Notification 2013-108

Dear Madam/Sir, In decision XI/18 A, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, recalling Aichi Biodiversity Target 10, expressed its deep concern that climate change will increase the severity and incidence of coral bleaching and ocean acidification in the twenty-first century (paragraph 7). In paragraph 9 of this decision, the Conference of the Parties took note of the urgent need to update the specific work plan on coral bleaching (appendix 1 of annex I to decision VII/5;), taking into consideration other global impacts on coral caused by climate change, most notably, projected impacts of ocean acidification, but also the effects of tropical storms and rising sea levels, and recognized that the projected impacts of ocean acidification need to be integrated into management frameworks alongside interaction with local stressors. Furthermore, in paragraph 13, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to collaborate with Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations, and indigenous and local communities to develop proposals to update the specific work plan on coral bleaching through an addendum to the work plan that addresses the needs set out in paragraph 11: (a) Understand the vulnerability of corals to multiple stressors; (b) Plan proactively for climate risks and associated secondary effects, applying ecosystem-based adaptation measures; © Manage coral reefs as socio-ecological systems undergoing change due in many cases to climate change; (d) Formulate adaptation strategies that aim to enhance the resilience of ecosystems to enable the continued provision of goods and services. The Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to submit the draft addendum for consideration at a meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Matters prior to the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. In addition, the Subsidiary Body, at its 17th meeting, in recommendation XVII/1, highlighting the urgency of implementing measures to achieve Target 10, noted that this matter will be considered as part its work at its eighteenth meeting, in the context of updating the specific work plan on coral bleaching as well as its consideration of the systematic review document on the impacts of ocean acidification on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Pursuant to the above request, Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations, and indigenous and local communities are invited to submit information that may contribute to the development of proposals to update the specific work plan on coral bleaching. The submission may include relevant scientific and technical information, case studies, tools and guidance, and relevant management plans at sub-national, national or regional levels as well as specific suggestions for inclusion in the development of proposals to update the specific work plan on coral bleaching. The specific work plan on coral bleaching (appendix 1 of annex I to decision VII/5) is available at http://www.cbd.int/decision/cop/default.shtml?id=7742. Kindly provide your submissions, addressed to the Executive Secretary, via e-mail to secretariat@cbd.int or fax to +1 514 288-6588 as soon as possible but no later than 15 January 2014, to allow enough time for the Secretariat to compile and collate information and develop proposals. Thank you for your continued support of the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, CBD SBSTTA Focal Points; other Governments; International Coral Reef Initiative; regional seas organizations and other relevant regional initiatives; relevant organizations; indigenous and local communities.