BAHRAIN: PREPARATION FOR NEGOTIATIONS ON ACCESS

UNCLAS MANAMA 001910 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI BERNS AND OES/ETC VILLEGAS AMMAN FOR WHITTLESEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID SENV TBIO BA SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: PREPARATION FOR NEGOTIATIONS ON ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND BENEFIT SHARING REF: STATE 269625 Post contacted Engineer Zahwa Al Kuwari, Director of the Environment Assessment and Planning Directorate, General Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment, and Wildlife, to discuss questions posed in reftel. Kuwari said Bahrain is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity and will be sending one expert to the Bangkok meeting in February 2005. Kuwari further stated that Bahrain has prepared documents pertaining to potential Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) rules and procedures but is waiting for budgetary approval to implement said rules and procedures. Kuwari was unwilling to share specific details regarding the GOB's plans at this time, but indicated the GOB is keen to learn from others at the convention early next year. MONROE