Notification 2011-050

Dear Madam/Sir, In paragraph 21 of Decision X/43, regarding the revised programme of work for Article 8(j) and related provisions of the Convention, the Conference of the Parties, noting that the involvement of local communities in accordance with Article 8(j), in the work of the Convention has been limited for various reasons, decided to convene an ad hoc expert group meeting of local community representatives, bearing in mind geographic and gender balance, with a view to identifying common characteristics of local communities, and gathering advice on how local communities can more effectively participate in Convention processes, including at the national level, as well as how to develop targeted outreach, in order to assist in the implementation the Convention and achievement of its goals. Thanks to the generous financial support from the Government of Japan, the ad hoc expert group meeting of local community representatives will be held in the premises of the Secretariat, in Montreal, Canada, on 13-15 July 2011. Parties, Governments, competent international organizations, indigenous and particularly local community organizations, and other stakeholders, are invited to nominate experts for the meeting at their earliest convenience but no later than 29 April 2011. Please note that nominations must be made by means of an official letter of nomination addressed to the Executive Secretary and include the full contact details of the nominee and recent curriculum vitae. The Executive Secretary will select participants in the meeting among the nominations received based on relevant expertise as evidenced by the curriculum vitae, paying due regard to the need to ensure fair and equitable geographic balance and gender equity. Selected participants will be notified in due course. A draft agenda for the meeting is attached for your information. I look forward to receiving nominations and thank you for your continued contribution to the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. PROVISIONAL AGENDA 1. Opening of the meeting. 2. Organizational matters. 3. Presentation by the Secretariat – Local Communities within the Framework of the Convention. 4. Regional and Sub-regional Presentations of local community experiences. 5. Identification of common characteristics of local communities. 6. Effective participation of local communities in Convention processes: (a) At the international level; (b) At the national level. 7. Targeted outreach for local communities to assist in the implementation the Convention and achievement of its goals. 8. Adoption of the recommendations. 9. Closure of the meeting.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD Focal Points, International organizations, indigenous and local community organizations and relevant stakeholders