Notification 2006-019

Dear Madam/Sir, The purpose of this Notification is to request your assistance in implementing activities in the programme of work on technology transfer and technological and scientific cooperation, adopted by the Conference of the Parties at its seventh meeting in decision VII/29. Activity 3.1.1 under element three of the programme of work calls for the preparation of technical studies that further explore and analyze the role of intellectual property rights in technology transfer in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity and identify potential options to increase synergy and overcome barriers to technology transfer and cooperation, consistent with paragraph 44 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. The benefits as well as the costs of intellectual property rights should be fully taken into account. The Secretariat of the Convention, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as well as other relevant organizations are identified as main actors to undertake this activity. The attached document was prepared in collaboration with WIPO and UNCTAD as a response to this request. It provides the first draft of a technical study on the aforementioned topic. I have the pleasure to invite you to take part in the peer review of this document, with a view to ascertain its technical soundness and accuracy. I would be grateful to receive your comments as soon as possible but no later than Friday, 5 May 2006. I wish to thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter and for your continued support of the work of the Convention.

Executive Secretary

To: Relevant organizations and experts