At its 10th meeting in Nagoya, Japan, in October 2010, the CBD Conference of the Parties (COP) is due to adopt a revised and updated Strategic Plan for the Convention including new biodiversity target(s) for the post-2010 period. A few weeks earlier, a special high-level one day meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with the participation of heads of State and Government, will address biodiversity for the first time, focusing on the post-2010 targets and the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services in addressing the challenges of climate change, poverty reduction and economic development. These events take place in 2010, which the UNGA has designated as the International Year of Biodiversity. The Year provides a unique opportunity not only to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, but also for governments and stakeholders to address the biodiversity crisis.

In line with Decision IX/9 of the Conference of the Parties, Parties and stakeholders are encouraged to submit views on the revision and updating of the Strategic Plan.