Notification 2015-060

Dear Madam/Sir, The work of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a partner institution to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and a member of the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership contributes to the achievement of many of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. In particular, GBIF contributes to the achievement of Target 9 on invasive alien species, Target 11 on protected areas, Target 12 on threatened species and Target 19 on the sharing and application of knowledge. GBIF has recently secured funds from the European Commission for a multi-year programme entitled Biodiversity Information for Development (BID). This program aims to improve availability of biodiversity information within the ACP region to support science and policy needs, especially in regard to threatened species, protected areas and invasive species. For more information, please see http://www.gbif.org/BID. As part of the preparations for this call, GBIF has issued two surveys to seek input from stakeholders in Africa - http://www.gbif.org/news/surveys-for-data-holders-decision-makers. The first of these is for any who hold or manage data on African biodiversity and the second is for decision makers requiring access to such data. Both are available in English, French and Portuguese. Responses to these surveys will help to guide priorities for regional funding under the programme. We ask that you kindly respond to the survey, preferably by 29 May 2015, if you hold or manage data on African biodiversity or if you are a decision-maker that requires access to such data. You are invited to forward this message through your networks as appropriate. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: SBSTTA focal points and PoWPA focal points from Africa