Notification 2015-009

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to invite you to participate in a webinar targeting the African region on increasing awareness of soil biodiversity and carbon, titled "Learning from wetlands – the case for dry soils", to take place on 12 February 2015, at 1 p.m. GMT. The webinar, convened in collaboration with the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and Wetlands International, aims to build knowledge and expand the understanding of policy and scientific issues related to reducing emissions from soil carbon based on the lessons learned from peatlands and other wetlands. It will address topics such as: building scientific knowledge on soil carbon, establishing policy and regulatory frameworks, and implementing projects and programmes for reducing emissions. The webinar, which is targeted towards Focal Points, national biodiversity managers, sustainable land management experts and other technical specialists in the African region, will include presentations on reducing soil carbon emissions in peatlands and other wetlands, and provide an opportunity for discussions with experts on opportunities and challenges. Outcomes from the webinar will include the identification of priority actions to enhance the consideration of soil biodiversity and carbon for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Presenters include Mr. Royal Gardner on behalf of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and Ms. Arina Schrier on behalf of Wetlands International. To register for the webinar, please contact Ms. Annie Cung (annie.cung@cbd.int) before 6 February 2015. Please note that registration is open to all interested participants and is not restricted to government-nominated representatives. The webinar will be conducted in English. Instructions on how to join the webinar will be sent via e-mail after registration. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD NFPs and SBSTTA FPs of Africa