Notification 2008-088

Dear Madam/Sir, In decision IX/13, E7 on Article 8(j) and related provisions, the Conference of Parties (COP) requested the Executive Secretary to convene, subject to the availability of financial resources, further regional and sub-regional workshops on community-friendly communication tools on traditional knowledge related to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Decision VIII/5, B13 and D6(a) on Article 8(j) and related provisions, similarly requested the Executive Secretary to convene regional and sub-regional workshops to assist indigenous and local communities in capacity-building, education and training, as well as in using new information and web-based technologies and in establishing communication networks. In response to these decisions, the Secretariat is continuing a series of training workshops to support indigenous management of biodiversity and tourism products. The workshops aim to reinforce the sustainable use of biodiversity in tourism by bolstering the web-based capacities of indigenous tourism operators. The workshops are being planned for five bio-geographical regions of the globe - the Arctic, islands, dry lands and deserts, forest-basins and mountains. These are locations that attract large numbers of eco and cultural tourists and have significant biodiversity and presence of indigenous communities. The first workshop of the series took place in 2007 in Canada and focused on the Arctic region in recognition of the International Polar Year. The second workshop of the series is now being planned for 3-5 November 2008 in Samoa and will focus on island communities in the Pacific region. A separate notification is being sent for the Samoa workshop. In the coming years, similar workshops will be held in the remaining bio-geographical regions. Concerned Parties will be individually approached with regards to participation in the workshop. I look forward to contacting you in due time with regards to your participation in this initiative and thank you for your continued contribution to the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points