Decision COP XII/8

Recalling decision X/2 on the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, in particular, paragraph 3 (a) on enabling participation at all levels to foster the full and effective contributions of women, indigenous and local communities, civil society organizations, the private sector and stakeholders from all other sectors in the full implementation of the objectives of the Convention and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020,

2. Also welcomes the development of appropriate ways, means and mechanisms, such as a stakeholder forum held prior to meetings of the Conference of the Parties, to enhance effective and timely participation of stakeholders in meetings and processes of the Convention, its Protocols and subsidiary bodies;

3. Encourages Parties to promote practices and mechanisms to enhance the participation of stakeholders, including youth, in consultations and decision making processes related to the Convention and its Protocols at the regional and national levels;

4. Calls upon Parties to effectively engage stakeholders, including youth, in the development and implementation of the new generation of revised national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and to support initiatives that seek to promote such participation;

5. Requests the Executive Secretary to include appropriate practices and mechanisms, including modern communication tools, to enhance effective and timely participation of stakeholders in processes and future meetings under the Convention, its Protocols and subsidiary bodies, in consultation with the Bureau of the respective meeting and making full use of lessons learned from the Convention and other international experiences, as well as further developments in participatory practices at the international level;

6. Also requests the Executive Secretary, subject to the availability of resources, to provide information on ways to enable inclusive participation of stakeholders in relevant initiatives under the Convention, and on the opportunities, experiences and expertise that stakeholders can provide, taking into account best practices and lessons learned from past activities.