A/RES/51/182 Page 2 Deeply concerned by the continued loss of the world's biological diversity and, on the basis of the provisions of the Convention, reaffirming the commitment to the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, Emphasizing that the Convention is an important instrument for achieving sustainable development, taking into account its three objectives, Noting with satisfaction that most States and one regional economic integration organization have ratified or acceded to the Convention, Taking note with appreciation of the generous offer of the Government of Argentina to host the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention at Buenos Aires from 4 to 15 November 1996, Encouraged by the work carried out to date under the Convention, 1. Welcomes the results of the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held at Jakarta from 6 to 17 November 1995, as reflected in the report of the meeting,4 submitted in accordance with resolution 50/111, and in that context reaffirms the need to take concrete action to fulfil the three objectives of the Convention, and takes note of the Jakarta Mandate on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity,5 which proposes a framework for global action; 2. Takes note of the results of the second meeting of the Convention's Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, held at the seat of the secretariat of the Convention at Montreal, Canada, from 2 to 6 September 1996, and of the work carried out at the first meeting of the Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety, held at Aarhus, Denmark, from 22 to 26 July 1996; 3. to do so; Encourages those States that have not yet ratified the Convention 4. Recognizes that States Parties have agreed to provide financial resources for the implementation of the Convention in accordance with article 20, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention; 5. Invites the Executive Secretary of the Convention to provide to the General Assembly at its special session in 1997, inter alia, information on experience gained under the Convention to date and on effective arrangements for the coordination of activities related to the objectives of the Convention; 6. Welcomes the work being carried out under the Convention to enhance cooperation with the Commission on Sustainable Development and biodiversity-related conventions, and invites the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to take into account the outcome of the 1997 special session at 4 See A/51/312. 5 Ibid., annex II, decision II/10. /...