Spain emphasized that not all research under the CCD should be carried out by panels. The independence of panels is important because they can insure the independence of information. The first part of the Secretariat document should say that panels are established by the COP with the recommendation of the CST and specify a time limit. He did not support the general comments in paragraphs 24-27. Panels should be selected from the roster.
Financing is more important than the roster because panels have expenditure.
The cost should be included in the budget of CST to insure the independence of the panels. Mexico supported the suggestion in paragraph 36 to limit the panels to two. Gambia said the number of panelists should not exceed 12, but the number of panels should not be fixed. Cuba concurred and added that reports should be submitted through the CST, however, the CST should not amend their conclusions. The NGOs emphasized the need for a strategy regarding how output of the panels can be communicated to drylands' people.