Notification 2007-112

Dear Madam/Sir, The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is pleased to announce that the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) on 22 May 2008 will be Biodiversity and Agriculture. The theme reflects the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity to food security, nutrition and human well-being and the importance of agriculture to biodiversity. The theme has been chosen to coincide with the in-depth review of the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity by the Conference of the Parties at its ninth meeting (COP-9) in May 2008. The Secretariat has established an Inter-Agency Task Force to help guide preparations and celebration of IBD in 2008. Among agencies serving on the task force are the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Centres and Secretariat of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Outreach materials including a booklet on biodiversity and agriculture, a poster and a video will be prepared by the Secretariat subject to the availability of extra budgetary financial resources and made available to Parties early in 2008 for incorporation into national and local plans for IBD celebrations. Furthermore, to assist Parties in their plans, the Secretariat has prepared a review of the dynamic IBD celebrations held in 2007. This booklet is posted on the CBD website and copies will be distributed. The booklet can be found on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/bioday/2007/ibd-2007-report-en.pdf The Secretariat will also establish a special web page devoted to IBD 2008 and requests that Parties inform the Secretariat on activities planned for inclusion on this web page. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD Focal Points