Notification 2021-082

Dear Madam/Sir, I refer to notification 2021-076 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2021/ntf-2021-076-sbstta24-sbi3-wg20203-en.pdf) with regard to the physical meetings of the resumed sessions of the twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 24), the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 3) and the third meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2020 3), scheduled to be held from 12 to 28 January 2022, at the International Conference Center Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland. Following the uncertainties on global health posed by the recent emergence of Omicron, declared a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization, and travel measures and restrictions imposed in a number of countries, the Secretariat, in consultation with the Government of Switzerland, the COP Bureau, the Chairs of SBSTTA and SBI and the Co-Chairs of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, has determined that the resumed sessions of the meetings cannot be held on the planned dates and accordingly will be postponed to a later date in 2022. The Secretariat regrets the inconvenience caused by the postponement of the meetings and will make every effort to ensure that the meetings reconvene as soon as it is feasible, at a time when the situation is conducive to allow a large number of people to gather safely in a physical setting. The Secretariat is exploring options for dates in March and will provide further information in due course. Once again, the Secretariat would like to reassure all Parties and the CBD community that it will continue to monitor further developments, in light of the current situation, and will keep all updated on any changes and adjustments that may become necessary. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD Focal Points, ABS National Focal Points, Cartagena Protocol Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, international organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant organizations