Notification 2023-075

Dear Madam/Sir, The Conference of the Parties, in its decision 14/29, welcomed the progress made in the development of the voluntary peer review (VPR) mechanism for the revision and implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), and the positive result produced from the pilot phase, and decided to include the mechanism as an element of the multidimensional review approach under the Convention. In the same decision, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to further develop options to enhance review mechanisms, with a view to strengthening the implementation of the Convention. In light of the above, reference is made to decision 15/6 in which the Conference of the Parties adopted an enhanced multidimensional approach to planning, monitoring, reporting and review with a view to enhancing implementation of the Convention and of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, comprising voluntary peer reviews of NBSAPs, among other elements. Moreover, in the same decision, Parties are requested to submit revised or updated NBSAPs by COP 16, following the guidance provided in annex I of the decision, aligned with the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Parties that have participated in the voluntary peer review exercise to date have expressed appreciation for the capacity-development support gained from the exercise, including the meaningful recommendations prepared by the expert review team, aimed at enhancing the level of implementation at national, subnational, and local levels. The peer-to-peer learning component of the exercise has also been highlighted as an advantage by both the countries being reviewed and members of the expert review team. I am confident that the voluntary peer review process can provide useful support to Parties in undertaking activities on NBSAP revision/updating and implementation for achieving the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. I would therefore encourage those countries who have not yet contributed to this process to consider doing so, either as a reviewee, or by nominating a reviewer, as further outlined below. Nominations via an official letter should be submitted, as soon as possible, but no later than 31 July 2023 (scanned and attached to an e-mail addressed to secretariat@cbd.int). NBSAP reviewee: Nominations for participating as a reviewee should be accompanied by a duly filled form (see Appendix 1). The eligibility of Parties to undergo a review will be based on the following criteria: (a) evidence of high-level government support for the voluntary peer-review process; (b) submission of the latest national report; and (c) adoption of the latest NBSAP as a policy document or an advanced draft of an NBSAP or policy equivalents, under revision. NBSAP reviewer: Nominations for participating as a reviewer should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae, and should indicate experience in working on biodiversity management and implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, either within or in partnership with their national government. Preference will be given to nominees with experience in project monitoring and/or evaluation. Reviewers, in their individual capacity, will conduct the review of one or more countries and contribute to the further improvement of the methodology. Further information on the VPR process is available on the Convention website at: https://www.cbd.int/nbsap/vpr. I look forward to your participation in this process and thank you for your support for the implementation of the Convention and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Acting Executive Secretary

To: CBD national focal points