Notification 2005-123

Dear Madam/Sir, I have the honour to inform you that pursuant to decisions VII/16 and VII/19 of the Conference of the Parties, the Ad Hoc Open-ended Inter- sessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions and the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Access and Benefit-sharing will meet in Granada, Spain from 23-27 January 2006 and 30 January to 3 February 2006, respectively. In accordance with rules 6 and 7 of the Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the Conference of the Parties, the meetings are open to the participation of indigenous and local communities, non-governmental organizations, regional organizations, private sector, as well as intergovernmental organizations, that have informed the Secretariat of their wish to be represented at these meetings. The conclusions of the meetings will be submitted to the Eighth Ordinary Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to be held in Curitiba, Brazil, from 20 - 31 March 2006. In view of your organization’s interest in the issues addressed by this meeting, I have the honour of inviting your organization to nominate a representative to attend the meeting. I would be grateful if you could inform the Secretariat, at your earliest convenience but preferably no later than 9 December 2005, of the name and contact details of your designated representative (s). Please note that pre-registration forms, a general information note for participants as well as the provisional agendas for both meetings are available on the Secretariat’s website at: http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meeting.aspx?mtg=WG8J-04 I am pleased to inform you that, subject to the availability of funds, the Secretariat will support the participation of a number of indigenous and local communities representatives in the meetings. For those organizations seeking financial assistance, nominations should include a recent Curriculum Vitae and a letter of recommendation from your organization in addition to the registration form. The selection of funded participants will be based on expertise and experience, taking into account gender balance and geographical distribution. I look forward to the participation of your organization in the meetings and your continued contribution to the work of the Convention.

Executive Secretary

To: Indigenous and Local Community Organizations