Notification 2006-090

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to invite you to nominate, at your earliest convenience but no later than 30 September 2006, multiple experts from your country who can be called upon to participate in a regional synergy workshop to build synergies between the three Rio conventions when implementing the programmes of work on the biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands and agricultural biodiversity. I am pleased to inform you that the Government of the Netherlands has provided financial resources for this workshop. The workshop is scheduled for 20 to 23 November 2006 and will be hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. I am convening this regional synergy workshop pursuant to paragraph 5 of decision VII/2 and paragraph 11(e) of decision VIII/2 of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the CBD on the biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands. I encourage the nomination of experts responsible for the management of agriculture and/or biodiversity in drylands in the context of implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other multilateral environment agreements. Additional expertise in the development, implementation and/or coordination of projects, including GEF funded, is an advantage. The purpose of the regional workshop is to: (i) identify opportunities for, and challenges facing, the implementation of mutually supportive activities towards the achievement of the 2010 target within dry and sub-humid lands and agricultural landscapes, (ii) exchange knowledge and experience relating to the implementation of mutually supportive activities in dry and sub-humid lands and agricultural landscapes, and (iii) build capacity for participants to develop relevant projects. A provisional annotated agenda is attached herewith. A summary report of the workshop, containing practical recommendations on the development and implementation of mutually supportive activities towards the 2010 target in dry and sub-humid lands and agricultural landscapes, will be submitted to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) of the CBD for consideration at its 12th meeting and to the COPs of the CBD and UNCCD. Nominations should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae that clearly indicates the relevant areas of expertise of the nominee. The selection of experts will take into account gender balance, geographical distribution, a balance of relevant technical expertise and the following criteria: • Active involvement in the management of drylands, biodiversity and agriculture; • Active involvement in the implementation of the CBD, UNFCCC and/or UNCCD in practice in the field, including familiarity with the 2010 target; • In-depth knowledge of dry and sub-humid lands biological diversity and/or agricultural biodiversity; • Ability to contribute relevant experiences from the country; • The importance of dry and sub-humid lands within the nominating country; and • Working knowledge of English. You are invited to nominate a minimum of two experts and a maximum of six. Please ensure that each nominee is available to attend the workshop if selected. Owing to the limited financial resources available a limited number of participants will be selected based on the above criteria, taking into account the date of submission of nominees and options provided. I thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter and your continued support to the work of the Convention

Executive Secretary

To: All CBD National Focal Points and SBSTTA Focal Points in Latin America and the Caribbean and Mexico; To all UNCCD, UNFCCC, and GEF Focal Points in Latin America and the Caribbean and Mexico