Notification 2021-053

Dear Madam/Sir, Further to notification 2021-041 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2021/ntf-2021-041-wg-post2020-en.pdf) issued on 4 June 2021, which confirmed that the third meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2020-3) would take place virtually from 23 August to 3 September 2021, I am pleased to inform indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) organizations that the Secretariat, through the Voluntary Trust Fund, and in close collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will be in a position to support IPLC representatives who are experiencing connectivity and time zone challenges, for their enhanced participation in WG2020-3, subject to the availability of contributions to the Voluntary Trust Fund (VB). Firstly, the Secretariat may provide limited financial support to indigenous peoples and local communities’ representatives normally eligible to receive travel support at in-person negotiating sessions, at the rate of 20 per cent of the Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for the city where the participant is stationed, for each day of attendance at the meeting, to be used for connectivity and other logistical aspects of their participation. Subject to the availability of resources, the Secretariat will be in a position to offer this support to one or two representatives of organizations from each of the seven indigenous socio-cultural regions recognized by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Secondly, the Secretariat is exploring the provision of logistical support and/or facilities for those representatives that need such support, subject to COVID-19 restrictions and safety and security requirements that are currently in place where the participant is stationed. These may include, as needed and on a case-by-case basis, technical support or the provision of equipment to facilitate internet connectivity, the use of UN offices or meetings’ facilities in a hotel. For those required to work at night, local accommodation in a hotel may be considered. Eligible indigenous peoples and local communities’ organizations that wish to solicit such assistance are kindly requested to advise the Secretariat, at their earliest convenience, but no later than 26 July 2021, of the name and coordinates of their officially designated representative to benefit from such support, via the official nomination letter, specifying the nature of the support or assistance required. Please complete and sign the application form available in English (https://www.cbd.int/traditional/voluntary-fund/voluntary.fund.en.doc/), French (https://www.cbd.int/traditional/voluntary-fund/voluntary.fund.fr.doc/), Spanish (https://www.cbd.int/traditional/voluntary-fund/voluntary.fund.sp.doc), Arabic (https://www.cbd.int/doc/programmes/socio-eco/traditional/frm-tk-vf-ar.pdf), Chinese (https://www.cbd.int/doc/programmes/socio-eco/traditional/frm-tk-vf-zh.pdf), and Russian (https://www.cbd.int/doc/programmes/socio-eco/traditional/frm-tk-vf-ru.pdf), and attach a curriculum vitae. It will not be possible for the Secretariat to respond positively to requests received after this deadline. The Secretariat will assess the requests made with a view to offering the most feasible options in light of the availability of resources. I take the opportunity to remind indigenous peoples and local communities’ organizations that the designation of representatives to participate in WG2020-3 should be addressed to the CBD Executive Secretary through an official letter of nomination, to be sent by e-mail to secretariat@cbd.int or by fax at +1-514-288-6588, as soon as possible but preferably no later than 13 August 2021. Early registration is strongly encouraged. I look forward to your active participation in this important meeting. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities