The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

ICCP 2 Recommendation II/13

Need for further preparatory work by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety before the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meetingof the Parties to the Protocol

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,

Recalling its mandate given in decision EM-I/3 of the Conference of the Parties to undertake, with the support of the Executive Secretary, the preparations necessary for the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol, at which time the Intergovernmental Committee will cease to exist, taking into account the budgetary provisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties,

Recalling also its work plan set out in decision V/1 of the Conference of the Parties, in which it notes that all issues that the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol might wish to address at its first meeting should be reflected, and emphasizes the necessity to complete as early as possible the preparations for the entry into force of the Protocol,

Having held two meetings to consider the issues identified in its work plan,

Taking note that substantive progress has been made on several issues identified in its work plan, which provides the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol with a basis for decision taking at its first meeting,

Noting that some issues in its work plan will require further consideration with a view to facilitating decision-making by the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties,

1. Mandates the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, in consultation with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties, to explore jointly the possibility of having a third meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to further consider issues taken in the mandate of the Committee, including the possibility of holding that meeting in conjunction with the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, in the event that the fiftieth instrument of ratification, accession, approval or acceptance is not deposited by 8 January 2002;

2. Requests that these consultations referred to in paragraph 1 above take place as soon as possible, but no later than 8 January 2002, with a view to making appropriate arrangements with regard to convening of a third meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, as the case may be.

1 1/ The total cost of the core budget (BY Trust Fund) will be adjusted in response to the guidance and decisions of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol and the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.