Notification 2012-139

Dear Madam/Sir, In decision X/29, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity requested the Executive Secretary to organize a series of regional workshops, with a primary objective to facilitate the description of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas through application of scientific criteria in annex I of decision IX/20 as well as other relevant compatible and complementary nationally and intergovernmentally agreed scientific criteria, as well as the scientific guidance on the identification of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, which meet the scientific criteria in annex I to decision IX/20. The COP further requested that the Executive Secretary work with Parties and other Governments as well as competent organizations and regional initiatives, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), regional seas conventions and action plans, and, where appropriate, regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), in organizing the above regional workshops. Pursuant to this request, I have the pleasure to inform you that, with financial support from the Government of Japan, the Secretariat is convening a North Pacific regional workshop to facilitate the description of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs), from 25 February to 1 March 2013, in Moscow, Russia. These dates will include one day of training (25 February) on the application of EBSA criteria and a four-day workshop (26 February to 1 March). Relevant regional organizations/initiatives are invited to nominate an expert who can participate in this workshop and provide scientific information in support of the workshop objectives prior to the workshop. The selection of experts will be based on scientific expertise and experience, taking into account the guidance of COP in its decision X/29, and will be carried out using the following criteria: • Good scientific knowledge related to, and research experience in describing ecologically or biologically significant marine areas through application of scientific criteria in annex I of decision IX/20 as well as other relevant compatible and complementary nationally and intergovernmentally agreed scientific criteria; • Good scientific knowledge related to, and experience in the application of scientific guidance on the application of EBSA criteria (annex VI, UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/14/INF/4); and • Good scientific knowledge related to, and experience in developing and applying biogeographic classification systems of open-ocean waters and deep-sea habitats. Draft terms of reference for the workshop are annexed to this notification for your reference. Meeting documents will be forwarded to the selected experts and posted on the CBD website in due course. The meeting will be conducted in English. The head of the organization/initiative should provide the name and contact details of their nominee via official signed letter addressed to the Executive Secretary by the deadline (faxed to +1 (514) 288-6588, or scanned and attached to an email addressed to secretariat@cbd.int) at their earliest convenience but no later than 3 December 2012. Nominations must include full contact details and be accompanied by a curriculum vitae clearly indicating the area of expertise and experience of the nominee. I thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter and your continued support of the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. Draft Terms of Reference for CBD Regional Workshops to Facilitate the Description of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) (paragraph 36, decision X/29) 1. Describe ecologically or biologically significant marine areas through application of the scientific criteria adopted through decision IX/20 and contained in annex I to that decision, as well as other relevant compatible and complementary nationally and intergovernmentally agreed scientific criteria, as well as the scientific guidance on the identification of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, which meet the scientific criteria in annex I to decision IX/20; 2. Collate, review, analyse and synthesize relevant scientific data/information/maps collected through the CBD EBSA repository system called for in decision X/29 (paragraphs 39, 42 and 43), to undertake the above activity in paragraph 1; 3. Collate, review, analyse and synthesize relevant scientific information data/information/maps from other credible, quality-controlled sources, to undertake the above activity in paragraph 1; 4. Compile and produce regional EBSA reports for consideration by SBSTTAs; and 5. The regional workshops will be convened by the Executive Secretary in collaboration with Parties and other Governments as well as competent organizations and regional initiatives, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), regional seas conventions and action plans, and, where appropriate, regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), with regards to fisheries management.

Executive Secretary

To: Competent organizations and regional initiatives, including regional seas conventions and action plans, and regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) in the North Pacific region