Notification 2007-033

Dear Madam/Sir, The purpose of this notification is to invite Parties and Governments to contribute to the preparatory process for the in-depth review of the work on incentive measures. The in-depth review will be undertaken by the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. In paragraph 1 of decision VIII/26, the Conference of the Parties decided ”to initiate a structured, transparent and inclusive preparatory process for the in depth review of work on incentive measures with a view to identify, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its ninth meeting, the further outcomes that would be required from a revised programme of work on incentive mechanisms to meet obligations under the Convention and the requirements of Parties, and possible options for a future programme of work’. In paragraph 2 of decision VIII/26, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to, inter alia, (a) prepare a brief overview of the decisions of the Conference of the Parties related to incentive measures including references to analytical documents and draft recommendations prepared for consideration by the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies; (b) Prepare a synthesis report of information provided by Parties in the third national reports; and to transmit the information referred to under subparagraphs (a) and (b) above to Parties, other Governments, relevant international organizations and stakeholders with a view to assisting them in the preparation of submissions as invited in paragraph 3 of the decision. In paragraph 3 of the decision, the Conference of the Parties invited Parties, other Governments, international organizations and stakeholders to communicate to the Executive Secretary their experiences in the implementation of the programme of work on incentive measures contained in decisions V/15, VI/15 and VII/18 and provide views on elements such as: (a) Lessons learned and key challenges in implementing the existing programme of work, based on practical examples and case studies from national implementation, where available, including whether the measures initiated or adopted by Parties have maintained or improved the conservation and sustainable use of components of biodiversity; (b) Options to address the challenges identified; (c)Priorities for a future programme of work including requirements for effective national implementation, including financial and institutional support and capacity building; (d) Key gaps in the work to date, and gaps and obstacles in the existing programme of work that are impeding its implementation at the national level; (e) Interface with other international initiatives and instruments in this area; (f) Linkages to other programmes of work under the Convention. As requested by paragraph 2 of decision VIII/26, the attached documentation (see link below) has been prepared in order to assist in the preparation of submissions. Parties and Governments are kindly invited to submit information on their experiences in the implementation of the programme of work on incentive measures, and their views on the elements enumerated above, at their earliest convenience but no later than 31 December 2007. As requested in paragraph 4 of decision VIII/26, the Secretariat will compile and provide a summary of the above-mentioned views and experiences, including a summary of the options provided by Parties, and will make it available for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its ninth meeting, together with an update of the synthesis report of the third national reports. I thank you for your cooperation and continued support to the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points