Decision COP I/9

The Conference of the Parties

1. Decides to adopt the medium-term programme of work for the period 1995 to 1997 contained in the annex to the present decision;

2. Also decides to review at its next meeting the medium-term programme of work in light of the progress achieved in the implementation of the Convention.

Taking into account that the Parties share the deep concern and interest about the need for the safe transfer, handling and use of all living modified organisms resulting from biotechnology to avoid adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity,

3. Also decides to establish an open-ended ad hoc group of experts nominated by Governments without undue delay to consider the need for and modalities of a protocol setting out appropriate procedures, including, in particular, advance informed agreement, in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of any living modified organism resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effect on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity;

4. Also decides that the open-ended ad hoc group of experts nominated by Governments shall hold one meeting of one week's duration during 1995 with a view to presenting its report to the Conference of the Parties.

5. Decides that the open-ended group of experts nominated by Governments will consider, as appropriate, existing knowledge, experience and legislation in the field of biosafety, including the views of the Parties, subregional, regional and international organizations, with a view to presenting a report for the consideration of the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties, so as to enable the Conference of the Parties to reach an informed decision as to the need for and modalities of a protocol.

6. Requests the Secretariat to submit to the open-ended ad hoc group of experts nominated by Governments relevant information on these matters in sufficient time to facilitate the discussions of the open-ended ad hoc group of experts.

7. Decides that, in order to prepare for the work of the open-ended ad hoc group of experts nominated by Governments, the Secretariat shall establish a panel of 15 experts nominated by Governments, with an equitable geographical representation, in consultation with the Bureau of the COP, assisted by UNIDO, UNEP, FAO and WHO, to prepare a background document to be submitted to the open-ended ad hoc group of experts nominated by Governments based on a consideration, as appropriate, of existing knowledge and experience on risk assessment and management, and guidelines and/or legislation already prepared by the Parties, other Governments and by national and competent subregional, regional and international organizations.

8. Calls upon the international community, particularly the developed countries and non-governmental sectors, to contribute voluntary funds to assist the open-ended ad hoc group of experts nominated by Governments to discharge its mandate effectively.