Notification 2022-006

Dear Madam/Sir, Further to notification 2021-085 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2021/ntf-2021-085-sbstta24-sbi3-wg20203-en.pdf) and following a joint meeting of the COP and SBSTTA Bureaux held on 26 January 2022, I am pleased to provide further 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), to be held in Geneva, Switzerland. Taking into account the needs related to COVID-19 preventive measures and regional preparatory work, the dates of the official meetings of the bodies are 14-29 March 2022, with registration and regional meetings scheduled to take place on 13 March 2022. An updated scenario note for the three meetings, which includes an updated organization of work, is available on the meetings webpage: https://www.cbd.int/conferences/geneva-2022. Other relevant documents will be re-issued as necessary with the new dates shortly. Requirements for entry into Switzerland and the venue The designated delegates from countries requiring a visa for Switzerland (Schengen visa) are strongly advised to contact the nearest Swiss diplomatic or consular mission as soon as possible in order to secure the required entry visa in a timely manner, prior to departure. To facilitate the issuance of visas, the Secretariat will issue visa assistance letters to participants upon request, to be attached to the visa application. A copy of the Priority Pass (confirmation of pre-registration to the meetings) issued by the Secretariat will also need to be attached to the application. Entry to Switzerland requires proof of vaccination (with one of the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization), recovery or a recent negative COVID-19 test result. Furthermore, entry to the meeting venue and to many locations in Geneva, including restaurants, will require a Swiss COVID Certificate, which can be obtained online (https://smc02.hug.ch/surveys/?s=WA39AEN9T3CYMK9W) in advance of travel by submitting proof of vaccination or recovery. Delegates travelling to Switzerland for the meetings are advised to consult the Federal Office of Public Health (https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/empfehlungen-fuer-reisende/quarantaene-einreisende.html#1355154378) website on health-related measures and updates, prior to travel. Delegates should also ensure that they have adequate medical insurance. For further information about visa requirements, as well as health requirements and other logistical details, an updated version of the Information Note for Participants is being prepared by the Secretariat and will be made available on the meetings webpage as soon as finalized. I look forward to your participation and contribution to these meetings. 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