The Conference of the Parties
1. Adopts the programme of work 1/ on mountain biological diversity, annexed to the present decision, as a set of actions addressing characteristics and problems that are specific to mountain ecosystems;
2. Underlining the sovereign rights and responsibilities of countries over their mountains and mountain biodiversity, notes that Parties should implement the programme of work on mountain biological diversity in the context of their national and subnational priorities and needs. Inclusion of an activity in the work programme does not mean relevance of that activity to all Parties;
3. Invites Parties to identify priority actions among the actions recommended in the programme of work depending on the particular national or local conditions and urges Parties to incorporate them into their national biodiversity strategies and action plans, as well as national programmes and activities on the implementation of regional mountain conventions and initiatives, and implement them taking into account the ecosystem approach so as to contribute to the significant reduction of the rate of mountain biological diversity loss by 2010 and as a contribution to poverty reduction and to the benefit of indigenous and local communities dependent on mountains;
Annex
PROGRAMME OF WORK ON MOUNTAIN BIODIVERSITY
Goal 2.2. To respect, preserve, and maintain knowledge, practices and innovations of indigenous and local communities in mountain regions
Actions
2.2.1 Promote the implementation of activities aimed at maintaining existing levels of agrobiodiversity paying particular attention to centres of origin and the goods and services they provide both for meeting local demands and to ensure sources of food security
2.2.2. Respect, understand and support the traditions and sustainable practices of the indigenous and local communities in mountain regions in ways which accommodate their needs, participation, knowledge and practices for conservation and sustainable use of mountain biodiversity (taking into account Article 8(j) of the Convention and related decisions from the Conference of the Parties and programmes of work).
2.2.3. Promote networking, collaborative action and participation of indigenous and local communities in decision-making processes, paying particular attention to the empowerment of women, in order to maintain mountain biodiversity and its sustainable use.
2.2.4. Encourage decentralization and enhance access to information for the full participation and involvement of indigenous and local communities in decisions that affect them in relation to mountain ecosystems.
2.2.5. Promote the implementation of activities aimed at the improvement of mountain livelihoods, poverty reduction and the maintenance of cultural identity, in order to achieve sustainable use of mountain biological diversity.
2.2.6. Develop capacity-building measures and information-sharing to facilitate the involvement of indigenous and local communities, with their prior informed consent, in the management, conservation, and sustainable use of mountain biological diversity.
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Goal 3.5. To increase public education, participation and awareness in relation to mountain biological diversity
Actions
3.5.1. Promote educational and capacity-building systems tailored to the specific conditions of mountain ecosystems, such as workshops, courses, study tours, community exchanges, communications from the Convention on Biological Diversity, education and publications efforts, in line with the Global Initiative on Communication, Education and Public Awareness (decision VI/19 of the Conference of the Parties).
3.5.2. Increase awareness of the actual and potential contribution of knowledge, practices and innovations of indigenous and local communities to conserve and sustainably use mountain biological diversity, i.e., biodiversity documentation, inventories by community and other appropriate levels.
3.5.3. Encourage the implementation of sustainable tourism activities aimed at increasing awareness, respect and knowledge for mountain biological diversity, including knowledge of the local, natural and cultural landscapes.
3.5.4. Increase dissemination of knowledge on upland-lowland interactions and on components of interdependence.
3.5.5. Further promote the education of women and their role in the conservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge.
3.5.6. Enhance awareness among policy makers and planners on the importance and contribution of mountain ecosystems in poverty eradication programmes;
3.5.7. Increase broad-based awareness of the values of mountain biological diversity through, inter alia, national and local public awareness campaign.
