Notification 2022-014

Dear Madam/Sir, Further to notification 2022-006 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2022/ntf-2022-006-sbstta24-sbi3-wg20203-en.pdf) in which Parties and observers were provided information on the preparations for 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), I wish to provide further updates on the requirements for entry into Switzerland and the meeting venue. Please note that given the improving epidemiological situation in Switzerland, the Government of Switzerland has announced that COVID measures are being relaxed as of 17 February 2022. Consequently, the website to obtain the Swiss COVID certificate is no longer operational. Nonetheless, the Secretariat will maintain measures with a view to ensuring that the meetings proceed in a manner that is safe for all delegates. These measures include regular testing, social distancing, and a requirement of proof of vaccination or immunity. Accordingly, to access the meeting venue, delegates will still be required to present either the Swiss COVID Certificate (which remains valid for those who have already obtained it), or an official vaccine certificate (of any of the WHO approved vaccines, the Sputnik or the Abdala vaccine) or a certificate of proof of recovery from COVID in the last 270 days. This documentation will be requested at the registration counter in order to obtain a conference badge. Thanks to the Government of Switzerland, COVID self-test kits and face masks will be provided at the meetings and will be distributed to each delegate upon registration. Each delegate will be required to daily self-administer the test prior to arrival at the venue and to present the negative result to the security personnel at the venue entrance. Delegates are reminded to also ensure that they have adequate medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Geneva. An updated version of the Information Note for Participants, to reflect the above changes, is being prepared by the Secretariat and will be made available on the meetings webpage shortly. 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