Notification 2018-086

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to announce that the Fourth Science for Biodiversity Forum will be held in the framework of the fourteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 14), in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 23 to 24 November 2018. The Forum is organized by the International Union of Biological Sciences, the European Commission, the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This science-policy dialogue will bring together and engage scientists and policy makers to discuss how science can inform the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The discussions will particularly focus on what scientists could offer to the preparation of the post-2020 agenda, on concepts for transition, the role of scenarios for pathways, as well as scale and scope of actions towards the 2050 vision. They will also aim at framing the post-2020 targets, including on restoration and nature-based solutions as tools to reach biodiversity targets. The Forum will include panel and round-table discussions, providing a platform for the participants to share knowledge, experiences and solutions and to showcase success stories, good practices and approaches, and lessons learned. What is necessary to achieve the 2050 vision? What are the options and how can we ensure action? How to operationalize transitions and transformational change for biodiversity and human wellbeing? Discussions during this Science Forum will address these questions with a view to open new pathways to design nature-based solutions for nature, people and the economy across different sectors, and on engaging wider parts of the society. The Forum is expected to support discussions at the fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and its outputs will contribute to the further global process on developing the post-2020 biodiversity framework. I am pleased to invite Parties, other Governments, indigenous people and local community organizations, scientists, and representatives of civil society and the private sector to participate in the Forum. Kindly note that the event is open to UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 14, COP/MOP9 and COP/MOP3) registered participants only. Further information about the Forum and the registration form are available at: https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2018/parallel-meetings/science-forum and https://europa.eu/!tu73Ug Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, ABS Focal Points, CPB Focal Points, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, and relevant organizations