many international organizations either in Geneva or in the surrounding area. Besides the United Nations Office at Geneva, the presence of the following international organizations will be of particular importance for the work of the Secretariat:

-	International Labour Office (world headquarters)

-	World Trade Organization (world headquarters)

-	United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

-	International Trade Centre (world headquarters)

-	World Meteorological Organization (world headquarters) and the secretariat of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

-	World Intellectual Property Organization (world headquarters)

-	World Health Organization (world headquarters)

-	United Nations Institute for Training and Research (world headquarters)

-	United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (headquarters)

-	Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (liaison office)

-	International Monetary Fund (regional office)

-	United Nations Industrial Development Organization (liaison office)

-	United Nations Development Programme (regional office)

-	United Nations Environment Programme (regional office) and the Information Unit on Climate Change

-	United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (liaison office)

-	Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

-	International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (headquarters)

-	Global Resource Information Database (headquarters)

-	Secretariat of the Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (Basel Convention) (headquarters)

-	Bureau of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) (headquarters)

-	United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (liaison office)

-	World Conservation Union (IUCN) (international headquarters)

-	World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

-	International Environment Academy (headquarters)

-	Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) (international headquarters)

-	Centre for our Common Future (international headquarters)

-	International Green Cross (international headquarters)

-	Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (liaison office)

-	Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (liaison office)

5.	International and local transport; cultural life

Air: Geneva intercontinental airport, located 4 Km from the city centre, one kilometre from the Geneva Executive Centre, serves 110 destinations worldwide. There are daily flights to Geneva from most capitals, either directly or via Zurich, thereby rendering it easily accessible from many countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe.

Train: Geneva is linked with the Swiss and French rail networks. Fast and comfortable inter-city trains leave Geneva at least every hour for other Swiss cities. Thanks to the French high-speed train

(TGV), Geneva is just over three hours from the centre of Paris.

Road: Geneva is at the crossroads of the European north-south and east-west motorway networks.

Local transport: Geneva has a system of comfortable and modern buses, trams and trolleybuses. The local authorities are determined to further improve the public transport network.

Both Geneva and Lausanne - just half-an-hour away by train enjoy a vibrant cultural life: numerous concerts, plays, operas and ballets are performed every week. Both cities also house a number of respected museums and art galleries. In addition, Geneva lies at the heart of a region offering a wide variety of sporting activities, in particular skiing, mountain hiking and water sports.

6.	Telecommunications

Switzerland has an international telecommunications network that is direct, fast, reliable and competitive. An urban network with high-speed links between the various databanks used by international organizations and permanent missions in Geneva is planned for mid-1995. In addition, international organizations are linked to the Swiss optic fibre network.

About 40 television channels are available, in French, German, Italian, English and Spanish, with occasional programmes in several other languages. The official radio stations broadcast in French, German and Italian. There are also private stations broadcasting in French, English and Arabic. Very many newspapers from all over the world have permanent correspondents in Geneva, thus ensuring a wide coverage of the international events held there.

7.	Schools

Excellent free public schools provide various types of superior education. Since many children are of foreign origin, the local authorities organize orientation courses in various languages: English, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian are those most frequently encountered. Thirty-eight private schools offer varied educational programmes in different languages. The University of Geneva, founded in 1552, offers a university education in all the usual disciplines. Physics and international politics are particularly strong there, because of the close proximity of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the United Nations. Of late, biochemistry and molecular biology have become new areas of excellence for scientific research. Geneva also hosts a renowned school for translators and interpreters. There is also a private English-speaking university specializing in political science.

8.	Health

With a population of under 400,000 inhabitants, the canton of Geneva has 1,900 medical practitioners, 420 dentists and 3,000 hospital beds. It has a large university hospital with all the usual services. A good number of private clinics have also been set up in and around Geneva. Access to these establishments is not restricted, but the costs of hospitalization are sometimes quite high, and private health insurance is recommended. Such insurance is mandatory for residents.

9.	Housing and the purchase of real estate

The housing supply in and around Geneva is very varied, from small flats in apartment blocks

to fine houses. The Swiss Government does not place any restriction on the place of residence of international staff.

The Geneva authorities are prepared to assist permanent missions, their staff and international civil servants to find suitable housing and to solve housing problems.

Swiss law currently allows States and international organizations to buy real estate for official use. Staff of permanent missions and international civil servants are also permitted to buy real estate, under certain conditions. An improvement in the conditions for access to real estate for foreigners and the staff of permanent missions is under study.

10.	Transfer of funds to and from other countries

Switzerland has a long liberal tradition in banking and finance, and places no restrictions on movements of capital. Funds of any amount or kind (banknotes, shares, bonds, gold, etc.) may be freely transferred to or from third countries. Bank confidentiality is guaranteed by law, and may be lifted only by the judicial authorities in the investigation of criminal offences. Banks have undertaken to establish the identity of persons opening accounts or involved in large cash transactions.

11.	Privileges and immunities granted to the Secretariat and its staff

The Secretariat and its staff will enjoy the same privileges and immunities as those granted to the United Nations, which UNEP comes under. The headquarters agreement between Switzerland and the United Nations, signed in 1946, will therefore also apply to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its staff. As a consequence, the Secretariat will be exempt from direct and indirect federal, cantonal and community taxes.

Following its periodic review of the host arrangements, and on the occasion of the establishment of the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, the Swiss Government decided to improve the status of international organizations in Switzerland. From now on, the additional benefits accorded to WTO as regards privileges and immunities will be applicable to all other international organizations with which Switzerland has signed a headquarters agreement.

These improvements include the following points in particular:

-	International staff at the P-5 and higher levels will be given the status, privileges and immunities of senior officials of the Organization, that is, they will enjoy diplomatic status and thus the full tax and customs privileges accorded to diplomats. In respect of tax, other staff (P-4 and below) are exempted from direct federal, cantonal and community taxes on salaries paid by the Organization;

-	As regards indirect taxes, international organizations and permanent missions will be exempted from VAT payments on goods and services for their official use. Officials of international organizations having diplomatic status and the diplomatic staff of permanent missions will be exempted from VAT payments for goods and services for their strictly personal use. This exemption will be accorded at source, that is, at the point of purchase. No ceiling or limit will be placed on the goods and services concerned. For administrative reasons, a minimum purchase amount will be required to benefit from the VAT exemption;

-	The conditions established for the families of international staff of the members of diplomatic missions have been improved. Thus, unmarried children with a parent who is an

international civil servant or member of a permanent mission may accompany or join the parent until they are 25 years of age, provided that they live in the parent's household. In exceptional circumstances, the Swiss authorities may permit children of over 25 years of age or ascendants to enter Switzerland provided they are entirely in the charge of the international civil servant or member of the permanent mission and live in the same household as the latter;

-	Spouses of international staff members and members of permanent missions, and children of international staff members and members of permanent missions who join their families in Switzerland before the age of 21, enjoy ease of access, provided they reside in Switzerland, to the Swiss labour market, even if the children take up employment after they are 21 years of age. Children who join their parents after the age of 21 will, if they wish to engage in gainful employment, be subject to the normal rules governing gainful employment on the part of foreigners in Switzerland.