IISD Coverage of CBD COP9
The IISD provides full reporting on the CBD COP9 Event. Click on the ENB or ENB On the Side links below for info on the main COP events and side events respectively.
IISD produces daily reports on each which are also linked to the relevant dates below.
ENB - 27 May - Covers info about the 26th
ENB On the side - 27 May - Info on the side events of 26th
MORNING SESSION
The first session was the meeting of the Africa Group.
Working Group I:
And some inputs were made to the Africa position specifically on Agricultural Biodiversity and more specifically with reference to Biofuels.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Working Group I:
While I reviewed:
CRP.6: 'Biodiversity of Dry and Sub-Humid Lands, and
CRP.4: 'Ecosystem Approach' for the delegation
EVENING SESSION
Friends of the Chair Group on Agricultural Biodiversity - 7pm to 9pm
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Bonn - Sunday 25 May
Today I took a field excursion to Eifel National Park.
It was an absolutely fascinating day - so different to our South African National Parks.
The historical aspects of the Vogelsang Centre, formally 'Ordensburg Vogelsang' (see also here and here), an 'education camp' of the National Socialist Regime reminded me very much of the historical aspects of Robben Island - but more about that later.
Eifel National Park is the first national park in the North Rhein - Westphalia province of Germany. it is near the border of Germany, Neatherlands and Belgium.
We passed numerous wind farms on the way there.
Beautiful broad-leafed decidious foreats as we entered the park.
Delegates were recommended to wear stout walking shoes for the field trip.
Mmmmmm!
Our 'English Group' guide was Dr Michael Röös.
He was an excellent guide and kept us well informed and entertained at all times.
We were taken on a short walk through the 'Management Area' which was, for the last 60 years, has been military exercise area, heavily used by tanks, armoured vehicles, and troops.
The area is largely grassland, managed currently using grazing by domestic sheep, with largish pockets of Norway spruce.
The Norway Spruce is not indigenous but is a good timber species, grows well up on the 500m high plateau and is not browsed heavily by the primary large herbivores (Red deer, Roe deer, Muflon and domestic sheep). Some broad-leafed local species, such as beech are being introduced into some of the patches of forest but these patches have be surrounded by fences to keep out the large herbivores until these introduced trees have grown big enough.
A flock of domestic with their shepherd and his dogs.
He is due to retire this year as the park management is phasing out management by sheep grazing.
A real German Shepherd with his sheep dogs!
And after the walk, off in the bus to Voegelsang.
Note the Black Lion emblem of the recently departed Belgian troops to the left of the gate.
The day was European Day of Parks on which all Nature Parks/Reserves celebrate.
The celebration at Eifel National Park included a craft fair, musical entertainment and stations (gazebos) manned by scientists working in the park where they displayed specimens and info about their work.
Mr Schröeder weaving baskets.
Some of Schröeder's basketware.
Wool spinning and weaving.
My evening constitutional down to the Rhine
Just look at this beautiful vessel
... and another beauty ...
... and - arghhhh - no!!!
I admire the German's general impeccable taste
The Moby Dick must be one of that nation's notable lapses in this regard ...
... unless - well if you include the floating Chinese restaurant then maybe two notable lapses!!
It was an absolutely fascinating day - so different to our South African National Parks.
The historical aspects of the Vogelsang Centre, formally 'Ordensburg Vogelsang' (see also here and here), an 'education camp' of the National Socialist Regime reminded me very much of the historical aspects of Robben Island - but more about that later.
Eifel National Park is the first national park in the North Rhein - Westphalia province of Germany. it is near the border of Germany, Neatherlands and Belgium.
We passed numerous wind farms on the way there.
Beautiful broad-leafed decidious foreats as we entered the park.
Delegates were recommended to wear stout walking shoes for the field trip.
Mmmmmm!
Our 'English Group' guide was Dr Michael Röös.
He was an excellent guide and kept us well informed and entertained at all times.
We were taken on a short walk through the 'Management Area' which was, for the last 60 years, has been military exercise area, heavily used by tanks, armoured vehicles, and troops.
The area is largely grassland, managed currently using grazing by domestic sheep, with largish pockets of Norway spruce.
The Norway Spruce is not indigenous but is a good timber species, grows well up on the 500m high plateau and is not browsed heavily by the primary large herbivores (Red deer, Roe deer, Muflon and domestic sheep). Some broad-leafed local species, such as beech are being introduced into some of the patches of forest but these patches have be surrounded by fences to keep out the large herbivores until these introduced trees have grown big enough.
A flock of domestic with their shepherd and his dogs.
He is due to retire this year as the park management is phasing out management by sheep grazing.
A real German Shepherd with his sheep dogs!
And after the walk, off in the bus to Voegelsang.
Note the Black Lion emblem of the recently departed Belgian troops to the left of the gate.
The day was European Day of Parks on which all Nature Parks/Reserves celebrate.
The celebration at Eifel National Park included a craft fair, musical entertainment and stations (gazebos) manned by scientists working in the park where they displayed specimens and info about their work.
Mr Schröeder weaving baskets.
Some of Schröeder's basketware.
Wool spinning and weaving.
My evening constitutional down to the Rhine
Just look at this beautiful vessel
... and another beauty ...
... and - arghhhh - no!!!
I admire the German's general impeccable taste
The Moby Dick must be one of that nation's notable lapses in this regard ...
... unless - well if you include the floating Chinese restaurant then maybe two notable lapses!!
Bonn - Saturday 24 May
All day in the Agricultural Biodiversity Contact Group in which I was involved.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Bonn - Friday 23 May
IISD Coverage of CBD COP9
The IISD provides full reporting on the CBD COP9 Event. Click on the ENB or ENB On the Side links below for info on the main COP events and side events respectively.
IISD produces daily reports on each which are also linked to the relevant dates below.
ENB - 26 May - Covers info about the 23rd
ENB On the side - 26 May - Info on the side events of 23rd
MORNING SESSION
The first session is the meeting of the Africa Group
Working Group 1:
WG I Chair Maria Mbengashe (South Africa) and WG II Chair Chaweewan Hutacharern (Thailand) reported on progress achieved. WG II Chair Hutacharern said the contact group on financial resources and mechanism agreed on a message on biodiversity for financing for development and the third review of the financial mechanism; and the group on Article 8(j) removed brackets from the text with the exception of those relating to ABS and climate change, pending outcome of discussions in the respective contact groups.
After the progress reports the WG1 session continued with discussion on:
Marine Biodiversity;
Biodiversity and Climate Change.
LUNCH SESSION
Meeting of the Contact Group on Agricultural Biodiversity
The Saal Bonn where the Contact Group on Agricultural Biodiversity
AFTERNOON SESSION
Working Group 1 continued
EVENING SESSION
The Contact Group on Agricultural Biodiversity which I attended met until 10pm.
The IISD provides full reporting on the CBD COP9 Event. Click on the ENB or ENB On the Side links below for info on the main COP events and side events respectively.
IISD produces daily reports on each which are also linked to the relevant dates below.
ENB - 26 May - Covers info about the 23rd
ENB On the side - 26 May - Info on the side events of 23rd
MORNING SESSION
The first session is the meeting of the Africa Group
Working Group 1:
WG I Chair Maria Mbengashe (South Africa) and WG II Chair Chaweewan Hutacharern (Thailand) reported on progress achieved. WG II Chair Hutacharern said the contact group on financial resources and mechanism agreed on a message on biodiversity for financing for development and the third review of the financial mechanism; and the group on Article 8(j) removed brackets from the text with the exception of those relating to ABS and climate change, pending outcome of discussions in the respective contact groups.
After the progress reports the WG1 session continued with discussion on:
Marine Biodiversity;
Biodiversity and Climate Change.
LUNCH SESSION
Meeting of the Contact Group on Agricultural Biodiversity
The Saal Bonn where the Contact Group on Agricultural Biodiversity
AFTERNOON SESSION
Working Group 1 continued
EVENING SESSION
The Contact Group on Agricultural Biodiversity which I attended met until 10pm.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Bonn - Thursday 22 May
IISD Coverage of CBD COP9
The IISD provides full reporting on the CBD COP9 Event. Click on the ENB or ENB On the Side links below for info on the main COP events and side events respectively.
IISD produces daily reports on each which are also linked to the relevant dates below.
ENB - 23 May - Covers info about the 22nd
ENB On the side - 23 May - Info on the side events of 22nd
MORNING SESSION
The first session is the meeting of the Africa Group
Working Group 1:
LUNCH TIME SIDE EVENT
Attended GISP Event on Invasive Alien Species - after 4 presentations delegates were asked to provide info on Alien Invasive Species programmes in their own countries. With some info from colleagues in DWAF I gave a short statement about SA's Working for Water programme and the fact that SA's IAS Regs under the Biodiversity Act are under in preparation.
After the event I was approached by an Argentinian delegate who explained how he found that SA's WfW programme was very inspirational and that he used it as an example of best practice in many presentations that he delivered throughout South America. Gratifying feedback indeed!
More info on page 2 of ENB on the side.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Attended the Working Group 1:
Protected Areas - continued;
Dry and sub -humid Lands - started and continued from 8pm as the working group is way behind schedule.
EVENING SESSION
While waiting for the start of the evening side event I noticed this interesting interactive 'map' of Germany.
Pressing buttons on the cabinet illuminated small LED's showing the locality of National Parks, Biosphere Reserves and other conservation areas.
A good idea we could use in the Western Cape for environmental events and displays.
Starting at 6:15 pm attended side event with most of the SA delegation on 'Compliance with ABS Requirements: Wishful Thinking or Reality?: Experiences from the Hoodia Case'
Starting at 8;30 pm, participated in the contact group on Agricultural Biodiversity that went on till 11pm.
Arrived back at the hotel at 12 midnight!
The IISD provides full reporting on the CBD COP9 Event. Click on the ENB or ENB On the Side links below for info on the main COP events and side events respectively.
IISD produces daily reports on each which are also linked to the relevant dates below.
ENB - 23 May - Covers info about the 22nd
ENB On the side - 23 May - Info on the side events of 22nd
MORNING SESSION
The first session is the meeting of the Africa Group
Working Group 1:
LUNCH TIME SIDE EVENT
Attended GISP Event on Invasive Alien Species - after 4 presentations delegates were asked to provide info on Alien Invasive Species programmes in their own countries. With some info from colleagues in DWAF I gave a short statement about SA's Working for Water programme and the fact that SA's IAS Regs under the Biodiversity Act are under in preparation.
After the event I was approached by an Argentinian delegate who explained how he found that SA's WfW programme was very inspirational and that he used it as an example of best practice in many presentations that he delivered throughout South America. Gratifying feedback indeed!
More info on page 2 of ENB on the side.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Attended the Working Group 1:
Protected Areas - continued;
Dry and sub -humid Lands - started and continued from 8pm as the working group is way behind schedule.
EVENING SESSION
While waiting for the start of the evening side event I noticed this interesting interactive 'map' of Germany.
Pressing buttons on the cabinet illuminated small LED's showing the locality of National Parks, Biosphere Reserves and other conservation areas.
A good idea we could use in the Western Cape for environmental events and displays.
Starting at 6:15 pm attended side event with most of the SA delegation on 'Compliance with ABS Requirements: Wishful Thinking or Reality?: Experiences from the Hoodia Case'
Starting at 8;30 pm, participated in the contact group on Agricultural Biodiversity that went on till 11pm.
Arrived back at the hotel at 12 midnight!
Bonn - Wednesday 21 May
IISD Coverage of CBD COP9
The IISD provides full reporting on the CBD COP9 Event. Click on the ENB or ENB On the Side links below for info on the main COP events and side events respectively.
IISD produces daily reports on each which are also linked to the relevant dates below.
ENB - 22 May - Covers info about the 21st
ENB On the side - 22 May - Info on the side events of 21st
MORNING SESSION
The first session is the meeting of the Africa Group
John Donaldson and Brian Mantlana of SANBI
John and Brian with Fundisile Mketeni.
The meeting chaired by ?? (I'll find out tomorrow)
After the Africa Group meeting, the Working Group 1 Session that covered:
Forest Biodiversity - continuing from the previous day;
Ecosystem Approach - rolled over till after lunch;
LUNCH TIME SIDE EVENT
I met Nik Sekhran of UNDP, South Africa and attended a side event, 'Achieving Synergies between the CBD and UNFCCC: The potential for Pro-Poor and Pro-Biodiversity Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD)' - inteesting but focus very much on deforestation and rights of indigenous forest communities, rather than degradation which is more the issue in our province.
See page 2 of ENB On the Side (Thurs 22 May) for a brief summary of the event.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Working Group 1 Session that covered:
Ecosystem Approach - continued;
Invasive Alien Species;
Incentive Measures - not complete;
EVENING SESSION
I was not involved in the Friends of the Chair group on agriculture and Forest Biodiversity which went on until late in the evening.
I took some interesting photographs at the exhibition and then on my way back to the hotel in town:
Solar World No. 1
The Greenpeace Golden Chain-Saw Award ...
... will be given to the most environmentally destructive government delegation for their efforts to block progress in the negotiations.
Ouch!
Kiddie trailers for bicycles.
One sees many of them in use.
Can you imagine risking your kids with this mode of transport in any South African city!
The RheinEnergie boarding passengers.
Though most people use more carbon friendly modes of transport.
Bicycles outside the Marktplaz
There are quite a few motorcycles and scooters as well.
Some as strange as this Simson Schwalbe
A close up of a Simson Schwalbe
But there is also traffic on the main roads just like home!
The IISD provides full reporting on the CBD COP9 Event. Click on the ENB or ENB On the Side links below for info on the main COP events and side events respectively.
IISD produces daily reports on each which are also linked to the relevant dates below.
ENB - 22 May - Covers info about the 21st
ENB On the side - 22 May - Info on the side events of 21st
MORNING SESSION
The first session is the meeting of the Africa Group
John Donaldson and Brian Mantlana of SANBI
John and Brian with Fundisile Mketeni.
The meeting chaired by ?? (I'll find out tomorrow)
After the Africa Group meeting, the Working Group 1 Session that covered:
Forest Biodiversity - continuing from the previous day;
Ecosystem Approach - rolled over till after lunch;
LUNCH TIME SIDE EVENT
I met Nik Sekhran of UNDP, South Africa and attended a side event, 'Achieving Synergies between the CBD and UNFCCC: The potential for Pro-Poor and Pro-Biodiversity Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD)' - inteesting but focus very much on deforestation and rights of indigenous forest communities, rather than degradation which is more the issue in our province.
See page 2 of ENB On the Side (Thurs 22 May) for a brief summary of the event.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Working Group 1 Session that covered:
Ecosystem Approach - continued;
Invasive Alien Species;
Incentive Measures - not complete;
EVENING SESSION
I was not involved in the Friends of the Chair group on agriculture and Forest Biodiversity which went on until late in the evening.
I took some interesting photographs at the exhibition and then on my way back to the hotel in town:
Solar World No. 1
The Greenpeace Golden Chain-Saw Award ...
... will be given to the most environmentally destructive government delegation for their efforts to block progress in the negotiations.
Ouch!
Kiddie trailers for bicycles.
One sees many of them in use.
Can you imagine risking your kids with this mode of transport in any South African city!
The RheinEnergie boarding passengers.
Though most people use more carbon friendly modes of transport.
Bicycles outside the Marktplaz
There are quite a few motorcycles and scooters as well.
Some as strange as this Simson Schwalbe
A close up of a Simson Schwalbe
But there is also traffic on the main roads just like home!
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