Notification 2006-086

Dear Madam/Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you that, with the generous financial support of the Government of the Netherlands, the Secretariat is organizing a workshop on the application of the ecosystem approach to the planning, establishment and management of protected areas in small islands, in support of the recently adopted Micronesia Challenge and similar initiatives. The ecosystem approach is the primary framework for action within the Convention on Biological Diversity. The purpose of this workshop is to build the capacity of Parties to implement the programme of work on island biodiversity (decision VIII/I), as requested by the Conference of the Parties in paragraph 24, section C (Supporting activities of the Secretariat) of the annex to this decision. The venue and dates of the workshop will be announced at a later time. However, arrangements are being made to hold the meeting during the week of 12 November 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. The main objective of the workshop is to enhance knowledge on ways and means to apply the ecosystem approach in concrete situations, taking into account other tools adopted by the CBD, such as the Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines on the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity (decision VII/12), the Voluntary Guidelines on Biodiversity-inclusive Impact Assessment (decision VIII/28), the Framework for Monitoring Implementation of the Achievements of the 2010 Target through Appropriate Indicators (decision VIII/15), and the Guiding Principles for the Prevention, Introduction and Mitigation of Impacts of Alien Species that Threaten Ecosystems, Habitats or Species (decision VI/23). The workshop will apply a train-the-trainers approach to facilitate and promote exchange of experience among government officials and practitioners. I invite you to nominate, at your earliest convenience but no later than 30 September 2006, a technical expert who can be invited to participate in the workshop. Nominated experts could come from government, the private sector, civil society, or indigenous and local communities. The selection of participants will be based on their direct professional involvement in the planning, establishment, and management of protected areas in islands and their ability to train others. Nominations should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae/résumé that clearly indicates the areas of expertise of the nominees and their complete contact details. I thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter and your continued support for the work of the Convention.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, island organizations