Notification 2005-075

Dear Madam/Sir, In paragraph 4 of decision BS-II/9, the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol established an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on Risk Assessment, according to the specific terms of reference annexed thereto. The expert group shall: (a) Consider the nature and scope of existing approaches to risk assessment based on national experiences and existing guidance materials; (b) Evaluate the relevance of existing approaches and guidance materials to risk assessment under the Protocol, and identify gaps in those existing approaches and guidance materials; (c) Identify specific areas where limitations in capacity may be an impediment to effective implementation of the risk assessment provisions of the Protocol at national level, and where capacity-building activities may be particularly important; (d) Submit a report for consideration by the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol. Following the generous offer of the Government of Italy to provide the necessary financial support for a meeting of the Group, I am pleased to inform you that a meeting of the AHTEG will take place in Italy in the last quarter of this year. The exact venue and date will be specified at a later stage. You are hereby invited to submit the names of one or two experts from your country or organization who may be called upon to serve in the expert meeting. Each submission should be accompanied by a description of the relevant expertise of the expert, and a curriculum vitae that clearly indicates the expertise of the nominee and their contact details. The availability of experts should be verified prior to the submission of their names. A total of 15 participants will be selected from among the names of experts submitted by Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The selection of experts will be based on expertise, taking into account regional and gender balance. In addition, a limited number of observers will be selected from among the names of experts submitted by other Governments and by relevant organizations. Financial support for participation in the meeting will be available for those experts selected on the basis of nominations by developing country Parties to the Protocol and Parties with economies in transition. In this regard, I would appreciate if Parties to the Protocol, other Governments and relevant organizations could make submissions regarding experts to the Secretariat, by fax or electronic email no later than 15 September 2005 so that the selection of participants can be finalized in a timely manner. Please note that the meeting will be conducted in English only. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support towards the work of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Executive Secretary

To: National Focal Points of Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and other Governments Relevant organizations