DRAFT STATEMENT FOR SBSSTA 15. (Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice).

Abstract

"Dear Chairman and delegates Thank you for the opportunity for the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna — the biodiversity working group of the Arctic Council — to make a statement at this meeting. The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum which addresses issues of importance to Arctic States (Kingdom of Denmark, US, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, Norway) and Arctic indigenous communities. The Arctic Council is unique in that Arctic countries and organizations representing the interests of indigenous people – the permanent participants – have a seat at the same table. CAFF ́s mandate is to address the conservation of Arctic biodiversity and help to promote practices which ensure the sustainability of the Arctic's living resources. CAFF has a Resolution of Cooperation with the CBD, which has proven very productive, and we would like to thank you for that on-going collaboration. In addition, at the CBD COP10, the COP invited the Arctic Council (in Decision X/13) to provide information and assessments on Arctic biodiversity to the SBSTTA. You will find included in the materials for this meeting of the SBSTTA a formal report on these topics SBSTTA/15 doc. 14." /.../