On Monday, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol heard opening statements, addressed organizational matters, and discussed the modalities of operation of the Clearinghouse on access and benefit-sharing (ABS). Co-Chair Lowe reminded delegates that the focus has shifted from negotiating the content of a possible agreement on access and benefit sharing, to implementing an agreed Protocol.

In a video message, Edward Norton, UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Convention on Biological Diversity, urged all countries to ratify the Nagoya Protocol. Hélène Mandroux, Mayor of Montpellier, France, stressed the importance of engaging local actors in raising awareness on biodiversity conservation, especially the youth. Monique Barbut, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility, reported that Japan, France, Norway and Switzerland are donors to the Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund; and encouraged all parties to ratify the Protocol and put in place a legal regime that is attractive to investors.

Ahmed Djoghlaf, CBD Executive Secretary, launched the new Arabic section of the CBD website, and congratulated the twenty-four states that signed the Protocol, expressing hope that it will enter into force no later than 10 July 2012 and that its first meeting of parties will be convened back-to-back with the biodiversity summit scheduled in October 2012 in Hyderabad, India.

The Committee then considered the modalities of operation of the ABS Clearinghouse, focusing on: phased development, information to be incorporated on a priority basis, submission of information, information management, networking with existing mechanisms, capacity building, reporting requirements, resource requirements and tentative timeline.