Notification 2014-026

Dear Madam/Sir, Pursuant to notification 2013-096 issued on 31 October 2013, Parties were invited to nominate experts for the Informal Advisory Committee to the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM-IAC) before 31 December 2013. In response, the Secretariat received a total of 27 nominations from Parties and I thank all candidates for their interest in joining this committee. After reviewing these nominations, I am pleased to announce that the membership of the CHM IAC has been renewed, in accordance with its operational procedures stating that the Executive Secretary shall seek to ensure a balance of expertise, as well as regional and bio-geographical balance (decision VII/23). The new composition of the committee is attached for your reference. I would like to thank all former members for their valuable contributions to the Clearing-House Mechanism through this committee. I also welcome new members and look forward to their expert advice and contributions. I take this opportunity to confirm that the next meeting of the CHM-IAC will be held on 13 14 June 2014 in Montreal, Canada, back-to-back with the fifth meeting of the Ad-hoc Open-ended Working Group on Review of Implementation of the Convention (WGRI 5). Unfortunately, in spite of the generous contribution from the Government of Canada, the funding currently available for convening this CHM-IAC meeting remains insufficient to ensure full participation. Nevertheless, the Secretariat will endeavour to find ways to allow all committee members to make substantive contributions even if some will be unable to attend this meeting in person. Finally, please kindly note that views and comments from Parties on the further development of the Clearing-House Mechanism are always welcome and can be sent by e-mail to chm@cbd.int. These contributions will be brought to the attention of the committee for its consideration. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD and CHM National Focal Points, and CHM-IAC Members