COP-MOP 5 – Summary of Major Issues
The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol (COP-MOP 5) will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from 11 to 15 October 2010. Building upon the achievements of the first fourth meetings held in February 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May/June 2005 in Montreal, Canada, March 2006 in Curitiba, Brazil and May 2008 in Bonn, Germany respectively, COP-MOP 5 is expected to arrive at decisions on a number of issues to further facilitate the implementation of the Protocol. The meeting will address a number of standing issues on the COP-MOP agenda as well as substantive issues arising from the medium-term programme of work arising and previous decisions of the COP-MOP.
Compliance under the Protocol
The meeting will consider the report of the Compliance Committee, including a compilation of views on how the supportive role of the Compliance Committee could be improved. COP-MOP is expected to consider the recommendations of the Committee and take a decision, as appropriate.
At this meeting, the COP-MOP will consider recommendations from the sixth meeting of the Informal Advisory Committee on the Biosafety Clearing-House (IAC-BCH) on the assessment of the programme of work. The recommendations will include the assessment of the re-design of the BCH of, among other things, the registering section and the new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
The COP-MOP 5 is expected to consider a report on the steps taken towards the implementation of the Action Plan for Building Capacities for the Effective Implementation of the Protocol and its Coordination Mechanism and adopt terms of reference for the review of the Action Plan.
Financial mechanisms and resources
COP-MOP is expected to consider a compilation of national reports regarding actions being taken towards becoming Parties to the Protocol by countries that have received funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) activities.
Cooperation with other organizations, conventions and initiatives
There are a number of international agreements, organizations, conventions and initiative that are relevant for the implementation of the Protocol. COP-MOP 5 is expected to review a report on cooperative activities, in particular, to build capacity in developing countries, including cooperation with the World Trade Organization, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the International Plant Protection Convention, the Aarhus Convention, the World Customs Organization, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Green Customs Initiative.
Administration of the Protocol and budgetary matters
COP-MOP is expected to consider a report from the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme on the use of the programme support cost (PSC) in support of the functioning of the Secretariat. The COP-MOP is also expected to consider a report from the Executive Secretary on additional support to the Protocol for the 2009-2010 biennium from the same source.
It is also expected that COP-MOP will consider a report and, if appropriate, make a decision regarding using the host country currency or the US$ as the currency of the account and budget of the Protocol.
Substantive Issues Arising from the Medium-term Programme of Work and Previous COP-MOP Decisions
Handling, transport, packaging and identification of LMOs
At this meeting, the Parties will consider a synthesis report on experience gained with the use of documentation to further harmonization of a documentation format to fulfil specific identification requirements, including consideration of the need for a stand-alone document. COP-MOP 5 is also expected to review a document on experiences of international bodies in the establishment and implementation of rules and standards relevant to Article 18. Furthermore, it is also expected that a summary of the outcome reflecting the full range of views expressed of the Online Forum on Standards for LMO Shipments will be reviewed.
Risk assessment and risk management
At its fourth meeting, the COP-MOP, established and mandated an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on Risk Assessment and Risk Management to, among other things, prepare a "roadmap", e.g. a flowchart, on steps for conducting a risk assessment in accordance with Annex III to the Protocol with examples of existing guidance documents for each of step. The COP-MOP 5 is expected to consider a report from the expert group and to take appropriate action.
Liability and redress
At its first meeting, the COP-MOP established an Ad Hoc Open Ended Working Group of Legal and Technical Experts on Liability and Redress to elaborate options for elements of international rules and procedures on liability and redress under the Protocol. The Working Group was requested to complete its work in 2007. At its fourth meeting, COP-MOP considered the final report of the Working Group and adopted the negotiating text as revised by a contact group. At its fourth meeting, the COP-MOP agreed to establish a Group of the Friends of the Co-Chairs to continue the process. It is expected that the fifth meeting of the COP-MOP will consider the outcome of the negotiations of the Group and take appropriate action.
Assessment and review
The COP-MOP 5 is expected to review and adopt a draft strategic plan for the Protocol. It is also expected to review a document on, among other things, sound methodological approach to contribute to an effective second assessment and review of the Protocol and draft criteria or indicators that could apply in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Protocol and provide an indication of the utility.
Public awareness and participation
Under this meeting, it is expected that Parties will adopt a comprehensive programme of work on public awareness, education and participation concerning the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs. The meeting will also consider a synthesis of views submitted on possible elements of a programme of work. Furthermore, COP-MOP 5 will consider a report on progress and initiatives made by governments and organizations in promoting public awareness, education and participation concerning the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs, including experiences gained and lessons learned from the national biosafety frameworks and taking into account information contained in the Biosafety Clearing-House.