1 November 2010: Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), addressed the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) Second Committee to underscore the achievements of the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the CBD, including adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS), and the new Strategic Plan for 2011-2020.

Djoghlaf stressed that the Nagoya Protocol is a “unique instrument to achieve the sustainable development agenda and fulfill the Millennium Development Goals,” in particular to alleviate poverty. He added that the signing ceremony will be held on 2 February 2011 in New York, in conjunction with the official launch of the International Year on Forests. On the new Strategic Plan, he said it envisages five strategic goals on: addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, reducing the pressures on biodiversity, safeguarding biodiversity at all levels, enhancing the benefits provided by biodiversity, and providing for capacity-building. He also stressed the importance of promoting joint activities between the three Rio Conventions, and he underscored pledges made to assist with implementation, including US$2 billion from Japan. [Djoghlaf’s Statement]