Notification 2021-063

Dear Madam/Sir, 

In accordance with decision 14/20 of the Conference of the Parties, the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework considered digital sequence information on genetic resources at the first part of its third meeting, held virtually from 23 August to 3 September 2021.

In line with the outcomes of that meeting, I am pleased to invite Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, relevant stakeholders and organizations to submit views and new or additional approaches, options or modalities on how to address digital sequence information on genetic resources under the Convention and the Nagoya Protocol, based on but not limited to the information and elements contained in document CBD/WG2020/3/4 “Digital sequence information on genetic resources”.

The submissions will be taken into account, among other sources of information, by the Secretariat in updating the analysis of possible policy approaches, options or modalities (see Annex II of document CBD/WG2020/3/4) and in undertaking an assessment of these, based on a set of existing criteria (see Annex II of document CBD/WG2020/3/4), with a view to identifying potential advantages and disadvantages of each. 

Kindly submit this information as soon as possible, and no later than 30 September 2021 for full consideration. Please note that submissions should be sent through an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary by e‑mail to secretariat@cbd.int. 

A compilation of the submissions received by the Executive Secretary will be made available to the Open-ended Working Group in advance of the second part of its third meeting, planned to take place in January 2022 in Geneva (Switzerland). 

I thank you for your cooperation and continued support to the Convention and its Protocols.

Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

    Elizabeth Maruma Mrema

       Executive Secretary