Notification 2021-040

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to invite Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and indigenous peoples and local communities to the webinar on “The Strong Economic Case for Financing Biodiversity”, jointly organized by the World Bank and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on 22 June 2021, at 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. (EDT). The webinar will be conducted in English. I will open the session along with World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development, Mr. Juergen Voegele. Participants will receive a preview from World Bank Lead Economist Mr. Giovanni Ruta and Lead Financial Sector Specialist Ms. Fiona Stewart of new World Bank economic modelling that shows the development rationale for decisive action on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The research shows how a collapse in select ecosystem services could result in significant economic losses, particularly in more vulnerable countries. At the same time, the research highlights the benefits of adopting nature-smart policies as part of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and the importance of accounting for the role that nature plays in mitigating climate change. The session will also shed light on the role of economics in implementing the 2050 Vision of Living in harmony with nature. A question and answer session will follow the presentation, and will be joined by Ms. Karin Kemper, Global Director for the Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy at the World Bank. Those wishing to participate should register by 16 June 2021, by sending an e-mail with their full name and the name of their organization to: secretariat@cbd.int. After registering, they will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information on how to join the webinar. I look forward to your active participation in this important webinar and thank you for your continued support for the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, relevant organizations and indigenous peoples and local communities