Notification 2018-073

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to announce that the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is planning to convene a Biodiversity Innovation and Solutions Fair from 17 to 29 November 2018, on the margins of the 2018 UN Biodiversity Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The Fair aims to inspire, facilitate access to, and promote the application of relevant technologies and innovative solutions for biodiversity conservation in support of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the post-2020 biodiversity agenda. Exhibitors at the Fair will showcase innovations, technologies and solutions that are being applied or can be applied for the conservation of biological diversity. A limited number of designated exhibition spaces will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. Kindly note that this exhibition space for the Biodiversity Innovation and Solutions Fair is different from the traditional exhibition held on the margins of COP referred to in the information note for participants. Parties and other organizations are requested to identify and invite potential exhibitors wishing to participate in the Fair to complete the attached registration form and return it to the Secretariat by e-mail at: secretariat@cbd.int or by fax at: +1 (514) 288-6588, as soon as possible but no later than 24 September 2018 as availability of space is limited. Please find enclosed herewith a background note about the fair, including its purpose and scope and logistical information. For further information, please contact Mr. Camillo Ponziani, Programme Officer in the Implementation Support Division, at: camillo.ponziani@cbd.int. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, Cartagena Protocol Focal Points, and Nagoya Protocol Focal Points