Activities of the Open-Ended Online Forum (2014-2016)

Dear participants of the Online Forum,

Thank you very much to Francisca for ably moderating the discussion and to you for actively debating the topics over the past two weeks.

It is good to see that, in spite of having had a few-months break in the discussions, participation was very high with over 80 interventions.

This discussion is now closed and in the coming days the moderator will post a brief summary of the discussion.

In the meantime, I would like to recall once again the terms of reference for the Online Forum and AHTEG given by the COP-MOP, and which reads:

1) “Taking into account the results of the testing process, established in decision BS-VI/12, the Guidance on Risk Assessment of LMOs shall be revised and improved”; and

2) “While revising and improving the Guidance, an attempt should be made to take into account the topics prioritized by the AHTEG, on the basis of the needs indicated by the Parties with a view to moving towards operational objectives 1.3 and 1.4 of the Strategic Plan and its outcomes, for the development of further guidance.”


The COP-MOP mandate is clear with regards to what needs to be done and so was the moderator in introducing the discussion.

While it is recognized that there are different views amongst participants of the forum, there are also many ways for arriving at an outcome. It is our task to find the best way to arrive at an outcome that is satisfactory to all, and in particular the Parties to the Protocol. As such, I would particularly like to thank those participants who attempted to find common ground between the different points of view, and would like to invite all to keep a conciliatory and constructive attitude during the upcoming discussions under this Forum.

The next discussion will be on “Submission of views, relevant guidance and sources of information on LM fish”. It will start on 22 February and will be moderated by Janne Øvrebø Bohnhorst from Norway.

I look forward to reading from you soon.

Best regards,
Manoela