At its first meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention requested the Secretariat to conduct a study of possible options for lasting and sustainable financial mechanisms that would enable developing countries to implement the provisions of the Convention adequately. In considering the Secretariat’s report, at its second meeting the Conference of the Parties requested the Secretariat to examine in more detail the options set forth in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.2/10, taking into account the discussions held on the subject, and to report on its findings to the Conference of the Parties at its third meeting.
The present study responds to that request. The study incorporates, by reference, and builds upon the information presented in the aforementioned study (“the COP.2/10 study”), including the options set forth therein. It provides additional relevant information which has become available since the COP.2/10 study was prepared and it examines that information within the context of the need for adequate and sustainable financing for implementation of the Rotterdam Convention by developing countries. The study further examines and elaborates options for consideration by the Parties in addressing assistance needs for the implementation of the Convention, and it concludes by suggesting an integrated, overarching approach that incorporates and builds upon many of the options identified in the COP.2/10 study.