Objectives of the workshop
The strategic objectives for this initial workshop had been defined on in-depth discussions with African stakeholders at various meetings (Addis Ababa Workshop, side events in Granada and Curitiba), on specific demands in the field of ABS and a detailed ABS capacity-building needs assessment for Africa, carried out in February/March 2006.
- Explore the experiences with bioprospecting cases in the region for the implementation of ABS regulations at the national and local level – new cases and follow-up on case studies discussed in Addis Ababa – to build broad and sound basis for the development of best practices for ABS in Africa.
- Develop a strong vision for ABS in Africa based on trust and mutual understanding that enhances close cooperation and provides a profound basis for networking and outline the basic elements for this cooperation in order to gain a maximum benefit from the three year programme of the ABS Capacity-Building Initiative for Africa.
- Recommendations for international law and policy making on one specific issue area based on participants preference: either gap analysis, practical solutions for regional cooperation or national requirements for certificates of origin.
Against this background the workshop specifically aimed at:
- Sharing of experiences: Continuing and reinforcing the open exchange, which was initiated at the Addis Ababa Workshop between different stakeholders on case studies and experiences with ABS in order to draw lessons learnt and establish best practices in the different fields of ABS within the implementation period of the Initiative;
- Developing basic elements for continuing cooperation and creating a strong and compelling vision for close cooperation on ABS throughout Africa with the aim to build a network of African ABS experts drawn from all relevant stakeholder groups.
- Training of the participants (e.g. split in newcomers and experts) in various aspects relevant to ABS.
- Providing “multi-stakeholder” guidance to elaborate a road map (including further steps and elements) of the capacity building initiative.
