The 12th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP12) will take place from the 6th to the 17th of October, 2014 in PyeongChang, South Korea. The theme of this meeting will be Biodiversity for Sustainable Development. According to the Korean government up to 20.000 delegates are expected to participate in conference. Of particular importance is the so called “High Level Segment”, which is scheduled to convene from October 15th to 17th. On the days environmental ministers from all over the world will personally take part in the negotiations. It is expected that COP12 will adopt a “Pyeongchang Roadmap” to enhance the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2012 and the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. COP12 will, among others, deal with the following agenda items:
- Mid-Term Review of Progress towards the Goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, development of further tools and guidance where necessary
- Review of updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
- Contribution of Biodiversity to the Post-2015 Development Agendaand Mainstreaming of Biodiversity in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Resource Mobilization – setting of a final target for Resource Mobilization
- Status of the Nagoya-Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources
- Launch of the 4th Edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO4)
- Marine and Coastal Biodiversity (Description of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs), Ocean Acidification, Coral Bleaching, Underwater Noise, Marine Debris)
- Climate Change and Biodiversity (Advice on the application of Biodiversity Safeguards in REDDplus, Joint mitigation and adaptation strategies, Geoengineering)
- Invasive Species (guidance on implementing national measures, best practice to raise awareness on invasive species, avoiding the risks of the introduction and spread of invasive alien animal species fromcommercial zoos and safari parks)
- New and Emerging Issues – Synthetic Biology
- Collaboration with IPBES
- Cooperation with other Biodiversity-related Conventions, the Rio-Conventions and other international organizations
- Business and Biodiversity
- Stakeholder Engagement including youth and children
- Review of the application of the Guidelines onBiodiversity and Tourism Development
- Progress in achieving the targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
All official documents can be found here:
Annotated Provisional Agenda (provisional agenda with brief comments on each agenda item)
Information Note for Participants (useful compilation of logistical information for COP12 participants: transfer from airport, accommodation, shuttle bus schedule, venue etc.)
Website of the Host Government: http://www.cbdcop12.kr/eng/sub/conference/conference01.php
