Notification 2008-008

Dear Madam/Sir, In paragraph 2 of Decision BS-II/9, the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol (COP-MOP) requested the Executive Secretary to convene, prior to its fourth meeting, regional workshops on capacity-building and exchange of experiences on risk assessment and risk management of living modified organisms. Following the offer by the Government of Malaysia to host such a workshop and the generous financial contributions from the Governments of Norway and Netherlands, I am pleased to inform you that the sub-regional workshop for Asia will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 27 to 29 February 2008. This workshop will bring together scientists, regulators and decision-makers who are involved in risk assessment and risk management of living modified organisms. The workshop will, among other things, enable participants to: (a) Learn about risk assessment and risk management in the context of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and review general concepts, principles and methodologies; (b) Exchange practical experiences and lessons learned in conducting/reviewing risk assessments and implementing risk management measures; (c) Review existing guidance materials on risk assessment and risk management and consider the need for further guidance; (d) Review the format and key elements of risk assessment reports/dossiers and risk assessment summaries for living modified organisms; and (e) Identify tools and mechanisms for promoting cooperation and networking between experts and agencies involved in risk assessment and risk management at the regional level. You are invited to submit the name and full contact details of one expert from your country or organization, who is actively involved in risk assessment and risk management, to participate in the workshop. The submission should be accompanied by the curriculum vitae of the nominee highlighting the relevant risk assessment and risk management activities in which he/she has been involved. Participants will be selected from among the names submitted by Parties and other Governments based on their expertise. Gender balance will also be taken into account. In addition, a limited number of observers will be selected from the names submitted by relevant organizations. Financial support will be available for one participant from each developing country Party that makes its nomination before the deadline. Priority will be given to least developed countries and small island states that are Parties to the Protocol. Kindly note that the funding for this workshop has only recently become available and must be utilised prior to the fourth meeting of the COP-MOP. Accordingly, the Secretariat has a very limited amount of time to organise and prepare for the workshop. Therefore, in order to enable us to finalise the arrangements for the workshop in a timely manner, it would be greatly appreciated if your nomination could reach the Secretariat as soon as possible but no later than Friday, 8 February 2008. Please note that the workshop will be conducted in English only. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support towards the work of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: Asian Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety National Focal Points, Relevant organizations