Working Group II (2nd meeting), UN Convention on Biodiversity – COP 17

The progress made in developing the new Bioland tool for national biosafety portals. However, our delegation notes with concern the limitations in terms of human resources described in the document, particularly considering that technical support and development of the BCH and the ABSCH, as well as the clearinghouse mechanism, currently rely on a very much reduced capacity in terms of staff. These limitations could affect the timely deployment of the by-land-based national portals, as well as effective technical assistance provided to parties. Therefore, we consider it important to assess measures that will strengthen the Secretariat's support capacities to ensure the efficient and sustainable implementation of these platforms and related services. Likewise, when it comes to discrepancies between information provided by parties in the fifth national reports and the information published through the BCH on illegal and involuntary transboundary movements, we feel that this could reflect not just challenges related to compliance with notification obligations, but also practical difficulties in terms of identifying and using the corresponding registry mechanisms. Thus, we consider it important to continue strengthening the functionality and ease of use of the clearinghouse in order to make it easier to present and to register information as required under Article 17 and 25 of the Protocol through a standardized form. We will send our text proposals in writing, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Peru. We will take note of your observations and proposed amendments.

Now, followed by Zimbabwe and Tunisia.

Chair, Zambia supports the statement made by Egypt on behalf of the African group and appreciates the Secretariat for the work to implement the protocol. Zambia recognizes the Biosafety Clearing House as an important mechanism for transparency, information sharing, and implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Zambia supports continued modernization of the BCH, strengthening of national biosafety information systems, and enhanced capacity building to enable timely submission of quality information. Zambia further supports the development of national biosafety websites and improved access to biosafety information to strengthen evidence-based decision-making, regulatory oversight, and regional cooperation. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Samphay. Now, I'll get the floor to Zimbabwe, followed by Tunisia, and Bahrain.

Thank you, Jim. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statement delivered by Egypt on behalf of the African group. We appreciate the continued efforts of the Secretariat and the informal advisory committee to strengthen the operation and accessibility of the Biosafety Clearing House. Zimbabwe recognizes the BCH as a vital mechanism for facilitating information sharing, transparency and informed decision making in the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. For Zimbabwe, strengthening national capacity to validate, update and publish information remains important to ensuring that the information made available through the BCH is accurate, complete and useful. We therefore welcome efforts to improve national websites, tools and call for continued capacity building for national focal points and the institutions responsible for managing biosafety information. I submit, Chairman.

Thank you, Zimbabwe. I remind you, if you have amendments to the draft positions, please give priority to that content in your interventions. Now I'll give the floor to Tunisia, followed by Bahrain and Surinam.

Thank you, Chair. Tunisia aligns itself with the statement made by Egypt on behalf of the Africa Group. We welcome the efforts made by the Secretariat to improve the functioning and accessibility of the Biosafety Clearing-House, as well as the precious contribution of the informal advisory committee on the BCH. We support a continuation of their work and we support their recommendations being taken into account. We feel BCH is crucial for sharing information, transparency and informed decision making in the context of the protocol. Therefore, we have three main priorities we'd like to highlight. First, strengthening the capacity of national competent authorities and correspondents through sustainable technical support, practical training, and the availability of multilingual guidance. To ensure a smooth transition from HERMES to BioLand for national websites, taking into account the specific capacities and needs of each party, particularly when it comes to data migration, approval and data validation. Third, we need to increase interoperability and cooperation with other relevant databases, as well as greater complementarity between the BCH. the exchange mechanism of the Convention and the ABS Clearinghouse. The BCH, however, must be the main mechanism for information sharing of the Protocol, and it must be the one used by those responsible for national information. Tunisia would also like to stress the need to have financial, technical, and institutional means and resources that are sufficient to ensure effective participation of all parties. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Tunisia. We give way for to Bahrain, followed by Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Bahrain supports the decision and would like to stress on four points. First of all, we welcome the development of digital tools to support the national websites, particularly the bio land and we also support the direction of the secretariat for interoperability of data bases in a manner that would facilitate co-joining the different national websites with the international website and we do support the Secretariat efforts to build capacities and training and we do emphasize on intensifying training workshops and guidelines in a multilingual matter, particularly the Arabic language, so that we would enable the different portals, national portals, to manage records successfully with regards to reviewing the records and making available all information resources. We emphasize that achieving this is consistently really relevant to simplifying and streamlining procedures and translation to provide financial resources that is sustainable for all of the countries. so that such digital tools would not turn into an administrative burden or to a complicated process. And finally, we do emphasize on the importance of publishing information for risk assessment or for any transboundary issues. So this should be guaranteed by national measures after ascertaining that it is incomplete. commitments in order to maintain the supply systems in our countries. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Bahrein. And I remind all delegations that after finishing your interventions, to turn off your microphones, so to avoid some echoes. And again, I remind you to, if you have amendments to the draft decisions, let's focus on that to have a more efficient use of our time. I will give the floor to Sudan, followed by South Africa. Sudan, you have the floor.

Chair, distinguished delegates, Sudan reaffirms its commitment to the effective implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and recognizes the Biosafety Clearing-House as an essential mechanism for transparency, information exchange, and informed decision-making. The BCH supports the sharing of national biosafety legislation, regulatory decisions, risk assessments, and national reports, strengthening both national implementation and international cooperation. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, Sudan remains committed to maintaining and strengthening its national BCH. And I would like to say that we, our situation, our status alliance with the African group and what our colleague from Egypt mentioned, and we continue to work towards improving institutional coordination, data management, and timely updated updating of biosafety information, continued technical assistance and capacity building support will be very important to further enhance the effectiveness of the BCH and support Sudan implementation of the Cartagena Protocol. Sudan appreciates the continued support of the Secretariat and development partners and looks forward to strengthening international cooperation in advancing biosafety objectives. Thank you, Chair, delegates.

Thank you, Sudan. And last party requesting the floor, Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, Saudi Arabia extends its thanks to the Secretariat for the preparation of the document and would like to thank the Advisory Informal Committee for the exchange of information on biosafety and for development of the modality of the... national websites. Saudi Arabia emphasizes that the Clearinghouse for Biosafety, BCH, established by paragraph 20, is indeed the Adobe, as it facilitates the exchange of technical, legal, and scientific information and supports parties in taking decisions. Saudi Arabia welcomes the increasing number of parties publishing information and also advises the view of national registries, particularly the experts registry. Saudi Arabia also supports the current decision and we'd like to propose the following for paragraph six the provision of scientific information and technical information should be done with complete protection for the confidentiality of the information according to part to paragraph 21 of the protocol and we'd like to also have the BCH provided in all the six working languages of the UN inclusive of the Arabic language as this enhances the engagement of the parties and facilitates the use of uh the BCH nationally. And we also like to link BCH with other information websites so as not to duplicate the information. We call upon continuing of building capacities with the participation of the contact points and to get trained on the new model. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much. With this, we exhaust the list of parties requesting the floor. I open the floor now for any observer. I don't see any requests. So with this, we finish the first reading of this document. I see a number of suggestions on different paragraphs, like 7, 7B, 6, and some others that will be taken in consideration. So I will work with the secretariat to prepare a CRP document to be consider in the next session of this working group and hopefully to be approved. With this, we finish our consideration of this agenda item. And now we move to item 11 on cooperation with international organizations. So I'll give the floor to the secretariat to introduce the item. So, Wati, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair.

Document CBD/CP/MOP/12/9 provides an update on cooperative activities with other international organizations, bodies established under other conventions, and.

Initiatives relevant to the implementation of the Protocol.

The Note also addresses cooperation on issues under the Convention that are closely related to biosafety.

The Secretariat's mandate includes cooperation with other organizations.

As a result, no decision is foreseen for this item, as we will continue to implement this mandate moving forward. The meeting may wish to take note of the report.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Secretariat. As you can see, colleagues, no decision is foreseen for this item. The Secretariat has a standing mandate to cooperate with other relevant organizations and will continue to do so in the next intersessional period. So no further guidance from the parties is required in this regard. I therefore suggest that we note the information provided document MOP 12/9 in the report of the meeting. I would now just like to open the floor for interventions, particularly from many parties and organizations that may wish to speak briefly on relevant cooperative activities they have undertaken in support of the Cartagena Protocol and biosafety-related activities. So I open the floor. I see Germany followed by Antigua and Barbuda. So Germany, you have the floor?

Thank you very much. We would like to report on the capacity building activities in synthetic biology that might also be interesting in the context of the Cartagena Protocol. In November 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting the first CBD capacity building workshop on synthetic biology. The workshop was successfully co-organized by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and the CBD Secretariat, with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. It contributed to the request in decision 16/21 to support capacity building activities in the intersessional period. On the small island of film in Germany, the workshop brought together participants representing all CBD regions. We were very, very pleased to welcome contributions from a range of experts and institution. Representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, the Atomic Energy Authority of Egypt, The German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety and the Third World Network shared the comprehensive expertise in various perspectives. These contributions were particularly valuable in bringing together different regional expertises, case studies, and methodological approaches. The objective was to strengthen capacities on synthetic biologies and its implications for the objectives of the Convention. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the diverse capacity building needs and priorities of different regions. The workshop was well received by the participants. Beyond the technical discussions, the workshop was an important opportunity for mutual learning, knowledge sharing, and networking. For Germany, co-hosting this first capacity building workshop on synthetic biology in the CBD was an important contribution to the ongoing CBD process. Looking ahead, we hope to build on this experience and continue working on the synthetic biology under the convention. I would like to sincerely thank the CBD Secretariat for the excellent cooperation and the experts and participants for their engaged participation. Thank you very much.

Germany, and thank you very much for all these activities promoted in order to provide capacity building activities on biosafety. Now I'll give the floor to Antigua and Barbuda, followed by Brazil.

Thank you, Chair. Antigua and Barbuda takes the opportunity to welcome the document, and we highly commend the Secretariat's continuous efforts to advance international and regional cooperation under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. In particular, Antigua and Barbuda wishes to draw attention to paragraph 9 of the document, which highlights the successful subregional training course for Caribbean States on Risk Assessments of Living Modified Organisms, successfully hosted in December 2024. For small island developing states in the Caribbean, building robust, independent scientific capacity is a fundamental necessity for protecting our unique biodiversity from potential risks associated with modern biotechnology. This rigorous hands-on technical training delivered during this workshop developed strengthened or sub-regional ability to execute case-by-case risk assessment aligned with the protocol's objectives. This workshop stood as a model for fruitful cooperation. It brought together local experts, including Antigua and Barbuda's Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Environment, alongside regional technicians and the secretariat. The positive outcomes achieved served as a powerful proof of concept. Targeted, well-coordinated subregional workshops provide the practical toolkits necessary to meet Target 17 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Antigua and Barbuda remains deeply committed to fostering these cooperative avenues. We urge the secretariat and the international partners to continue providing dedicated resources, updated training models, and technical cooperation mechanisms tailored to the unique capacity building needs of the Caribbean subregion. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Antigua, and congratulations for this subregional workshop. I will give the floor to Brazil.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As this is our first time taking the floor, we would like to commend you on the work of chairing the working group and also which used our delegates as move right during these days. Mr. Chair, as recognized in the context of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, Cooperation and capacity building are essential to support the effective implementation of the protocol, particularly in strengthening national capacities for the risk assessment and managing of living modified organisms. In collaboration of the secretariat of the CBD has organized the international training course on risk assessment of living modified organisms under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, hosted in Brasilia from 2 to 6 June 2025, with a view to advancing action in this regard. The course provided an important opportunity for experts and representatives from participating countries to strengthen their technical knowledge, exchange experiences, and discuss scientific approaches and methodologies for risk assessments of LMOs in accordance with the objectives and provisions of the Cartagena Protocol. Brazil considers that initiatives such as this training course play a valuable role in promoting international cooperation, fostering the exchange of scientific information and practical experience, and strengthening the technical capacities needed to support science-based and informed decision making on biosafety. These efforts directly support target 17 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework. By strengthening risk assessment capabilities and promoting the safe and responsible use of biotechnology, capacity building initiatives can also help countries explore their potential contributions to other GBF targets, including ecosystem restoration, species conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. Brazil reaffirms its commitments to international collaboration in biosafety and encourages continued efforts by the parties, the secretariat, and relevant international regional partners to promote knowledge sharing, strengthen techno expertise, and support the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology. Thank you, Chair.

For this training on risk assessment. last year. So there is evidence of cooperation on these matters. This is a good example of progress. Now I will give the floor to Slovenia. Please press your button, followed by Bahrain. Microphone to Slovenia. Seems it's not working. while we go to Bahrain.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In line with the document and the efforts exerted, we would like to express our deep gratitude for the government of Germany, represented in the Federal PFM, with the cooperation with the Secretary to holding the first workshop to build capacities in synthetic biology held in Finn, November 2025. This workshop was very important and of great scientific benefit as it enriched technical discussions and clarified the needs to build capacities and to cope with the accelerated progress in this connection. Mr. Chair, I would like to propose an addition. to be included as part of the draft decision as follows. The MOP would like to express its appreciation to Germany and to the Federal Association to have held this workshop to build capacities in the field of synthetic biology in Finland and would like to emphasize on the great benefit that was reaped and calls upon holding similar workshops in the future based on the availability of resources. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Behnam. Just let me remind you that there is no draft decision associated to this item. We're taking note and we are listing examples of the three activities. But maybe if you want to include this in the report of the session as a recognition, that can be included. But there is no draft decision. Now I'll give the floor to Slovenia.

Thank you, Chair.

Slovenia remains fully committed to the effective implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and to strengthening international cooperation in this field.

The workshop on the detection and identification of living modified organisms and the role of custom officials in.

Implementing the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, held in Ljubljana from 22nd to 26th September 2025, highlighted the importance of cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and close links between competent authorities, laboratories, and customs service in ensuring effective biosafety. In this regard, the Secretary plays a key role in facilitating international cooperation and supporting capacity building.

The workshop demonstrated how close.

Collaboration between the Secretariat and Parties to the Cartagena Protocol can strengthen the sharing of knowledge and expertise, enhance coordination and cooperation, and improve capacities from the detection and identification of LMOs in support of the Protocol's implementation. Ultimately, effective biosafety requires more than compliance with administrative rules. It also depends on sustained cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and the capacity to translate shared knowledge and effective action. Thank you.

Thank you very much. With this, we exhaust the list of parties requesting for the floor. And I have two requests from observers. I give the floor to Sen. Agyo and C234.

Yes, thank you so much, Chair. I'm speaking on behalf of the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB. For almost three decades, we have supported our member states in strengthening biosafety capacities. We greatly value our long-standing cooperation with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, including training on LMO risk assessment and detection, contributions to technical resources on synthetic biology and engineered gene drive, and a new collaboration through a joint in KBF project. Our experience has shown that effective capacity building requires more than individual training. We encourage future cooperation to combine the technical training with support for institutional processes so that new knowledge translate into operational national biosafety systems. And we also encourage parties to communicate their specific needs and priorities so that cooperation remains country driven and responsive to national circumstances. Thank you.

Thank you very much for another example of support parties through organizations in collaboration with the Secretariat. I will give the floor to the final requests on the floor. It's UN, it's what I have here, but if you identify, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I deliver the statement on behalf of the UNECE Executive Secretary, Ms. Tatiana Malchann. Biodiversity is a crucial integral part of the environment and is essential for human well-being. Participatory biosafety governance can prevent potential risks, protect health and the environment, strengthen food security, and ensure use of biotechnology in a responsible manner. UNACE supports member states in mainstreaming biodiversity into the sustainable use and management of natural resources, land use planning, infrastructure, and adaptation to climate change. Promotion of sustainable forest management practices and water pollution carving, protection of water ecosystems, and sustainable investments are among UNACE's activity. And meaningful public engagement is a precondition for any such work. It provides effective response to mitigating biodiversity loss and protecting ecosystems, prevents possible conflicts, and ensure quality of the outcomes. In this regard, Member States benefit from the Aarhus Convention, a solid framework to promote access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in biosafety and biodiversity contexts. This work is led by Austria, which demonstrated exceptional devotion to this significant undertaking. UNECE highly values a long-standing cooperation with the CBD Secretariat, which is very timely in view of supporting Member States to achieve the international commitments, such as sustainable development goals, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Aarhus Convention and Synergy. UNESCO looks forward to continuing this important collaboration, which foresees a joint global roundtable on the both treaties in 2027. And let me conclude by expressing our appreciation to Austria for its remarkable leadership and to Armenia for hosting this important event. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much, colleagues. With this, we have completed the first reading of Agenda 11. I see no more requests from the floor. We understand. We all agree on noting the information in the report of the meeting. So I see no objections. Thank you very much. Now, we move to agenda item 14 on detection and identification of living modified organisms. So, as this item has not been addressed by a subsidiary body, we will hear interventions on this item. So I'll give the floor to the secretariat to introduce the item. So you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. The document CBD/CP/MOB/12/10 provides an overview of the work undertaken during the intersessional period pursuant to decision CP.11/8. The document summarizes the information submitted by parties and relevant organizations, the online discussions of the network of laboratories for the detection and identification of living modified organisms, the capacity building activities, and information and technical resources collected by the Secretariat. In addition, two information documents have also been prepared. CBT/CP/MOP/12/INF/4, which summarizes the 2025 online discussions of the network of laboratories and document CBT/CP/MOP/12/INF/5, which provides a synthesis of the information submitted by in response to notification number 2026/10. The proposed draft decision has also been included in the compilation of draft decisions. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Secretariat. As we will explain, information document IF8 lists 10 submissions received from Parties. and one statement from observers on item 14 by the deadline. The list of participant observers is on the screen. So I would like to see if there's any objection for these statements to be formally entered on the record as officially submitted for this agenda item. I don't see any objection. So let's move to the approval of observers. So there is one observer organization, the Heinrich Boll Foundation on behalf of CBD Alliance. So I would like to know, there is support for these statements. I see Egypt. Oh, no, no, no, no. Let me go backwards. We need to follow properly the procedures. Is Heinrich Boll Foundation in the room? please press your button or and wave your flag. I see a some somebody. Yes, I hope you are from that organization. Or not saying hello. And then now I request parties and I see Egypt, Indonesia, and Thailand. So, your submission will be taken into account for debates. Okay. Now, as all us know the process. I'm going to give now the floor for parties speaking on behalf of regions. I see a number of the ones supporting the intervention. Can you please clean the screen? Help me to clean the screen. I see Indonesia, Thailand, and Kenya, but I don't know if they were supporting. Okay, now I ask for parties speaking on behalf of a regional group to request for the floor. I see no request. Now I give the floor to parties. Kenya, you have the floor, followed by Indonesia and India. Kenya, you have the floor.

Kenya delivers this statement on behalf of the African Union. Mr. Chair, Africa thanks the Secretariat for the work in implementing Decision CP/11/8. Africa notes progress made in development of new detection methods, including digital polymerase chain reaction, next-generation sequencing, and isothermal amplification. However, many laboratories rely on the conventional for real-time PCR and the adoption of advanced techniques is constrained by access and cost of equipment, reagents and consumables, procurement challenges, and limited technical expertise. Effective implementation of the protocol requires sustained investment in national laboratory system, including access to sustainable certified reference materials, which are expensive, difficult to procure, and unavailable for many LMOs. Africa, therefore, encourages practical cooperation on developing and validating reliable reference materials, including through inter-laboratory collaboration. Africa recognizes digital PCR improves sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility, thus creating more opportunities for LMO detection. We therefore support the development of an additional chapter on digital PCR to complement the Biosafety Technical Series No. 5. In relation to diagnostic methods, including next generation sequencing and isothermal amplification, Africa encourages continued monitoring and sharing of validated methods and practical experiences through biosafety clearinghouse. This should include the development of accessible, multilingual technical resources, such as validated detection protocols, reference methods, and practical case studies to strengthen capacity building and facilitate the effective implementation of biosafety measures across the region. Distinguished delegates, Africa underscores the importance of strengthening regional and subregional cooperation, including establishing, revitalizing, and sustaining laboratory networks. Strengthening networks and fostering knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, harmonization of methods, proficiency testing, and interlaboratory comparisons. However, in several regions, these networks are inactive or do not really exist. likely due to lack of sustainable funding. Their effectiveness depends on sustained resources, active participation, and greater visibility of regional initiatives within the global network of laboratories. Africa calls for adequate and particular financial and technical support, particularly for developing countries, to strengthen laboratory infrastructure, technical expertise, quality control systems, and sustainable operations. Funding to support not only acquisition of equipment, but also the long-term operational stability of laboratories. In conclusion, Africa supports the proposed action to update the Biosafety Technical Series No. 5 to include digital PCR, continuously update the Biosafety Clearinghouse registry of laboratories, nominate additional laboratories and experts to the network, strengthen regional laboratory networks, improve the detection and identification of pathogens, accelerate practical training for laboratory personnel and customs and border control officials on document review and LMO detection using existing and new testing methods. Thank you, Chair.

Asante sana, Kenya. Just please provide your statement to see which amendments you are proposing for draft decision. And now I give the floor to Indonesia, followed by India and Thailand.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Indonesia recognize the importance of strengthening living modified organism detection and identification to support the effective implementation of Cartagena Protocol on Bio Safety. We support enhanced laboratory capacity, quality assurance, technical expertise, and institutional cooperation. Indonesia welcomes advance in detection technologies. However, such technologies should not automatically become mandatory standards for all parties. Given differences in national capacities, needs, and available resources, Parties should retain flexibility in selecting appropriate methods according to their national circumstances. Access to suitable reference material is essential for a reliable detection and monitoring. We encourage developers to make such material available to competent authorities as appropriate while respecting proprietary interests and confidential information. Indonesia supports practical and cost-effective approaches, including validated methods, method validation, and proficiency testing. We also welcome the proposed supplementary chapter on digital PCR for the Biosafety Technical Series number five, including its development and peer review through the network of laboratories. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of regional laboratory networks, information exchange through the Biosafety Clearing-House, and sustainable technical and financial assistance, particularly for developing country parties. Indonesia supports the draft decision and encourage continued international cooperation and needs-based capacity building. Thank you, Chair.

Eddie Mccarthy, Indonesia. this and I hear support for this paragraph 5 on to have a supplementing chapter on this by safety technical series number 5. Second intervention on this line. Now I'll give the floor to India, followed by Thailand and Rwanda.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. India recognizes the importance of technical detection and identification methodologies for the effective implementation of Article 18 of the Cartagena Protocol. India supports updating technical resources, training materials and reference documents to reflect advances in analytical technologies. India has developed significant national capacity in this area through a network of laboratories, accredited facilities and technical expertise, and recognizes the value of continued scientific cooperation and experience sharing among Parties. India supports strengthened capacity building, laboratory networking, technical training, and sharing of validated methodologies and reference materials, particularly for developing country parties. Capacity building efforts should take into account differing national laboratory capacities and support the use of appropriate, validated, and fit-for-purpose methods suited to national regulatory requirements. India also recognizes the value of regional and international collaboration in strengthening technical capabilities while ensuring that implementation remains practical, science-based, and responsive to national needs. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, India. Please read out your key points, especially those that we would like to have reflected in the decisions. and be sure to upload your written comments no later than one hour after the close of these sessions. Just a reminder to focus on what changes are we proposing to the draft decisions to make progress. Now I'll give the floor to Thailand, followed by Rwanda and Peru.

Thank you, Chair. Thailand welcomes the progress made in the detection and identification of living modified organisms. We support the proposed development of a supplemental chapter on digital PCR, recognizing its potential to strengthen laboratory capacities. At the same time, we would like to highlight the importance of maintaining flexibility to accommodate future scientific and technological developments. We believe this would help ensure that the training manual remains relevant and useful in the long term. Thank you, Chair.

And now I'll give the floor to Rwanda, followed by Peru and Burkina Faso.

Thank you so much, Chair.

So Rwanda supports the statement made by Kenya on behalf of Africa. welcome the training manual on detection and identification initiative for network of laboratories for the detection and identification of LMO.

And workshop training provided in the. We support the development of chapter on digital PCR and the training manual on detection and identification of LMO.

However, we know that the high cost of equipment, limited number of technical personnel, and associated maintenance costs remain a significant barrier for developing countries.

We therefore request that the chapter include the practical guidance on cost-effective approaches and on the staged adoption of the technology, if possible. We also support the work of the network of laboratories and call for the increased participation of African countries.

In it.

We request for easy access to the validated detection method relevant by informatic information and sequence data as well as knowledge sharing and interlaboratory comparison.

So, Rwanda calls for refresher training and regional hands-on workshops so that capacity is not lost through staff turnover.

We call.

We call for supporting equipment, maintenance, and continuous training on quality assurance system.

Randa requests the clarification of the definition of the term unauthorized living modified organism as this.

Issue was not resolved in the previous meeting.

Thank you.

I submit my questioning.

Thank you, Randa.

I give the floor to.

Peru, followed by Burkina Faso and Ghana.

Thank you very much, Chair. Peru recognizes the importance of continuing to build capacities of parties when it comes to detection and identification of LMOs, and we thank the Secretariat and the network of laboratories for the work they've done in this area. My delegation would like to highlight that detection and identification of LMOs is an integrated process that begins with appropriate and statistically representative sampling strategies. The availability of robust analytical methodologies must be complemented with technical guidance on sampling in order to ensure reliability, reproducibility, and comparability of results. In this context, we note that the fifth assessment of the effectiveness of the Cartagena Protocol identified significant needs in terms of capacity building when it comes to sampling, detection, and identification of LMOs. Therefore, we consider that it would be timely for future activities to strengthen capacities and to provide guidance and training technical material in this area should also include strategies and procedures for sampling that is appropriate for different types of monitoring context and matrices. We'd also like to encourage parties, relevant organizations, and biotechnology developers to provide, in a timely manner, relevant technical information about commercialized and emerging events, including genetic constructs, reference sequences, and analytical methods, in order to contribute to more effective detection and identification of unintentional or unauthorized LMOs. And finally, Peru would like to support the creation of an additional chapter on digital PCR because of its potential to improve the sensitivity and precision of detection of LMOs. However, we consider it essential to keep in mind the different national capacities and to avoid disproportionate technical and financial burdens for Parties. We have sent our proposals for the text in writing. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you. And I once again invite you to, instead of making statements, to make proposals. We're hearing statements where you say you're going to make proposals, but those aren't then being presented in the group. So I urge you to adjust your statements accordingly and tell us what you want to include in the draft decision, please.

So Burkina Faso, followed by Ghana and Nigeria. I have about 10 more requests for the floor, so let's be as efficient as possible. concentrating on draft changes, please.

Thank you, Chair. Burkina Faso supports the statement made by the Africa Group, as made by Kenya, Mr. Chair. Burkina Faso also thanks the Secretariat for the work done in the intersessional period and for preparing this draft decision that we are considering today. We support the development of a chapter on digital PCR to add to the training manual on detection and identification of LMOs in the framework of the Cartagena Protocol on the prevention of biotechnical risks. This technology has a number of advantages, including greater sensitivity and precision, And it responds to a real need for training. We have a minimum amount of technical capacity and means for detection and identification of LMOs. However, optimal use of this capacity depends on regular access to reference material and to reliable and updated information on products resulting from modern biotechnology. including their characteristics and methods allowing for their detection and identification. Therefore, we invite parties to develop that and that develop the technology and the organizations to develop reference material that on this material that will be available and accessible. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Burkina Faso. Now I'll give the floor to Ghana, followed by Nigeria and Panama.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Ghana aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African group and wishes to add the following. Ghana is pleased that its Center for Scientific and Industrial Research Crop Research Institute contributed technical materials to the secretariat's compilation. We encourage other African laboratories to share their methods and experience through Biosafety Clearinghouse. Our secretariat document notes limited experience among parties in detecting unauthorized, newly developed, and stacked events. This gap will widen as more events enter trade. Ghana, therefore, asks that capacity strengthening advance on two tracks together, consolidating existing screening and event-specific methods while building readiness in digital PCR, sequencing, and rapid on-site tests for customs and inspection officers. One track should not wait for the other. The supplemental chapter on digital PCR will only be useful if laboratories can apply it. Yet, the annex provides for just two training activities of 20 participants each for all parties, I emphasize. This falls short of the need. Ghana requests that the chapter be accompanied by hands-on regional training, including in Africa, and invites partners to support it. Ghana stands ready to contribute to regional training, proficiency testing, and interlaboratory comparisons. I thank you.

Thank you, Ghana. I hope to see your precise amendments to the support of paragraph 5 on this chapter. So, so far, I hear support and only one amendment after all these interventions. have a list. I follow, I give the floor to Nigeria for Panama, Zambia, Egypt, and still more parties. Go ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Nigeria strongly aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African group and commends the secretariat for the progress made in advancing the detection and identification of living modified organisms under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, especially in terms of capacity building. Products of emerging biotechnologies pose detection challenges that conventional event-specific methods were not designed to meet. Nigeria, therefore, in furtherance of the support for the Africa's proposal to update the Technical Series 05, suggests that, one, it be updated to cover newer approaches such as targeted sequencing, with reference material and validation criteria. Two, be reviewed regularly, drawing on the network of laboratories and parties' experience. We call for scaled-up capacity building on methods suited to these products, including training, equipment, reference materials, bioinformatic tools, and adequate funding, with continued involvement of customs officials. Finally, we call for support for laboratory infrastructure and accreditation in line with ISO and IEC 17025 so that the results are reliable and credible across borders. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Nigeria. I invite delegates to put away your headsets from the microphone. Can you turn off your mic, Nigeria, to avoid echo? Thank you. Now I give the.

Floor to Panama, followed by Zambia, Egypt, and Tunisia.

Thank you, Chair. I make this statement representing Panama and Paraguay. We support the draft decision as presented. We consider that the document is balanced and addresses the objectives needed to continue building capacities. So we will pay great attention to any modifications to the document. We also thank the secretariat and the network of laboratories for their work. The assessment of the protocol confirms that detection and identification of LMOs continues to be one of the greatest needs of developing countries. The challenge is not just setting up a laboratory, but keeping it running over time with trained staff, equipment, and reference materials. Therefore, we value that this decision promotes long-term national strategies. We particularly appreciate the regional networks of laboratories that allow neighboring countries to share capacities and experience, as well as hands-on training for laboratory and customs staff. We also support the new chapter on digital PCR, a technique that can make work easier for laboratories with fewer resources. We invite parties in a position to do so and relevant organizations to support countries that do not yet have these capacities. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Panama. I give the floor to Zambia, followed by Egypt, Tunisia, and Mexico.

Thank you, Chair. Zambia supports the statement made by Kenya on behalf of the African Group and appreciates the Secretariat for the work on implementing decision CP.11/8. The importance of capacity building and technical materials cannot be overemphasized, particularly on detection, identification of living modified organisms. Zambia recognizes advances in detection methods for LMOs and the need to continue building capacity, adopt advanced techniques and address constraints to access the latest equipment enhanced provision for reagents and consumables. Zambia supports sustained and enhanced investment in laboratory capacity, advanced detection technologies, regional cooperation and knowledge sharing mechanisms aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol and improved detection and identification of LMOs in Africa. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Zambia. I'll give the floor to Egypt, followed by Tunisia, Mexico and Cote d'Ivoire.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Egypt appreciates the work undertaken on the detection and identification of living modified organisms and supports the proposed decision. We wish to highlight three priorities in this regard. First, strengthening national and regional laboratory capacity, including access to validated detection method, reference material, technology transfer, and sustainable financial support, particularly for developing countries. Second, ensuring that the detection finding translate into appropriate regulatory action, including notification, containment, recall, and emergency response where necessary. Third, ensuring that detection and traceability can support the effective implementation of applicable liability and addressed provision, including the identification of responsible operator and recovery of associated response measure cost. In this regard, EEA proposed the insertion of two additional paragraph following paragraph four.

4b.

Urge parties to integrate detection and identification into effective national traceability and post-release monitoring system and to establish clear procedure to ensure that the detection of unauthorized and unintentionally introduced LMOs that may cause adverse effect trigger timely and appropriate measures, including notification, containment, and recording, and emergency response as applicable. Further, urge parties and invite other government and relevant organization to facilitate access to relevant detection, identification, and traceability information necessary to support the implementation of applicable liability and redress provision, including the identification of responsible operator, assessment of damage, and recovery of associated cost of investigation, containment, remediation and compensation as applicable, consistent with national regulation and relevant international obligation. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We submit that in writing.

Thank you, Egypt. Tunisia, followed by Mexico, Cote d'Ivoire and Uganda.

Thank you, Chair. Tunisia aligns itself with the statement made by Kenya on behalf of the Africa Group. We thank the Secretariat for the note they have presented on detection and identification of LMOs. Tunisia recognizes the importance of having solid national capacity to ensure reliable detection and identification of LMOs in line with the objectives of the Protocol. The exchanges within the network of laboratories show, however, that there are still gaps between countries when it comes to technical and institutional capacity, particularly when it comes to access to specialized equipment, reference material, approved methods, and expertise in biotechnology. Of particular importance for us is capacity building at the national and regional level, including through hands-on training, quality assurance, inter-laboratory connections and the development of laboratory networks. Regional cooperation must also allow for greater sharing of knowledge, methods, and technical resources. We also stress the need for predictable support in order to strengthen infrastructure, skills, and quality control systems. We also support the creation and strengthening of regional laboratory networks, as well as the development of national strategies. Finally, Tunisia, welcomes the development of additional guidance on digital PCR, and we encourage work to continue on new detection techniques for LMOs. However, we stress that the introduction of this technology must go hand in hand with appropriate capacity building, effective knowledge transfer, and fair access to tools and necessary expertise. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Tunisia. I'll give the floor to Mexico.

You have the floor. Mexico would like to thank the Secretariat for the work they've done in the intersession period in terms of detection and identification of LMOs, as well as in preparing the document on this topic. For our country, national and regional capacity building are a priority to effectively implement the Cartagena Protocol. In this context, Mexico shares the concern over differences in infrastructure, specialized staff, access to reference materials, validation of methods, and aptitude tests that exist between countries. Therefore, we'd like to stress the importance of promoting sustained financing for capacity building, technical cooperation, and exchange of experience, which will contribute to overcoming these gaps, particularly in developing countries. In addition to exploring effective mechanisms to strengthen the network of laboratories for detection and identification of LMOs, Mexico supports the inclusion of a chapter on digital PCR in the training manual on detection and identification of LMOs in the context of the Cartagena Protocol, ensuring that this technology is integrated in a gradual manner and in complement to methods already used by Parties based on their capacities and specific needs. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Mexico.

Cote d'Ivoire, followed by Uganda and Sudan.

Thank you, Chair. The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire thanks the Secretariat for preparing this draft decision on detection and identification of LMOs, and we support the statement made on behalf of the Africa Group. Cote d'Ivoire notes the progress made in the fifth the fifth report on detection and identification of living modified organisms within the Cartagena Protocol. However, implementation still faces considerable challenges shared by most developing countries, as is recognized by the draft decision. Laboratories struggle to function in the long term, and they're also struggling in terms of their development and maintenance, and there are disparities in terms of capacities between parties which remain considerable. In concrete terms, we lack equipment, trained staff, and financial resources in the long term. That is why we request financial support that is predictable and long term, particularly through the financing mechanism and bilateral and multilateral partners. Technology transfer is a form of strengthened technical cooperation. practical training for technicians and inspectors, particularly when it comes to digital PCR, technical and financial support for regional laboratory networks for the detection and identification of LMOs in order to share equipment, methods, and data to the benefit of countries that don't have an accredited laboratory. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you.

Go to Ron. I will give the floor to Uganda, followed by Sudan, and last party requesting the floor, Costa Rica.

Thank you, Chair. Uganda supports the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African Group.

We appreciate the work undertaken under the Convention and the Cartagena Protocol, including the training material, the network of laboratories and information sharing through the Biosafety Clearing-House.

For Uganda, the priority is strengthening national technical capacity for.

Reliable living modified organism identification to support research oversight, compliance monitoring and transboundary movement controls. Chair, Uganda calls for updating the technical guidance to include digital PCR, strengthening laboratory networks and improving relevant biosafety clearing house resources. Uganda further calls for training for laboratory personnel, inspectors, and customs and border control officials alongside broader capacity building.

Technology transfer, and scientific cooperation to strengthen existing national capacities. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you. I'll give the floor to Sudan, followed by Costa Rica.

Yes.

Thank you, Chair. Sudan Alliance with Africa, with Africa group statement on detection and identification of living modified organism. Sudan recognizes the importance of effective detection and the identification of living modified organisms as a key element for biosafety risk assessment, monitoring, and enforcement of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Sudan has been cultivating genetically modified crops since 2012 and has developed experience in regulating and monitoring GM agricultural crops. However, Strengthening national capacity for LMO detection remains a priority, particular through improved laboratory infrastructure, availability of modern detection technologies, development of technical expertise, and establishment of sustainable monitoring system. Limited financial resources, infrastructure constraints, and the need for continuous capacity remains significant challenges for Sudan. Sudan appreciates the support provided through international cooperation and emphasizes the importance of continued financial and technical assistance to enable developing countries to establish and maintain effective LMO detection and identification systems. Such support is essential to ensure science-based decision-making, compliance with the Cartagena Protocol, protection of biodiversity and safe use of biotechnology.

Thank you very much. Time is over, so please submit your your statement not to be recorded properly. Now I give the floor to the last speaker, Costa Rica.

Thank you very much, Chair. Costa Rica supports the development of the additional chapter on digital PCR. We consider that it should be a strictly technical document. complementing the existing manual without creating new normative or methodological obligations for parties. We also considered it important to strengthen international cooperation efforts in order to facilitate access to reference material, detection protocols, and other technical resources that are necessary to strengthen laboratory capacities, particularly in developing countries. These efforts could include technical assistance, technology transfer, and financial support. Costa Rica will present its statement in writing within the time limit. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Costa Rica. With this, we have come to the end of the list of parties requesting the floor.

If there is any observer requesting for the floor, any observer organization, I see no request. So with this, we have completed the first reading of agenda item 16. Based on this, in cooperation with the secretariat, we are going to present a CRP document for consideration of the next session of this group. Just hold on a moment. Thank you, delegates, for your patience. Secretary, this is advising me that this is a procedural thing that I skipped on the previous agenda items, on item 11 on cooperation. Remember, there is no decision, no grab decision, but we're taking note of the different examples we heard about cooperation, but regarding early submission, there were four submissions received from parties and no statements from observers. Just for the purpose of the record, I would like to know if those four submissions from parties that are now on the screen, if they agree that this be considered as formal early submissions for the record. I see no objections. This is just a formality. So we took this into account. Thank you very much. So we have done properly all agenda items so far. I think we are doing very good progress, more than we expect. You are cooperating very well. Thank you. Now let's move to item 17 of the Cartagena Protocol. Hold on, hold on. Apologies. It's item 15 on socioeconomic considerations. Hold on. I received mixed messages from secretariat. Half an hour to go. Item 15, socioeconomic considerations on MOP 12. As this item has not been addressed by a subsidiary body, we would hear intervention on this item. So I'll give the floor to the Secretary to introduce the item. So Peter, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In decision CP11.9, the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the parties to the Cartagena Protocol welcomed the information shared on experiences using the voluntary guidance on the assessment of socioeconomic considerations in the context of Article 26 of the Cartagena Protocol. In the same decision, the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the parties to the Protocol invited Parties, other governments, relevant organizations and other stakeholders, as appropriate, to use the voluntary guidance and share their experiences in this regard in the Fifth National Reports or to make such experiences available in the Biosafety Clearing-House Virtual Library. Section 2 of document CBD-CP/MOP.12/11 provides a synthesis of information shared in response to decision CP.11/9. Section 3 of the document contains conclusions and a draft decision for consideration at this meeting. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Secretary. As we will explain, information document eight lists the five submissions received from parties and one statement from observers. So I would like to hear if we can go along to consider as formally present on the record as submit for this agenda item. I see no objections. Then We will proceed now to see if for the observer, Henrik Wall Foundation on behalf of CVD Alliance, is there any support? You are here? Please wave your flag. Yeah, I see two hands, same person. So you are here. Now I request parties to express support for the early submission. I see Egypt. Zimbabwe. So it's taken into account. Thank you very much. Now we move now to listen interventions from parties speaking on behalf of regional groups. Can the NGO turn off their mic? So we are going now with parties speaking on behalf of regions. I believe it's on behalf of the African region. Zimbabwe, you have the floor.

Thank you, Jim. Zimbabwe makes this statement on behalf of Africa. Africa values the consideration of socioeconomic impact of living modified organisms, LMOs, especially on indigenous peoples and local communities in accordance with Article 26 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Africa further emphasizes that practical guidance and tools are needed to integrate these considerations into commercial release decision-making, including consultation with affected indigenous peoples and local communities. Africa commends parties that shared information on experiences in the use of guidance on assessment of socioeconomic consideration in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. We, however, note with concern that Though the guidance document is useful, only limited submissions were received. Africa encourages parties to share practical experiences and case studies on the use of the guidance and also requests the secretariat to analyze barriers to submissions and report on how participation can be improved. We call upon the Executive Secretary to make deliberate efforts for creating awareness and capacity building activities on the use of the guidance document. Africa invites parties that have benefited from such initiatives to present practical experiences, including challenges and good practices. Africa supports the synthesizing of information by the Secretariat on experiences on socioeconomic consideration, including the use of the guidance provided. Africa requests that the Secretariat's synthesis includes lessons learned, challenges, good practices and recommendations, and that it informs future guidance and capacity building. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Zimbabwe, on behalf of the African region. the delegates, I just like to highlight that this is a short document. It's only three paragraphs on the draft decision. I hear support from the African region and some comments. Now I open the floor for parties who wants to take the floor on this point, and in particular to amendments on the draft decision, if So I have four parties, Nigeria,, Panama, Peru, and Zambia. Nigeria.

Thank you, Chair.

Nigeria aligns itself with the statement delivered by Zimbabwe on behalf of the African group. We support the secretariat's.

Continued work in synthesizing parties' experience on the use of the guidance on the assessment of socioeconomic considerations and encourages greater participation by parties in sharing their experiences through future submissions.

We also support enhanced awareness raising and capacity building initiatives to facilitate.

The practical application of the guidance, particularly for the developing.

Countries, and look forward to continued progress in strengthening the implementation of the socioeconomic considerations under the protocol.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Nigeria. I'll give the floor.

To Panama, followed by Peru.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm making this statement on behalf of Panama and Paraguay. We support the draft decision as presented, and it's our view that it was balanced because the amendments to the Mordic documents were done in detail, and we're thanking the Secretariat for their synthetic presentation. It enables parties to take into account the socioeconomic considerations in their decisions, and this is consistent with their other international obligations. It is an optional decision that each country can do based on their legislation and circumstances. For our countries, it's important that the risk assessment be based on scientific criteria and be done on a case-by-case basis, and that the socioeconomic considerations are applied in line with national legislation with respect for the rights of indigenous peoples. This enables us to have a robust scientific assessment, and it also makes sure that we take into account the realities of each country. We support further sharing of voluntary, voluntary sharing of information on safety and technology in their national reports. Thank you.

Yes, yes.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Peru, and they'll be followed by Zambia.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I'm sure I'll go to the point. We recognize importance of socioeconomic considerations as a complementary tool to decision making on LMOs in accordance with Article 26 of the protocol. We take note of the dearth of information reported on the use of the voluntary guidelines. And this shows clearly the significant gap in the application of socioeconomic considerations. We therefore believe that the priority should be to close this gap through technical cooperation and to strengthen our institutions so that we can have better assessment of the efficiency of the existing measures. We therefore call for the Secretariat to conduct regional training to help developing countries build their capacities, especially those that are centers of origin and growing areas for food security purposes, so that their socioeconomic considerations can be effectively taken into account. Thank you.

Thank you, Peru. I now give the floor to Zambia. That's the last party requesting the floor.

Zambia aligns itself with the statement made by Zimbabwe on behalf of Africa. Zambia supports the continued implementation of Article 26 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and recognizes the importance of socioeconomic consideration in biosafety decision making. Zambia encourages the continued use of the voluntary guidance, sharing of national experiences through the Biosafety Clearing House, and enhanced capacity building to support evidence-based assessments. Socioeconomic considerations are particularly important for protecting food security, smallholder livelihoods, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture development while ensuring the safe use of modern biotechnology. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Zambia. I still have one more request from Cote d'Ivoire. It was available.

You have the floor, Cote d'Ivoire. Thank you, Chair. Republic of Cote d'Ivoire would like to thank the Secretariat for the draft decision, and we support the statement made on behalf of the African Group. Article 26 of the Cartagena Protocol allows us to take into account in our decision-making, import on LMOs, socioeconomic considerations that are linked to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. and more specifically its value to IPLCs. For Cote d'Ivoire, this is an essential provision. The livelihoods of our populations are greatly dependent on our fisheries, forestry, and local knowledge. This affects the incomes of small producers, the food system and crop diversity. We therefore would like to stress that we need to preserve local species and varieties as well as traditional seeds transmitted from generation to generation. The lack of information stems from a lack of expertise, data, and resources in developing countries. We therefore would like to see that data sharing and experience sharing in the draft decision go hand in hand with two measures, first and foremost. support for capacity building, and second, the participation of local communities and indigenous communities in the socioeconomic assessment so that their knowledge and concerns can be folded into any decisions that are actually taken. Thank you.

Merci, Kadwa. So we'll take in consideration your statement. Now I open the floor for observers. on this agenda item. I don't see any requests from observers. So with this, we have completed the first reading of agenda item 15. Thank you very much. So based on this, I'll prepare with the support of Secretary Garcia, CRP paper for further consideration and approval. It's a very short, but just three paragraphs. And I've been advised by the Secretary that we may take in the next 15 minutes agenda item 16 on national legislation, regulations and guidelines on new developments in modern technology. So for this, I give the floor to Secretary to introduce the document. Peter.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In decision CP 11.1c, the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety encouraged parties to submit information regarding national legislation, regulations, and guidelines on new developments in modern biotechnology that are relevant to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and not published in the Biosafety Clearing-House. In the same decision, the Executive Secretary was requested to compile information contained in the Biosafety Clearing House and other sources regarding current national legislation, regulations, and guidelines on new developments in modern biotechnology. Section 2 of document CBD/CP/MOP.12/12 provides a basic introduction to new developments in biotechnology. Section 3 of the document provides a compilation of information from submissions, the Biosafety Clearing-House and other sources. Information document CBD/CP/MOP/12/INF/6 contains further details to complement the information provided in the working document. Section 4 of the working document contains a draft decision for consideration at this meeting. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, Secretariat. As briefly explained in document INF-8, this is eight submissions received from parties and one statement from observers on this agenda item. The list of parties are indicated here. Is there any objection to consider these statements as formally submitted for consideration? I don't see Any opposition? So it will be taken on board. And since there is one from an observer, the Heinrich Boll Foundation, I see hands. I'd like to hear this support from parties. I see Egypt and Indonesia. So the submission is taken into account. Also, Paraguay. Thank you very much. You can clean the list. And we can go now for interventions from parties speaking on behalf of regional groups. I see that this is also a very short document, just five paragraphs, beautiful paragraphs. I hope there are not many amendments in order to be approved soon. I will give the floor to Burkina Faso.

Thank you, Chair. Burkina Faso. is delivering this statement on behalf of the African Group. The African Group wishes to thank the Secretariat for the document that was presented, which gives us a clear and useful summary of this new item on the CP agenda. We welcome the information shared by Parties, as well as those compiled based on the BCH. It shows that many parties have drafted or adopted procedures geared towards determining whether an organism is due for protection under the laws, their laws, in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol. Nevertheless, we wish to highlight three points as African group. First, the decision CBD/CP/MAP 11/1, section C, recognizes the sovereign right of parties to adopt legislation geared towards implementing their obligations under the protocol, and it confirmed that the definitions in Article 3 are not being challenged. We would like to see this reaffirmed in the decision so that any sharing of information will not prejudge any particular regulatory approach. Second, the summary note also shows that whenever the genome changes are minimal, it's hard for us to to take them, but it does not identify the process leading to this. This underscores the importance of detection capacities and identification capacities, which the group takes up on the item 14 concerning the capacity for detecting and identifying LMOs. Third and final, we have observed that the implementation of the existing framework is still difficult whenever resources are limited. We therefore would suggest that the synthesis for the 13th meeting also takes into account the capacity needs of developing countries. Chair, Africa, in closing, supports the invitation to parties to furnish further information on modern biotechnology, and we urge the secretariat to make this information available in all the working languages to all parties. We will transmit this to the secretariat in writing as well. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. Burkina Faso will give the floor to Indonesia, followed by Senegal, Panama, and Paraguay.

Thank you very much, Chair. Indonesia appreciates the Secretariat's efforts in compiling information on national legislation, regulation, and guidelines on this agenda item. Indonesia recognizes that genome editing and other new genome techniques offer potential benefits while raising biosafety considerations. Indonesia has established a national policy to determine whether genome-edited products are subject to risk assessment, taking into account the definition of living modified organism under the Cartagena Protocol. Indonesia emphasizes that national regulatory approaches should remain responsive to scientific development while considering national circumstances and legal frameworks. We support information exchange through the Biosafety Clearing House, emphasizing that it should promote mutual understanding and capacity building rather than harmonization or standardization of national regulation approaches. Indonesia future underscores science-based, proportionate, and risk-based regulatory decision, including case-by-case assessment where appropriate. Indonesia supports the draft decision and remains committed to constructive dialogue and cooperation among parties. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Indonesia. I'll give it for Senegal, followed by Panama, Paraguay, and Thailand.

Thank you, Chair. Senegal supports the statement developed by Burkina Faso on behalf of the African Group. We thank the Secretariat for the information presented on national legislation, guidelines, and regulations on new developments in modern technology. Given the rapid changes in technology, our countries have the view that it is essential that we preserve the capacity of parties to set up their own adapted legislative frameworks in line with their obligations and national circumstances under the ACP. We believe that this should never lead to any systematic taking of risk or believing that some technologies are a priori risk-free. We wish to see capacity building in developing countries in risk assessment, risk management, and the detection and identification of LMOs, as well as in drafting national legislation. In this regard, we encourage further experience and information sharing through the clearinghouse, as well as stronger cooperation among parties at the regional level. We therefore call for technical and adequate technical and financial support to help developing countries to follow the scientific developments. And we remain convinced that we should be able to reconcile scientific progress, biosafety and sustainable development. We therefore welcome this balanced approach based on science and the respect for the regulatory sovereignty of each party. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Senegal. The floor to Paraguay.

Followed by Thailand, and then Cote d'Ivoire. Thank you, Chair. Thank you for giving me the floor. At the outset, with my apologies, I wish to make a clarification. We did intend to request the floor and not support any particular statement. Sir, I now want to move on to the item per se. We support the text as presented, and we wish to thank the Secretariat for its compilation of the information presented. As we see in the report, there are more and more parties adopting procedures to case by case determine whether a product has a new genomic techniques and whether it should be treated as a living modified organism. Paraguay has applied this approach since 2019, and we do so through a prior consultation procedure within our National Commission on Agricultural and Forestry Biosafety. Seven years of implementation allow us to confirm that these procedures provide certainty to the regulatory system while preserving the authority of the national regulators to subject to the biosafety regime those products that require it. We therefore value the fact that this decision invites further sharing of information without creating new obligations. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Paraguay.

I now give the floor to Panama followed by Thailand, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria.

Thank you, sir. Panama supports the draft decision as presented and it's our view that this is a balanced document. Therefore, the modifications will be reviewed in detail and we thank the Secretary for his compilation of information. We can see from this that there are many parties coming up with procedures to determine on a case-by-case basis if a new product should be treated as an LMO. Panama continues on the same path through the resolution CNB08. We, through our Biosafety Commission, have a prior procedure in mind as the resolution was adopted. After the compilation, Panama does not appear in the report, and we would be pleased to share this experience, especially when it comes to the simplified mechanisms and our international counterparts, and we are making further progress on this with the UK. We welcome the fact that there is an invitation without further obligations for further sharing of experience is how other countries are putting in place other regulations and how this may relate to trade. Thank you.

I will give the floor to Thailand, followed by Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria.

Thank you, Chair. Thailand welcomes the information shared by parties on national regulatory approaches to new development in modern biotechnology. In Thailand, we have developed national guidance for determining the regulatory status of genome-edited organisms with an emphasis on science-based and case-by-case consideration. Through this experience, We recognize the importance of clear regulatory criteria and post-authorization, while taking into account national circumstances and regulatory frameworks. Thailand supports the continued exchange of national experience and regulatory approaches among the parties, which can contribute to understanding and support effective implementation of the Cartagena Protocol. Thank you, Chair.

Now I'll give the floor to Cote d'Ivoire, followed by Nigeria and Congo.

Thank you, Chair. The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire thanks the Secretariat for this draft decision, and we support the statements made by Burkina Faso on behalf of the Africa Group. Faced with rapid changes in biotechnology, we stress the need to have national biosecurity frameworks adapted to each situation. Our country continues efforts in this area despite financial and technical constraints. Intensification of subregional exchanges and development of LMOs, as well as management of transboundary movements, all call for greater vigilance, which must be shared. It's important to have the necessary capacities. to assess and manage potential risks in order to preserve biodiversity, human health, and animal health, as well as our food sovereignty. Thus, Cote d'Ivoire calls for predictable and sustainable technical and financial assistance to developing countries in order to strengthen their biosecurity biosafety frameworks and we stress also the importance of building human capacity as well as institutional capacity and technology transfer finally we encourage subregional cooperation at a greater level including through the exchange of information through the biosafety Clearing House thank you chair.

I would just like to remind you that we have eight minutes more of interpretation, so let's be efficient, otherwise we will need to suspend and then continue at the next session. So let's be... I mean, here the point is to hear if you have amendments to the draft decision, there are a few paragraphs. I still listen interventions, general declarations, and we should focus on what we are here for, where to negotiate. decisions. So I'll give the floor to Nigeria, followed by Congo, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, Nigeria recognizes the rapid evolution of modern biotechnology and the importance of keeping national biosafety frameworks responsive to emerging developments. So, in support of Senegal's statement on experience sharing, we propose that, in addition to paragraph 4, an additional text requesting the Executive Secretary to also facilitate the sharing of experiences, best practices, and capacity-building needs for these information on new developments in modern biotechnology to support parties in development and implementation of appropriate national regulatory frameworks. We believe this addition would move the decision beyond the information collection towards practical cooperation and strengthen the regulatory capacity. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Nigeria. DRC.

Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. DRC also supports the statement made by Burkina Faso on behalf of the Africa Group. We support the draft decision being discussed, and we stress the importance of strengthening national legislative and regulatory frameworks in terms of biosafety in order to take into account new developments in modern biotechnology, including new genetic modification techniques. We encourage parties to maintain and strengthen provisions that aim to strengthen international cooperation, scientific information exchange, and measures to ensure risk detection and identification and detection of LMOs. DRC reiterates its commitment to implementing the Cartagena Protocol. And we recall that technical and institutional and financial support is necessary in order to adapt national frameworks. While protecting human health, the environment and biodiversity. Thank you.

Thank you. Give the floor to Uganda, followed by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Costa Rica.

Thank you, Chair. Uganda supports the statement by Burkina Faso on behalf of the African group. Uganda has put in place measures for oversight of genetically engineered research through its national regulatory framework, including the containment and confined field trial guidelines. Building on this foundation, the priority of Uganda is to strengthen regulatory and technical capacity to address new developments in modern technology. Chair, information sharing should respect parties' right to adopt national regulatory approaches consistent with their obligations under the protocol. should neither prescribe a particular approach nor reopen the definitions in Article 3. Chair, we support reflecting on developing countries' capacity needs in the overview of the 13th meeting. For Uganda, these include expertise to assess new biotechnology applications, a laboratory capacity for detection and identification of living modified organisms, and financial support for effective implementation.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Uganda. Saudi Arabia, followed by Bahrain, Costa Rica. And still the list growing and growing, so I believe you don't want to finish at this session. So Saudi Arabia.

Your Excellency, Chair, with regards to this document, Saudi Arabia realizes that this topic goes beyond the technical aspect and it poses substantial questions on striking a balance between developing of biotechnology and maintenance of biosafety the report of the technical experts in July 2025 very expressive of this situation as the expert group found it necessary to postpone deciding on the living modified organisms for the protocol and it found that deciding on it should be referred to the parties of the meeting Saudi Arabia finds that the LMOs using the genetic engineering methods is part and parcel of the protocol spirit and protocol objectives. And the concept of being careful and hedging is rather does not stop it from application. That is why Saudi Arabia calls upon discussing this matter as part of the protocol, not outside of the protocol, and to hold steadfastly to being precautious about this. Your Excellency, Chair, finally, Saudi Arabia reiterates its commitment to achieving the objectives of the protocol, and it is fully ready to contribute constructively to coming up with compromises that would achieve two complementary objectives to maintain biodiversity and being cautious on the one hand, and to enable innovation on the scientific side. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Can I ask interpretation if you can give us a few minutes more? There are only two more delegations to take the floor. Is it possible?

Yes, we can.

Thank you so much. I'll give the floor to Bahrain, followed by Costa Rica.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will be as brief as possible in my intervention, we'd like to call for the following modifications. We emphasize on linking any innovation with regards to legislation to be confined to capacities, conditions of every country respectively. Second of all, every step relevant to adopting the new regulation should be optional and voluntarily. Third of all, we call upon adopting any legislation by sufficient technical support. Fourth, we must take into consideration that no formulas should not be dictating to any country to follow. Thank you.

And I give the floor to Costa Rica.

Thank you, Chair. I'll also be brief. Costa Rica lines us up with a statement made by Panama, and we support the draft decision as it is worded now. We consider it important to maintain the invitation in para 4, promoting exchange of information without creating new obligations for parties. We support each party. developing and implementing its own regulatory frameworks in accordance with its national circumstances and legal frameworks and in line with the objectives of the Protocol. As is the case for Costa Rica, we have regulations based on scientific criteria, allowing us to identify products deriving from new developments in modern biotechnology, determining whether they are LMOs or organisms obtained through conventional breeding practices. Thank you.

Thank you, Costa Rica. With that, we come to the end of the requests from parties. I'd like to know whether there's any request from observers. I see none. With this, we conclude our deliberations on the first reading on item 16. Based on this, I will prepare a CRP in cooperation with the Secretariat to be submitted at the next session. end with this. Is there any announcement from the Secretariat? No? Then with that, we conclude our session. And we'll see you in the evening session. Thank you very much for your cooperation.