Notification 2013-113

Dear Madam/Sir, In decision XI/19, paragraph 16, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to compile information relevant to the application of safeguards for biodiversity in implementing activities related to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries, with a view to promoting the contribution of these activities to achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In paragraph 8 of the same decision, the Conference of the Parties noted that safeguards may enhance benefits for biodiversity and for indigenous and local communities, and invited developing countries to share their experiences and lessons learned when planning and implementing these activities. In addition, in paragraph 17 of the same decision, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to compile information from Parties on initiatives and experiences regarding non-market-based approaches such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests as a non-market alternative (reference to decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 67 of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC) with regard to its possible contribution to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Further to these requests, I invite Governments and relevant organizations to submit to the Secretariat (by e-mail at: secretariat@cbd.int, or by fax at: +1 514 288 6588), no later than 15 February 2014, information on: (i) experiences and lessons learned with regard to the application of safeguards for biodiversity when planning and implementing activities related to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries; (ii) benefits for biodiversity and for indigenous and local communities achieved through implementing activities related to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries; and/or (iii) initiatives and experiences regarding non-market-based approaches such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests as a non-market alternative. Parties may also wish to note related work under the UNFCCC (unfccc.int/redd), and in particular on non-market-based approaches (http://unfccc.int/cooperation_support/market_and_non-market_mechanisms/items/7712.php). Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points and relevant organizations