§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures his Department(a) has taken to implement the decision on agricultural biodiversity taken at the Third Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity and (b) will take to support the further development of the work programme on agricultural biodiversity at the Fourth Conference. [31539]
§ Mr. RookerWork to implement the agricultural aspects of the Convention on Biological Diversity is being carried forward together with the Department 499W for International Development which leads on implementation of the Global Plan of Action. Currently, there are several projects on the identification and characterisation of plant and animal genetic resources. However, much remains to be done to address the issues of multilateral access, and to agree revision of the International Undertaking, matters which will need to be addressed at the Fourth Conference of the Parties. The Department is committed to sustaining, restoring and enhancing in situ biodiversity through agri-environment schemes, advice and, where appropriate, regulation. The Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions who have the overall lead on the Convention.