Subject: Global Biodiversity Forum - Final Announcement and Call for Papers
14th Session of the
GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FORUM
18-20 June 1999
Palais des Congrès
Montreal, Canada
Convenors:
IUCN - The World Conservation Union
World Resources Institute (WRI)
African Centre for Technological Studies (ACTS)
Biodiversity Action Network (BIONET)
Indigenous Peoples Biodiversity Network (IPBN)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
in collaboration with
the Secretariat to the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD)
and others to be added
The 14th session of the Global Biodiversity Forum
(GBF14-Montreal/SBSTTA4) will be convened in Montreal, Canada, on 18-20
June 1999, immediately prior to the fourth meeting of the Convention on
Biological Diversity's Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and
Technological Advice (SBSTTA4)(Montreal, 21-25 June 1999).
GBF14-Montreal/SBSTTA4 will focus on the following themes: Building
biodiversity into sectoral strategies and action plans; Ecosystem
approaches to the management of biodiversity in drylands; and Resolving
the conundrum of scale in adaptive management - households to large
landscapes .
The Purpose of the GBF
The Global Biodiversity Forum (GBF) provides an independent, open and
strategic mechanism to foster analysis, dialogue and debate among all
interested parties to address significant ecological, economic,
institutional and social issues related to the options for action to
conserve biodiversity and use biological resources sustainably and
equitably. It contributes to the further development and implementation
of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other
biodiversity-related instruments at the international, regional and
national levels. It complements intergovernmental processes by: 1)
providing a broad spectrum of perspectives, proposals and experiences
from all stakeholders; 2) building diverse partnerships among
stakeholders (including governments, indigenous groups, local
communities, NGOs and the private sector); and 3) identifying key issues
and areas that require further development and attention.
Background to the GBF
The Forum concept was initially proposed by the Global Biodiversity
Strategy (WRI, IUCN, UNEP, 1992). The following sessions of the Forum
have been held:
* GBF1-Gland. October 1993 prior to the first meeting of the
Intergovernmental Committee on the CBD.
* GBF2-Nassau. November 1994 prior to CBD COP1.
* GBF3-Jakarta. November 1995 prior to CBD COP2.
* GBF4-Montreal. August 1996 prior to CBD SBSTTA2.
* GBF5-Buenos Aires. November 1996 prior to CBD COP3.
* GBF6-New York. April 1997 in association with a CSD meeting.
* GBF7-Harare. June 1997 prior to CITES COP10.
* GBF8-Montreal. August 1997 prior to CBD SBSTTA3.
* GBF9-Kyoto. December 1997 during the Climate Change Convention COP3.
* GBF10-Bratislava. May 1998 prior to CBD COP4.
* GBF11-Buenos Aires. November 1998, during the UNFCCC COP4
* GBF12-Dakar. December 1998, during the Desertification Convention
COP2.
* GBF13-San José. May 1999 prior to Ramsar COP7
Call for Papers
Interested individuals from all sectors are invited to submit 1-2 page
abstracts of papers by 15 May 1999 for possible presentation at one of
the workshops during the Forum. Please use the enclosed Abstract
Submission Form and, if possible, send in your submissions by email to
Laurence Christen (e-mail: lac@hq.iucn.org/fax: +41 22 999-0025). A
limited number of papers will be chosen for formal presentation by
Workshop Organizers on the basis of relevance to the topic, quality,
balance among sectors, and geographical balance. The Forum is not an
academic seminar, and at least 50 percent of its time will be devoted to
open discussion among all participants.
Workshop Descriptions
Institutions that are interested in co-organizing a workshop are
encouraged to contact the focal point(s) of the workshop concerned
directly, or the Forum organizers. The following workshops are
currently planned:
1. Building biodiversity into sectoral strategies and action plans
(organizers: IUCN, IPGRI, and others to be sought). This workshop will
initiate a process for developing guidelines on integrating biodiversity
into sectoral plans, programmes and activities based on actual
experience in support of Article 6 (b) of the CBD. In particular, the
workshop will explore current experience in integrating biodiversity
into the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism sectors; and, to
identify challenges, ingredients for success and opportunities to
promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing.
The role of indigenous peoples in sectoral activities will receive
special attention. (focal point: Jeffrey McNeely, IUCN, Rue Mauverney
28, 1196 Gland, Switzerland. Tel: +41 22 999-0284; fax: +41 22 999-0025;
e-mail: jam@hq.iucn.org)
2. Ecosystem approaches to the management of biodiversity in drylands
(organizers: IUCN, WRI and others to be sought). This workshop will
begin with a general session on ecosystem approaches before focusing on
the dryland theme that is of particular concern to the upcoming SBSTTA
meetings. Opportunities to further synergies between the CBD and
Desertification Convention will be an area of focus. (focal point:
Martha Chouchena-Rojas, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196 Gland, Switzerland.
Tel: +41 22 999-0290; fax: +41 22 999-0025; e-mail: mtr@hq.iucn.org)
3. Resolving the conundrum of scale in adaptive management - households
to large landscapes (organizers: North American Sustainable Use
Specialist Group and others to be sought). The CBD is engaged in
exploring conditions which promotes sustainable use, which is one of its
objectives. It has been generally accepted that a key element in
promoting greater sustainability in the use of biological resources is
adaptive management. However, depending on the scale, adaptive
management will need to address issues in a different manner. This
workshop will explore from both biological and social science
perspectives the scale issues which are pertinent to the use of adaptive
management from the household to the global level. It will also explore
the options for policy development to take into account different
adaptive management approaches according to scale as well as strengthen
the bridge between science and policy on the application of adaptive
management. (Focal point: Steve Edwards, Sustainable Use Initiative,
1630 Connecticut Avenue, 3rd Floor, Washington DC 20009, USA; tel: +1
202 387-4826; fax: +1 202 387-4823; e-mail: Sedwards@iucnus.org)
Participation at the GBF
Please use the enclosed pre-registration form to notify the Convenors of
your intent to participate to Laurence Christen (e-mail:
lac@hq.iucn.org/fax: +41 22 999-0025). The deadline for receiving the
participation form is 1 June 1999.
The fee for the Forum is US$ 25, which will be collected during the
registration in Montreal.
The Virtual Global Biodiversity Forum (VGBF)
VGBF allows people around the world who cannot attend GBF gatherings the
opportunity to participate in discussion on biodiversity-related issues.
It will complement existing Global Biodiversity Forum activities by
making them available to a larger number of participants for a longer
period of time. The VGBF is available to anyone with Internet access,
via either email (listserv) or web interface. Up-to-date information on
the GBF14-Montreal/SBSTTA4 can be found on http://vgbf.geog.ucsb.edu.ndobager/pvbuildn.htm/education/21educat
The VGBF will be on line 2 weeks prior to the Forum.
General Agenda
Day 1 (Friday, 18 June 1999)
09:30 Registration
13:30 - 15:30 OPENING PLENARY
15:30 - 16:00 Coffee/Tea Break
16:00 - 17:30 Workshop Session 1 (Workshops in parallel)
18:00 GBF Reception
Day 2 (Saturday, 19 June 1999)
09:00 - 10:30 Workshop Session 2 (Workshops in parallel)
10:30 - 11:00 Coffee/Tea Break
11:00 - 12:30 Workshop Session 3 (Workshops in parallel)
12:30 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 15:30 Workshop Session 4 (Workshops in parallel)
15:30 - 16:00 Coffee/Tea Break
16:00 - 17:30 Workshop Session 5 (Workshops in parallel)
Day 3 (Sunday, 20 June 1999)
09:00 - 10:30 Workshop Session 6 (Workshops in parallel)
10:30 - 11:00 Coffee/Tea Break
11:00 - 13:00 CLOSING PLENARY
Financial Assistance
Limited financial assistance for travel and/or per diem may be available
for developing country participants chosen to present formal papers or
otherwise contribute to the Forum. Any participants requiring financial
assistance are urged to also seek travel support from the local offices
of international donor organizations.
Practical Information
* Visas: please find as Annex 1 a list of countries whose citizens
require a visa to visit Canada.
* Venue: GBF14-Montreal/SBSTTA4 will be held at the Palais des Congrès,
which is in downtown Montreal.
* Currency: Canadian dollars (CA$) (US$ 1 = approx. CA$ 1.50)
* Access to Montreal: Montreal is serviced by the Dorval Airport (15 km
from downtown). Can reached by taxi (Dorval-Downtown: CA$25 fixed rate)
or by a bus service (Dorval-Downtown: CA$9) every 30 minutes.
* Simultaneous translation: translation of the Forum discussions into
French, Spanish or English cannot be guaranteed. However, participants
will be encouraged to speak in any of these languages.
* Climate: The month of June is usually pleasant with summer conditions
and a maximum temperature averaging 25°C (80°F) and minimum 15°C (50°F).
There is a moderate risk of showers and thunderstorms.
* Voltage: 110 volts, 60 Hertz. Adapters can be purchased for about
CA$50.
* Time difference: GMT less 5 hours.
Hotel Accommodations
Annex 2 provides a list of hotels for your convenience. These hotels
are located in the vicinity of the GBF venue or next to a Metro station
(the Montreal Metro is safe). It is requested that you make your own
hotel arrangements. It is strongly recommended to book your flight and
hotel as soon as possible as the month of June is already peak season.
Hotels in Montreal require a credit card number only if you check into
your room after 18:00. Should you require further assistance with
hotels, please contact: Micheline Legault-Alaurent, GBF14-BSTTA4, IUCN
Montreal, 380 St. Antoine Street West, Suite 3200, Montreal, Quebec,
Canada H2Y 3X7. Tel: +514.287-9704; Fax: +514.287-9057; email:
mil@iucn.ca
For further Information on GBF14-SBSTTA4, please contact:
Caroline Martinet,
Global Biodiversity Forum 14/SBSTTA4
IUCN-The World Conservation Union,
28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.
Tel: +41.22.999-0001; Fax: +41.22.999-0025; email: ccm@hq.iucn.org
<<>>
GBF14-Montreal/SBSTTA4
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM
PLEASE RETURN WITH 1-2 PAGE ABSTRACT (before 15 May 1999) PREFERABLY BY
EMAIL TO:
Laurence Christen, IUCN-The World Conservation Union, 28 Rue Mauverney,
CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland. email: lac@hq.iucn.org; tel: +4122 999 0001;
fax: +41 22 999 0025
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Mr/Ms/Dr/Prof.
First name Family name
Organization
Address
Tel ___________________________________
Fax:____________________________________
country code - area code - number
E-mail _________________________________
Http: __________________________________
FOR WHICH WORKSHOP DO YOU SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT:
O Building biodiversity into sectoral strategies and action plans
O Ecosystem approaches to the management of biodiversity in drylands
O Resolving the conundrum of scale in adaptive management - households
to large landscapes
<<>>
GBF14-Montreal/SBSTTA4
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
PLEASE RETURN (before 1 June 1999 ) BY FAX or EMAIL TO: Laurence
Christen, IUCN-The World Conservation Union, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196
Gland, Switzerland (e-mail: lac@hq.iucn.org; tel: +41 22 999 0001; fax:
+41 22 999 0025
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Mr/Ms/Dr/Prof.
First name Family name
Organization
Address
Tel ___________________________________
Fax:____________________________________
country code - area code - number
E-mail _________________________________
Http: __________________________________
Which workshop(s) will you attend:
O Building biodiversity into sectoral strategies and action plans
O Ecosystem approaches to the management of biodiversity in drylands
O Resolving the conundrum of scale in adaptive management - households
to large landscapes
1. Have you attended a previous session of the GBF?
O yes O no
2. Who do you primarily represent (tick one):
Non-governmental organizations:
O grassroots NGO
O national NGO
O international NGO
Government:
O Federal level
O Provincial/state level
O development aid agency O UN family
O other international governmental organization (please
specify)……………………….
Academia:
O university
Private sector:
O pharmaceutical industry
O biotechnology industry
O tourism industry
O forest industry
agricultural industry
O fisheries industry
Other civil society:
O farmer group
O indigenous peoples group
O private individual/researcher
3. Field of operation (choose as many as apply):
O conservation
O sustainable use of biodiversity
O benefit-sharing
O rural development
O trade and IPR
O economics/finance
O biodiversity assessment/monitoring
O protected areas
O access to genetic resources
O education
O law
O marine and coastal fisheries
O forestry
O inland water/freshwater
O agriculture
O drylands
O mountains
O other (please specify):……………………………………………….
<<>>
Annex 1
Citizens of the following countries require a visa to visit or transit
Canada:
A
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
B
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina-Faso
Burundi
C
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Rep.
Chad
Chile
China People's Rep.
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Croatia
Cuba
D
Djibouti
Dominican Rep.
E
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Estonia
Ethiopia
F
Fiji
G
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
H
Haiti
Honduras
I
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Ivory Coast
J
Jamaica
Jordan
K
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea-North
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
L
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Lithuania
M
Macedonia (former Yugoslav Rep. of)
Malagasy Rep.
Malawi
Maldives
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Moldova
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar (Burma)
N
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
P
Pacific Islands
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Q
Qatar
R
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
S
Sao Tome e Principe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Slovak Rep.
Somalia
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Surinam
Syria
T
Tadjikistan
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
U
Uganda
Ukraine
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
V
Venezuela
Vietnam
Y
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Z
Zaire
Zambia
<<>>
Annex 2
Prices are given in Canadian currency, are indicative and may be subject
to changes. They do not include taxes (GST 7% + QST 6,5% = 13,96%). Tax
refund is possible for non-Canadians. Please note that it is requested
that you make your own hotel reservations.
Hotel, Address, Tel/Fax, Approx Price
American Hotel
1042 St.Denis Street
tel: 849-0616
CA$ 45 (single)
CA$ 50 (double)
CA$ 60 (3 persons)
CA$ 65 (4 persons)
Bed & Breakfast Downtown Network
tel: 289-9749
fax: 287-7386
CA$ 55 (single)
CA$ 65 (double)
Bed & Breakfast Network
tel: 738-9410
fax: 735-7493
CA$ 50 (single)
CA$ 65 (double)
Days Inn Vieux Montréal
1199, Berri Street
tel: 845-9236
fax: 849-9588
CA$ 109
(single or double)
Gîte du Vieux-Montréal
209, St. Paul St. W.
tel: 288-1109
fax: 735-6233
CA$ 55 (single)
CA$ 65 (double)
Holiday Inn Select
99 Viger West
tel: 878-9888
fax: 878-6341
CA$ 130 (single)
CA$ 135 (double)
Hôtel de la Montagne
1430, de la Montagne
tel: 288-5656
fax: 288-9658
CA$ 145
(single or double)
Hôtel La Citadelle
410, Sherbrooke St. W.
tel: 844-8851
fax: 844 0912
CA$ 139
(single or double)
Hôtel Manoire des Alpes
1245, St-André St.
tel: 845-9803
fax: 845-9886
CA$ 58 (single)
La Tour Centre-Ville
400 René-Lévesque Blvd. W.
tel: 866-8861
fax: 866-7257
CA$ 87
(studios only, single)
Le Radisson
777 University
tel: 879-1370
fax: 879-1761
CA$ 105-155
Travelodge
50, René-Lévesque Blvd. W
tel: 874-9090
fax: 874-0907
CA$ 88
(single or double)
Windham Hôtel
4 Complexe Desjardins
tel: 285-1450
fax: 285-1243
CA$ 139