(Original version)

Madam Facilitator,

I have the honour to deliver this remarks on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 6 regarding capacity building and transfer of marine technology.

(Objectives)

Madam Facilitator,

Regarding the objectives of capacity building and transfer of marine technology; the Group of the 77 and China would like express its support for the elements mentioned in this section. However, we would like to propose a change in the last sentence. The Group is of the view that the special requirements of developing countries "should" be recognized, and should take into account special needs for assistance of land-locked and geographically disadvantaged developing States, small island developing States, least developed countries, coastal African States as well as the specific development challenges that developing middle-income States are facing.

(Principles and approaches)

Madam Facilitator,

In terms of the principles and approaches guiding capacity building and the transfer of technology; the Group of 77 and China has no objection with the principles and approaches mentioned in this section. Nevertheless, the Group would like to propose few changes and we hope that our proposals would be incorporated.

The Group is of the view that the capacity building and the transfer of technology should be promoted and carried out on fair, favorable and reasonable terms and conditions, specially with regards to developing countries. Also, regarding international cooperation; we consider important that cooperation should be encouraged at all levels, including North-South / South-South cooperation and partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Additionally, just to leave it for the record, the Group was also seeking for a clarification from the chair, the facilitator or from our fellows delegates with regard to the 4th bullet point: "resulting in co-benefits for providers and recipients".

(Types of modalities for CB&TT)

Madam Facilitator,

Regarding the types of and modalities for capacity building and transfer of marine technology; since in this section says "drawing from existing instruments", the Group of 77 and China would like to reiterate that we should not undermine or duplicate existing programmes, instruments, frameworks and mechanisms where capacity building and transfer of marine technology are working well. Instead, we should highlight the importance of utilizing and enhancing the different international instruments that are of technical nature for this consideration. The new instrument should focus on coordinating efforts, promote cooperation between relevant existing provisions on as well as bodies that deal with capacity-building and transfer of marine technology and make them responsive to the objective of conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in ABNJ.

(Clearinghouse mechanism)

Madam Facilitator,

In terms of modalities and functions of a clearing-house mechanism with regard to capacity building and the transfer of marine technology; the Group of the 77 and China believes that a clearing-house mechanism and a capacity-building network, as encompassed in the CBD's Nagoya Protocol, could be used through an agreement or institutional arrangement, using, inter alia, web-based tools of open access data. Those tools can be a platform to access, evaluate, publish and disseminate information, as well as to allow requests for capacity building and transfer of marine technology on a case-by-case basis.

(Funding)

Madam Facilitator,

Regarding funding of capacity building and transfer of marine technology; the Group of 77 and China is of the view that a sustainable funding must and should be recognized; and in this regard, we reiterate the necessity to ensure an adequate, predictable and sustainable funding mechanism which could be complemented by a voluntary trust fund and by the contributions resulting from the aspect of the sharing of benefits in order to promote meaningful projects on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of ABNJ.

I thank you.