Notification 2006-072

Dear Madam/Sir, In decision VIII/5 D, on Mechanisms to promote the effective participation of indigenous and local communities in matters related to the objectives of Article 8(j) and related provisions, the Conference of the Parties adopted the Criteria for the operation of the Voluntary Funding Mechanism. As per the Annex to the above-mentioned decision, in the selection of beneficiaries for such a fund, the Executive Secretary will consult, through electronic means, with an Advisory Selection Committee consisting of seven representatives of indigenous and local communities nominated by indigenous and local communities from the seven geo-cultural regions recognized by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, as well as with the bureau of the Conference of the Parties. I light of the above, I thereby invite indigenous and local communities to nominate representatives for the Advisory Selection Committee, as soon as possible but no later than 30 September 2006. In order to facilitate the selection process, nominations should be accompanied by a recent Curriculum Vitae, and official letter from the nominating organization and relevant information about the organization itself. Members will be selected from among the nominations received on the basis of expertise and taking into account the nature of the mandate of the group. Accept, Madam/Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: Indigenous and Local community representatives