Notification 2008-036

Dear Madam/Sir, I have the honour to inform you that the Secretariat will extend the deadline for applications to participate in the fair on experiences and best practices in Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA), to be held at the margins of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 9) in Bonn, Germany, from 19-30 May 2008. The new deadline to send expressions of interest to the Secretariat is 14 April 2008. Parties interested in holding side-events, poster sessions and presentations related to CEPA during COP 9 are encouraged to submit these events for the CEPA Fair. Themes include: • national CEPA strategies and their contribution to implementation; • mobilization of the media; • integration of biodiversity considerations into education in formal and non formal contexts; and • best practices in raising public awareness with stakeholders and major groups. It will be possible to display for only some of the days of the fair, but participants are expected to provide a resource person during the entire time of their display. Expressions of interest should include a short description of the proposed activities, the dates for participation and any audio-visual requirements. It is important to note that, due to restricted room capacity, only a limited number of exhibitors can be offered the opportunity to showcase their work. The Secretariat reserves the right to select the exhibitors. Limited support will be provided for PC-based materials and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Parties are therefore encouraged to provide their own laptops. Internet access will be made available. A large screen, with audio system will also be available for the display of films and presentations. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points