Notification 2005-068

Dear Madam/Sir, In paragraph 5 of decision VII/12 on sustainable use, the Conference of the Parties (COP) requested the Executive Secretary to convene a series of technical expert workshops on ecosystem services assessment, financial costs and benefits associated with conservation of biodiversity, and sustainable use of biological resources. Pursuant to this decision, I wish to recall Notification 2005-062, whereby the Executive Secretary invites Parties to nominate a technical expert to participate in the Latin American and Caribbean Regional Workshop on Sustainable Use, at their earliest convenience but no later than 1 July 2005. I wish to inform that the Latin American and Caribbean Regional Workshop on Sustainable Use will focus on, but will not be limited to, agricultural ecosystems. The workshop will explore the applicability of the Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines to agricultural biodiversity, in particular domesticated species, breeds and varieties, and make appropriate recommendations as called for in paragraph 3 of decision VII/12. As previously informed and consistent with decision VII/12, the workshop will also focus on (i) ecosystem services assessment; and (ii) financial costs and benefits associated with conservation of biodiversity, and sustainable use of biological resources. Parties may wish to take this information into consideration in order to ensure that nominated experts have the appropriate specialization to attend this workshop. The workshop will also facilitate and promote exchange of experiences among government officials and practitioners through the review of regional case studies. Each participant in the workshop will be requested to present a case study on the sustainable use of biological resources in his/her country. Guidelines for the drafting of the case study will be provided to selected candidates. Nominations should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae that clearly indicates the areas of expertise of the nominee and his/her complete coordinates. I thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter and your continued support to the work of the Convention.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points from the GRULAC