Notification 2015-047

Dear Madam/Sir, In paragraph 31 of decision XII/3, the Conference of the Parties of the Convention requested the Executive Secretary, subject to the availability of resources, to facilitate the exchange of views and experiences on collective action of indigenous and local communities, and make this information available through the clearing-house mechanism of the Convention and for consideration of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation at its first meeting. In response to this request, the Secretariat has established an online forum on the contribution of collective action of indigenous peoples and local communities to facilitate the exchange of views and experiences through the clearing-house mechanism of the Convention, which is accessible at: https://www.cbd.int/financial/forumtk.shtml. The online forum will be held on 1-15 May 2015. The topics of the online forum have been selected based on relevant provisions of decisions of the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, and include: 1. Examples and case studies on collective action of indigenous peoples and local communities; 2. How values can underpin valuation of collective action and biodiversity; 3. Characterizing the contribution of collective action of indigenous and local communities, and exploring pertinent terminologies; 4. Reporting on the contribution of collective action of indigenous peoples and local communities; and 5. Contribution of collective action of indigenous peoples and local communities for the achievement of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations are encouraged to participate actively in the exchange of views and experiences through the online forum. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretariat

To: All National Focal Points under the Convention and its Protocols and relevant stakeholder organizations