Notification 2015-064

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to invite your Government to nominate an expert to participate in the technical workshop on ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, to take place from 28 September 2015 to 2 October 2015, in South Africa. The workshop is convened thanks to the generous support from the European Commission and the Government of South Africa. In decision XII/20, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to compile experiences with ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and to share them through the clearing-house mechanism (paragraph 7(c)). Pursuant to this request, a draft synthesis report is under preparation. This report compiles experiences, planned activities and national targets of Parties, as well as other relevant information related to ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction from a review of Fifth National Reports, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, projects supported by the Global Environment Facility, other information submitted by Parties and organizations, as well as relevant academic literature and publications. Participants to the technical workshop will be expected to contribute to the report by reviewing the information contained in the draft report and by sharing additional experiences and relevant information. A first consultation by e-mail is planned prior to the workshop, seeking input from participants to the draft report. The key messages from the report and technical workshop will be made available to the twentieth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice. Nominations should be submitted in the form of an official signed letter addressed to the Executive Secretary and clearly indicating the name and full contact information, including the e-mail address, of the representative. The nomination should also include a curriculum vitae (CV) indicating relevant experience and expertise. Participants will be selected among nominees on the basis of relevant experience and expertise related to ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, taking into account geographical and gender balance. The nomination letter and CV should be sent to the Secretariat at secretariat@cbd.int or faxed to + 1 514 288 6588, at your earliest convenience but no later than 31 July 2015. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretariat

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant organizations