Latin American and Caribbean Group

On Friday, 6 May 2016, delegates to the first meeting of the CBD Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) finalized 13 recommendations. CBD Executive Secretary Dias highlighted recommendations on biodiversity mainstreaming, the SBI modus operandi, synergies with biodiversity-related conventions, guidelines for national reports, and resource mobilization. He also pointed to the voluntary peer-review process of implementation, and to COP 13 meeting for the first time concurrently with the Protocols’ COP/MOPs. The EU drew attention to the need to scale up efforts to achieve the Aichi targets, and to link efforts on biodiversity mainstreaming with the Sustainable Development Goals. India for Asia-Pacific considered that the SBI was off to a good start and welcomed the identification of means to overcome obstacles in achieving the Aichi targets, such as capacity building and resource mobilization. St Kitts and Nevis for GRULAC underscored the need to review progress also in the provision of support for implementation. The CBD Alliance noted the need to look into implementation in more detail in the future, involving indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), women and civil society in the peer review of NBSAPs and national reports; and expressed concern about the emphasis on the business sector and natural capital in relation to biodiversity mainstreaming. The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity urged the full and effective participation of IPLCs, including women and youth, in the review of implementation, in work on integration of the Convention and its Protocols, and capacity building. SBI 1 Chair Jae Choe (Republic of Korea) congratulated delegates on their tireless work ethic and drew the meeting to a close at 4:47 pm. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web updates from the 20th Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice and the 1st Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has produced a summary and analysis of both meetings which is available in HTML and PDF format. L-R: Fumiko Nakao and Joji Miyamori, Japan Tia Stevens, Australia SBI plenary SBI 1 delegates huddle in the corridors Anne Theo Seinen, EU delegation Global Youth Biodiversity Network stand

On Saturday, 30 April 2016, SBSTTA 20 plenary convened in the morning and adopted 15 recommendations. Costa Rica for GRULAC underscored the recommendations on synthetic biology and invasive alien species (IAS), noting that biodiversity mainstreaming is key for sustainable development and requires stakeholder participation. Indonesia for Asia-Pacific stressed the importance of implementing CBD guidelines, capacity building and adequate funding. The Democratic Republic of Congo, on behalf of the African Group, called upon parties to redouble their efforts to achieve those Aichi targets that show least progress, and underscored the recommendations on restoring ecosystems, mainstreaming biodiversity and IAS, noting that more work is needed on synthetic biology. Turkmenistan, on behalf of Central and Eastern Europe, emphasized the need to mainstream biodiversity targets into the Sustainable Development Agenda. The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity called for a rights-based approach to ensure the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity. CBD Executive Secretary Braulio Dias welcomed SBSTTA 20 outcomes ensuring: progress towards achieving the Aichi targets; a strong relationship with IPBES; and mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors, also with regard to pollinators. He also praised SBSTTA recommendations containing the action plan on ecosystem restoration, guidance on marine debris, and next steps on ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs). SBSTTA Chair Bignell thanked delegates for their spirit of goodwill and passion for the CBD objectives in tackling a heavy agenda. He urged delegates to “go home and implement,” and drew the meeting to a close at 12:23pm. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web updates from the 20th Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice and the 1st Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has produced a summary and analysis of both meetings which is available in HTML and PDF format. L-R: David Cooper, CBD Deputy Executive Secretary; Braulio Dias, CBD Executive Secretary; and SBSTTA Chair Andrew Bignell (New Zealand) Christine von Weizsäcker, ECOROPA Jihyun Lee, CBD Secretariat L-R: Valentina Mauriello and Mery Ciacci, Italy SBSTTA 20 delegates applaud Andrew Bignell (New Zealand) for his able chairmanship.

The thirty-seventh meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG 37) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer convened for its final day on Friday, 8 April 2016, in Geneva, Switzerland. In the morning, plenary discussed the report by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) on information on alternatives to ODS. The TEAP updated participants on its informal discussions on the report, informing participants that it will finalize a report for OEWG 38 based on suggestions at OEWG 37 and additional findings and updates that may become available. The Co-Chairs of the Contact Group on the Feasibility and Ways of Managing Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC Management Contact Group) gave a brief report of progress. OEWG 37 then adjourned for informal discussions among parties, which continued into the evening. OEWG37 is suspended at 12:40 am, and will be resumed prior to OEWG38 at a date still to be decided. IISD Reporting Services will produce a summary and analysis report of the 37th OEWG on Monday, 11 April 2016. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage,provided daily web coverage from the 37th OEWG. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has producd a summary and analysis report of the 37th OEWG, which is available in HTML and PDF formats. Photos by IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Delegates from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries conferring during the evening HFCs Management Contact Group Co-Chairs ​Patrick McInerney​, Australia, and Xia Yingxian, China From L-R: Hamoud Al-Otaibi, Saudi Arabia; Abdelrahim Mohamed Al Hammadi, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Tina Birmpili, Executive Secretary, Ozone Secretariat; Hassan Ali Mubarak, Bahrain; and Yaqoub Al-Matouq, Kuwait Claudia Paratori Cortés, Chile, and Laura Juliana Arciniegas, Colombia, discussing with other GRULAC delegates OEWG 37 Co-Chair Paul Krajnik, Austria HFCs Management Contact Group Co-Chair ​ Xia Yingxian, China Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Gilani, Pakistan HFCs Management Contact Group Co-Chair Xia Yingxian, China, with Tina Birmpili, Executive Secretary, Ozone Secretariat Richard Duke, US, with Taha Zatari, Saudi Arabia Emma Rachmawaty, Indonesia Sergey Vasiliev, the Russian Federation HFC Management Contact Group Co-Chair ​Patrick McInerney​, Australia From L-R: Tina Birmpili, Executive Secretary, Ozone Secretariat; Gilbert Bankobeza, Ozone Secretariat; OEWG 37 Co-Chair Paul Krajnik, Austria; OEWG 37 Co-Chair Leslie Smith, Grenada; and Megumi Seki, Ozone Secretariat Ghazi Al Odat, Jordan, with, Ahmed El Korashy, Egypt Delegates from the UAE and Kuwait John Thompson, US Philip Owen, European Union (EU) Taha Mohammed Zatari, Saudi Arabia Delegates from the GCC countries

On Tuesday, delegates to INC7 convened in plenary in the morning to hear reports from the Co-Chairs of the contact groups on rules, finance, reporting and effectiveness evaluation, and technical issues. The contact group on reporting then met in parallel to plenary and the informal group on emissions met during lunch to continue work. In the afternoon, delegates reconvened in plenary to continue discussions of issues including wastes, emissions and contaminated sites. Delegates also addressed other business, including the report of the interim secretariat on its activities. Taher Shakashir, Minister of Environment, Jordan, offered a closing address in which he hailed the efforts of delegates and wished them well in their future negotiations. Chair Lugris thanked participants for their hard work and gaveled the meeting to a close at 6:22 pm. Please return to this site on Friday, 18 March for the Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary and analysis of INC7. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, is providing daily web coverage, daily reports and a summary and analysis report from the 7th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Mercury (INC 7). The summary and analysis report is available in HTML and PDF formats. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Morning Plenary View of the dais during the morning plenary Fernando Lugris, Uruguay, INC Chair Reporting Contact Group Co-Chair David Kapindula, Zambia Technical Matters Contact Group Co-Chair Kateřina Šebková, Czech Republic Finance Contact Group Co-Chair Gregor Filyk, Canada Rules Contact Group Co-Chair Andrew McNee, Australia Finance Contact Group Co-Chair Gillian Guthrie, Jamaica John Roberts, UK, Co-Facilitator of the Best Available Technologies/ Best Environmental Practices (BAT/BEP) Informal Group The Secretariat applauds the work completed by INC7 Achim Halpaap, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Rodica Ella Ivan, UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Usman Tariq, UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Carolyn Vickers, World Health Organisation (WHO) Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Sani Mahazou, Niger Kasper Koefoed Hansen, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Reginald Hernaus, EU Boiyan Kpakolo, Liberia Dwayne Curtis, Bahamas Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, Zero Mercury Working Group Lee Bell, IPEN Mahmood Khwaja, Sustainable Development Policy Institute Contact Group on Reporting View of the dais for the Contact Group on Reporting Christopher Allen, EU Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Gilani, Pakistan Eirik Hovland Steindal, Norway Contact Group Co-Chair Silvija Kalniņš, Latvia Paulina Riquelme Pallamar, Chile Closing Plenary Delegates gather for the closing plenary Taher Shakhashir, Minister of Environment, Jordan Raouf Al Dabbas, Ministry of Environment, Jordan Peter Ayuk Enoh, Cameroon Mick Saito, Japan Mohammed Khashashneh, Jordan Francis Kihumba, Kenya Lamya Aljorephani, Kuwait Sam Adu-Kumi, Ghana L-R: Mohammed Khashashneh, Jordan; Shan Tse, Jordan; Raouf Al Dabbas, Jordan; Taher Shakhashir, Minister of Environment, Jordan; and Hana Shihabi, Jordan Andrei Pilipchuk, Belarus Shruti Rai Bhardwaj, India Franz Perrez, Switzerland Renato Cruz, the Philippines Sezaneh Seymour, US Idris Adamu Goji, Nigeria Jianhong Meng, China The meeting is gaveled to a close The INC7 family Around the Venue Delegates from Tunisia John Whitelaw, UNEP, speaks with Gabi Eigenmann, Switzerland Delegates meet informally A delegate tests out a 'hover board' Abdullah K. Tawlah and Abdullah Al Ghalbi, Saudi Arabia Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Delegates from GRULAC with the INC7 Chair Delegates from Spain Delegates from South Africa Delegates from Viet Nam Delegates from Jordan Marcus Richards, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with Franklyn Connor, Saint Kitts and Nevis Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) team covering INC7 (L-R): Kiara Worth; Brett Wertz; Jen Allan; Jessica Templeton; Annelies van Gaalen; Delia Paul; and Tallash Kantai

On Sunday morning, delegates to INC7 convened in plenary to hear reports from contact groups on rules, finance and technical issues before moving ahead with work on issues including, inter alia, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, mercury supply sources and trade, environmentally sound interim storage of mercury other than waste mercury, mercury wastes, and contaminated sites. The contact group on rules continued its work in parallel with the morning plenary and into the afternoon. The contact groups on finance, reporting and technical issues convened in the afternoon. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, is providing daily web coverage, daily reports and a summary and analysis report from the 7th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Mercury (INC 7). The summary and analysis report is available in HTML and PDF formats. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Delegates gather for the start of plenary Fernando Lugris, Uruguay, INC Chair Contact Group on Rules Co-Chair Mohammed Khashashneh, Jordan Technical Matters Contact Group Co-Chair Kateřina Šebková, Czech Republic Finance Contact Group Co-Chair Gregor Filyk, Canada John Roberts, UK, Co-Facilitator of the Best Available Technologies/ Best Environmental Practices (BAT/BEP) Informal Group Susan Egan Keane, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Ken Davis, UNEP Carolyn Vickers, World Health Organisation (WHO) Aneta Willems, EU David Kapindula, Zambia, speaking on behalf of the African Group Agustina Camilli, Uruguay, speaking on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) Oumar Diaouré Cissé, Mali Norazeyan Dzul Kornain, Malaysia Lana Saria, Indonesia Sam Adu-Kumi, Ghana Marianne Bailey, US Toï Pagnibam Meba, Togo Haddijatou Jallow, Sierra Leone Desiré Yameogo, Burkina Faso Griffins Ochieng, IPEN Dominique Bally Kpokro, Zero Mercury Working Group Contact Group on Rules Contact Group on Rules Contact Group Co-Chairs Andrew McNee, Australia, and Mohammed Khashashneh, Jordan Jill Hanna, EU Angela Rivera, Colombia Silvia Maciunas, Canada Wondwossen Wondemagegnehu, Ethiopia, speaking on behalf of the African Group Contact Group on Technical Matters Contact Group on Technical Matters Bettina Hitzfeld, Switzerland Jean Le Roux, New Zealand Christopher Allen, EU Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Gilani, Pakistan Contact Group on Finance Contact Group on Finance Heidar Ali Balouji, Iran Jozef Buys, EU Adel Shafei Mohamed Osman, Egypt Gabi Eigenmann, Switzerland Contact Group on Reporting Contact Group on Reporting Mick Saito, Japan Contact Group Co-Chair Silvija Kalniņš, Latvia Virginia Poter, Canada Eirik Hovland Steindal, Norway Sheila Logan, interim secretariat of the Minamata Convention Around the Venue Delegates from Japan Delegates from China Delegates between sessions Delegates meet informally A delegate views the ENB website Georg Karlaganis, UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Documents discussing the distribution of mercury around the world