The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Standing Committee Subgroup on COP9

Draft agenda and index of agenda papers

Draft Agenda and Programme

Monday, 7 March 2005
10:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 18:00

1. Opening statements

2. Adoption of the agenda (DOC. COP9 SG-1)

3. Update on arrangements for the 9th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (Chair of the Standing Committee, Secretary General, Chair of the Subgroup on COP9)

The Secretary General will outline the current state of preparations, the Chair of the Subgroup will give a report from the host country's perspective, and the SC Chair will report on the likely processes for the organization of issues at COP9. (DOC. COP9 SG-2, COP9 agenda)

4. Arrangements for the high-level meeting and the "Kampala Declaration"

The Chair of the Subgroup will outline the possible high-level meeting to be associated with COP9, the arrangements, the attendance and the possible "Kampala Declaration" (elements of which are attached at the end of this document).

5. Updating Resolution VIII.45 - a draft Resolution on governance of the Convention

This item will consider actions undertaken by the Subgroup on Resolution VIII.45 and review its recommendations. (DOC. COP9 SG-3)

6. Report from the STRP and proposals for handling technical resolutions for COP9

The Deputy Secretary General will report on the outcomes of the 12th meeting of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP12), with special reference to the issue of the handling of technical guidance, definitions of "wise use" and "ecological character", and Ramsar and water. (DOC. COP9 SG-4, STRP report; 5, Working Group 2; 6, Water integrated framework)

7. STRP modus operandi for the next triennium

The Deputy Secretary General will report on the STRP's views on ways in which it might work more effectively in future. (DOC. COP9 SG-7)

8. Resolutions VIII.5 and VIII.26 on synergies with other conventions

The Secretary General will report on the issue of synergies with other MEAs and propose some ways forward, especially concerning the issue of harmonising National Reports. The current state of National Reports received and their future processing will be presented by the Convention Development Officer. (DOC. COP9 SG-8)

Tuesday, 8 March 2005
10:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 18:00

9. Issues concerning transboundary Ramsar sites

The Secretary General will present the emerging issues associated with Ramsar sites in wetlands that extend across international borders. (DOC. COP9 SG-9)

10. Resolution VIII.22 on Ramsar sites that cease to fulfill or never fulfilled the Criteria for designation, and the need for an updated draft Resolution

The Deputy Secretary General will report on this issue. (DOC. COP9 SG-10)

11. Resolution VIII.25 on Strategic Plan 2003-2008, and a proposed revised approach for 2006-2008

The Secretary General will present a revised approach to the Strategic Plan. A comprehensive document will be available beforehand. (DOCs. COP9 SG-11, SG-18)

12. Resolution VIII.30 on regional initiatives, and discussion of a new draft Resolution

This item will consider a new draft Resolution dealing with proposals for regional initiatives and their funding. (DOC. COP9 SG-12)

13. Resolution VIII.31 on the Convention's CEPA Programme

This item will consider whether any new approaches are warranted for the Communications, Education, and Public Awareness Programme of the Convention. (DOC. COP9 SG-13)

14. Consideration of the role of the Convention in natural disaster prevention, mitigation and adaptation

The Secretary General will introduce this topic in order to explore the possibility of a draft Resolution for Standing Committee. (DOC. COP9 SG-14)

15. Proposal on the use of the term "Secretariat" in place of "Bureau"

The Secretary General will introduce a draft Resolution on this issue. (DOC. COP9 SG-15)

16. Reporting items:

a) Millennium Ecosystem Assessment: a report on the current state of play. (DOC. COP9 SG-16)
b) Cultural diversity in wetland issues: proposals for handling at COP9

17. Rules of procedure issues:

The Secretary General will explain any issues which may involve proposed changes to the Rules of Procedure. (DOC. COP9 SG-17)

18. Any other issues

18:15 - 19:30 Reception, IUCN entrance hall

Wednesday, 9 March 2005 - Meeting of the Subgroup on Finance

Note: The Subgroup on COP9 may meet on Wednesday, 9 March 2005, 15:00 - 18:00, if necessary.

Thursday, 10 March 2005
10:00 - 13:00

Joint plenary meeting of both the Subgroup on COP9 and the Subgroup on Finance

19. Summary of the final issues required by preparations for the 31st meeting of the Standing Committee in June 2005

20. Review and adoption of any reports from the Subgroup meetings

21. Closing statements

AGENDA PAPERS

KAMPALA DECLARATION - FIRST DRAFT OF TOPICS FROM UGANDA NATIONAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

People and Wetlands

• the role of wetlands in people's livelihoods and the involvement of local communities
• the role of wetlands in biodiversity conservation and a clear strategy to address the proposal to reduce biodiversity loss by 2010 (especially that related to wetland loss) as outlined in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (or some similar document)
• the role of wetlands in mitigating against climate change effects
• rehabilitation and restoration of wetlands, especially coastal systems

Funding for Wetlands

• better coordinated donor funding for wetlands to promote and sustain the wise use concept
• private sector involvement
• valuing wetland resources, adding value to wetland products and marketing issues

Policy issues

• harmonising policies at all levels, international to national, water to biodiversity
• better outreach to demonstrate the importance of wetlands
• management of transboundary wetlands

African issues

• the need for a coordinated approach to wetland initiatives under AMCEN, NEPAD, AMCOW, etc.
• Invasive species and their impact on African wetland

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 14 February 2005, updated 29 March 2005, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.