Technology transfer and cooperation means different things to different people. The demand or desire for new types of technologies will vary widely by region, country and even locality. In many, if not most, cases, however, business will play a critical role in effecting the technology transfer and scientific and technical cooperation necessary to meet the demands successfully. Accordingly, the International Chamber of Commerce’s CBD Task Force (ICC Task Force) has identified this topic as among its top priorities.

Improving access to information
Technology transfer and cooperation under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) must be demand-driven. When a need for technological solutions and scientific and technical expertise is identified, there must be access to information about the technologies currently available, adaptations that can or have been made, and potential future solutions still under development. Relevant impact or risk assessments by regulatory authorities, along with information about the technologies, also must be made available. Increasing access to information about existing and future technologies as well as needs identified at the national and/or local level will play an instrumental role in increasing the frequency and quality of technology transfer and cooperation experiences. In the view of the ICC Task Force, efforts under the Convention should begin by identifying all possible options to make full use of various information systems, including the CBD’s Clearing-House and other web-based mechanisms. International organizations also could be invited to more systematically feature information about new technologies on the margins of symposia and workshops concerning various aspects of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by including brief presentations of technologies relevant to the subject matter of the meetings or dissemination of compilations and/or brochures identifying electronic information sources.

Personal touch required
Even with full information at our fingertips, however, we will not succeed in increasing technology transfer and cooperation unless we find ways to involve people on an individual basis. Case studies indicate that personal contacts and direct exposure to new ideas and technological choices often are the catalyst for real technology transfer and cooperation. The ICC Task Force therefore welcomes opportunities to profile technology transfer in the context of the next meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Technology fairs or exhibits, for instance, can help to disseminate information about available technologies and, importantly, create the opportunity to bring together technology providers and potential users on a personal level. Such events also could contribute to a greater appreciation for the role of technology and business in achieving the Convention’s objectives and expose more business representatives to the important work of the CBD.

Avoiding red tape
The ICC Task Force also believes that efforts undertaken to facilitate and increase technology transfer and cooperation should ensure that those with technological and scientific needs have access to all potential solutions and assistance. In accordance with Article 16 of the CBD, this means that work under the CBD should promote and facilitate access to all technologies “that are relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or make use of genetic resources and do not cause significant damage to the environment.” We would therefore caution against the creation of any restrictions in this area, including unintentional barriers or administrative burdens that may be created through efforts to create harmonization in approach among the countries party to the Convention. Countries, and their citizens, should be free to identify, evaluate and seek access to new technologies, in line with Article 16 and other provisions of the Convention, without screening or steering from the international community.

With improved information flow and opportunities to showcase, through personal interactions, all available technologies, the business community looks forward to helping meet the demand for increased technology transfer and cooperation.

Roger Krueger served as the Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Task Force on the CBD. He was responsible for Seed Regulatory, Seed Policy and Stewardship at The Monsanto Company.

See also: http://www.iccwbo.org