Objectives

Building on this background the objectives of the workshop are to

• take stock of the first implementation phase (2006-2008) of ABS Capacity Development Initiative for Africa and provide guidance for its second phase from 2009-2011,
• foster the implementation of ABS regulations at the national and local level by exchanging experiences with bioprospecting in the region – new cases and follow-up on case studies discussed in previous workshops under the initiative – and build a broad basis for the development of best practices for ABS in Africa, and
• reflect on the ABS related outcomes of COP 9 and the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Compliance to support the formulation of operational text for the international ABS regime of the African Group.