Brussels, 27/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - In Nagoya where international talks on biodiversity are entering their final lap, funding and the conclusion of a binding protocol on access to genetic resources and the sharing of advantages linked to their use (ABS protocol) are more than ever the sinews of war. It is therefore on these two fronts, which are so essential for developing countries, that the EU - the leading investor worldwide in safeguarding biological diversity - is keen to convince its partners without having to put any more funds on the table. The task is a tough one.
No one should doubt the EU's commitment to make these talks a success, said Janez Potoènik, European Environment Commissioner, speaking on Wednesday 27 October to justify the European stance. He added that, since 2002, almost €9 billion have been mobilised for this vitally important cause. Several forms of funding are possible, he said, adding that, for example, no-one can seriously argue that climate change and biodiversity are separate issues. Biodiversity is not included in the Millennium Development Objectives, he pointed out.
Call from Parliament. Voluntary contributions are therefore particularly welcome. Belgium has announced investment of €10 million in the REDD+ programme against deforestation and Japan has pledged up to $2 billion over three years for national biodiversity safeguard strategies in the south. “This is excellent news: Japan is putting forward an interesting figure, and Belgium has shown through its efforts on deforestation that biodiversity and climate are linked,” said MEP Sandrine Bélier (Greens/EFA, France) a member of the European Parliamentary delegation led by Jo Leinen (S&D, Germany). However, “all the OECD countries have to stand together and adopt commitments that are not just voluntary but binding,” she added.
The MEPs in Nagoya say that “to take forward the negotiations, the EU must make long-term pledges on funding and send the signal that funds will be available after 2012 to share the effort needed to preserve nature”.
Potoènik says he is convinced that conclusion of the ABS protocol, although it will not be easy, “is possible”. MEPs warn: “Without a successful conclusion of negotiations on the international ABS regime, a wider agreement on the post-2010 Strategic Plan may not be achieved”. (A.N./transl.jl)