31 October 2011: The seventh meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) opened in Montreal, Canada, on Monday, 31 October 2011.

On Monday, delegates considered the report on progress in the implementation of Article 8(j), including its integration in thematic areas and cross-cutting issues, as well as participatory mechanisms for indigenous and local communities in the work of the Convention. On Tuesday, discussions focused on: Article 10(c) (customary sustainable use) as a major component of the work programme on Article 8(j); and the Multi-year Programme of Work on Article 8(j), including task 7 (benefit-sharing), task 10 (unlawful appropriation of traditional knowledge and associated genetic resources) and task 12 (exchange and dissemination of information. Contact groups were established on both issues. Plenary then discussed the need and draft terms of reference to develop guidelines to facilitate repatriation of information, including cultural property, for the recovery of traditional knowledge.

Other issues to be considered include: development of elements of sui generis systems for the protection of traditional knowledge; development of indicators relevant for traditional knowledge and customary sustainable use; and recommendations from the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. An in-depth dialogue will focus on ecosystem management, ecosystem services and protected areas. [IISD RS Coverage][CBD Press Release]