LINKAGES
Recognising the vital need to bridge the knowledge gap on biodiversity, the Convention on Biological Diversity clearly underlines that scientific work and training represent essential tasks for its implementation, and highlights the role of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) in this context.
The CBD is a common denominator to reach a consensus among all the member states concerned, and represents the indispensable basis for furthering activities on biodiversity. A large partnership must be established, and DIVERSITAS, with its partnership of inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, and scientists from all parts of the world, is therefore able to help fill the dearth in scientific knowledge. The Programme is able to provide scientific guidance to the deliberations of SBSTTA, as well as maintain close links with the Secretariat of the Convention.
In a recent meeting in Mexico, DIVERSITAS brought together a committee of over 40 scientists to analyze the science appropriate to selected articles of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). The results of the meeting were presented in a report to the CBD Secretariat, SBSTTA (Subsidiary Body on Science, Technology and Technological Advice of the CBD ), and the Conference of Parties of the CBD (CoP) at the request of the CBD Secretariat. The aim of this was to give recommendations regarding the science to be carried out, and a rationale for that work. The final version was compiled and transmitted by the DIVERSITAS Secretariat to the CoP IV meeting (4-14 May 1998, Bratislava). This document was submitted as an "Information Document", and read in conjunction with the CoP agenda item pertaining to SBSTTA.
The flexibility of the DIVERSITAS Programme, the scientific information provided by its Elements, as well as the international nature of the DIVERSITAS agenda, all contribute to the programmatic needs of the world's countries as stated in its Articles. The Programme's workshops and conferences, as well as publications for different audiences will help to achieve the goals set for example by CBD Article 12 on research and training and Article 13 on public education and awareness. Virtually all Elements are relevant to Article 14 concerning impact assessment and minimising adverse impacts, and are dedicated to building infrastructure and human resources in biodiversity science.
Linkages between
DIVERSITAS and National/Regional Programmes
Many countries, regional groups of countries, and scientific societies have programmes on biodiversity, some of which are designed specifically around DIVERSITAS themes. The framework provided by the DIVERSITAS Programme will place these world-wide efforts into perspective, encouraging co-operative activities using comparable methodologies. The DIVERSITAS Secretariat will operate an information exchange network for these programmes, and will sponsor periodic meetings of collaborating national programmes.
The Formation of DIVERSITAS National Committees
At present the following countries have established national committees: Brazil, France, Norway, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Peru and Russia. National Committees are indispensible to the DIVERSITAS Programme in order to adapt to national concerns and priorities: biodiversity implies a diversity of organisms and ecological systems, a diversity of human-related impacts, as well as a diversity of approaches.
National Committees can create targeted national programmes to feed into DIVERSITAS Programme Elements. This will also help in the consolidation of different scientific disciplines within the country and co-ordinate with other national initiatives (systematics, genetic resources, conservation and restoration). involve the scientific community in the international scientific arena. Science is thought to transcend all boundaries but this is not always the case. Very often nations operate on a bi-lateral system, but rarely on a multi-national system. stimulation of international initiatives such as workshops both within and outside the country. facilitate the obtaining of funds. There are many national ministries or donor organisations which receive requests for funds for various projects within the country. Forming National Committees can organise and consolidate the activities, creating a unified front with the best possible science guaranteed. aid in the Convention on Biological Diversity process. Ensure that the information channel is open from the «bottom up» as well as «top down».
