Notification 2011-107

Dear Madam/Sir, As you know, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is currently working on the in-depth review of its island biodiversity programme of work (IBPoW), which will take place at the 16th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) in May 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to update you on current developments in the in-depth review process. Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations were invited to provide information for this review via notifications issued on 15 February 2011 and 28 April 2011 (http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2011/ntf-2011-032-island-en.doc and http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2011/ntf-2011-086-island-en.pdf, respectively). The deadline for input is 30 June 2011. You are reminded that reports may be submitted in any format, and may measure progress in implementation of the IBPoW according to the original targets of the programme of work or against the “Aichi Targets” of the new Strategic Plan (in the latter case, you may use the matrix available here: http://www.cbd.int/island/reports.shtml). As part of this review process, the CBD is hereby inviting interested Parties to submit an indication of interest in participating in a collaborative effort to address the issue of invasive alien species (IAS) on islands. Islands are home to a disproportionate number of endangered species, and IAS pose the principal threat to these species. The elimination of the threat of IAS to island biodiversity, therefore, is a major objective of the IBPoW, and will be an issue of particular significance and focus during this review. The effort of CBD Parties and partners in addressing the issue of IAS on islands through a global campaign contributes to the objectives of both the IBPoW (annex to decision VIII/1, target 6.2) and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (annex to decision X/2, targets 9 and 12). Please contact Bill Waldman, Island Conservation, for more information (Bill.Waldman@islandconservation.org). Finally, I am pleased to announce that Ms. Robyn Bromley, Australia’s National Focal Point for the CBD, is chairing a Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) working group that is supporting the CBD process for the in-depth review. The main tasks for the working group include encouraging participation in the in-depth review, identifying opportunities to enhance the review process at SBSTTA-16 and supporting the CBD Secretariat. This review is arguably the best opportunity over the next two years for island Parties and Parties with islands to highlight progress and challenges on issues of most concern to them. I urge you to support this process to the best of your ability. Further information on the in-depth review can be found, as it becomes available, at http://www.cbd.int/island/review.shtml. Please do not hesitate to contact oliver.hillel@cbd.int for assistance. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD and SBSTTA National Focal Points and relevant organizations