Notification 2012-098

Dear Madam/Sir, The purpose of this notification is to invite Parties, Indigenous and Local community representatives and stakeholders to contribute to the implementation of the programme of work on Article 8 (j) and specifically to the major component of work on Article 10, with a focus on Article 10(c), consistent with relevant draft decisions to be considered at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties. In its recommendation 7/6, the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Article 8 (j) and Related Provisions requested the Executive Secretary, to compile submissions from Parties, Governments, international organizations and indigenous and local communities on Article 10, with a focus on Article 10 (c) as a major component of the program of work on Article 8 (j) and related provisions, and to provide this compilation to the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties. In paragraph 2 of the same recommendation, the Working Group on Article 8(j) recognized the importance of customary use of biodiversity to indigenous and local communities, and encouraged Parties to facilitate the full and effective participation in the negotiation and elaboration of this new major component of work. In light of the above, Parties, governments and indigenous and local communities are hereby invited to provide their submissions to the Secretariat on this major component of the program of work. TIMEFRAME FOR CONTRIBUTIONS: In order to facilitate the timely preparation of pre-session documentation for the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties, contributions regarding the above-mentioned issues should be submitted as soon as practicable and no later than 16 July 2012. This will ensure that the submissions received are reflected in the pre-session documentation for the meeting. Please note that all submissions may be provided in any word processing format and should preferably be submitted electronically. I thank you in advance for your cooperation and for your continued support to the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD Focal Points and Indigenous and local communities