Mr. Chairman,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77. At the outset, let me congratulate both of you, Ambassador Cristian Maquieira of Chile and Lorraine Ridgeway of Canada, on your appointment as co-chairs of the UNICPOLOS. We are sure under your able stewardship; we will progress in a clear and efficient way.

Mr. Chairman,

The G-77 considered the framework for discussion proposed by the Co-Chairs for this year’s the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of Sea (UNICPOLOS) topic “Marine Genetic Resources”. The Group found that the three sub-topics proposed by the Co-Chairs in Annex-C of their letter provided useful basis for the format of the discussion. Being conscious of the need for objectivity, the Group proposes expansion of the Co-Chairs three sub-topics; and addition of a new sub-topic. The Group’s proposal for a four segment discussion format is as under:

1. Understanding marine genetic resources and their potential properties. (CHANGE)
• Current status and sources of knowledge;
• Location and accessibility of marine genetic resources; and
• The range of current and potential applications. (CHANGE)
2. Activities relating to marine genetic resources and other relevant aspects:
• Range of current activities, location and returns (both short and long terms);
• Players/stakeholders and lessons learnt (the Co-Chairs are requested to explain objective of this item); and
• Marine scientific research, including its dissemination, and the needs of developing countries. (ADD)
3. Socio-economic implications deriving from the use of marine genetic resources: products and derivates and their impacts on social-economic development. (ADD)
4.  International cooperation and coordination on issues related to marine genetic resources:
• Sharing of views on ways to strengthen international cooperation and coordination in order to enhance capacity-building in developing countries, including the transfer of technology; (CHANGE)
• Legal and institutional frameworks related to marine genetic resources and options for developing legal mechanisms for access and benefit sharing; (ADD)
• Incentives for the sustainable use of marine genetic resources. (ADD)

Mr. Chairman,

There are also other important issues which need our attention. The G-77 considered the time schedule elaborated in Annex-B of the Co-Chairs letter. On the basis of our previous experience the Group is of the view that time provided for “consideration of elements to be considered by the General Assembly” is not sufficient. It would be appropriate if we compress our discussion in some other areas and allocate one more plenary session for consideration of this item.

The principle of equitable geographical representation is a well-established principle at the United Nations. Our Group is of the view that this principle must be upheld in nomination of panelist for the forthcoming process.

The G-77 is also interested to engage in the discussion to select next year’s topic for the UNICPOLOS. We will revert to this discussion at a later stage.

In the end I will like to reiterate our best wishes for the success of your work and I assure you the G-77 full cooperation during the process.