Notification 2008-093

Dear Madam/Sir, In response to COP decisions IX/13 E 7, VIII/5 D 6(a), and VIII/5 B 13, the Secretariat is continuing a series of training workshops to support indigenous management of biodiversity and tourism products. As described in Notification 64300 of 22 July 2008, these workshops aim to reinforce the sustainable use of biodiversity in tourism through bolstering the web-based capacities of indigenous tourism operators. The CBD Secretariat, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Programme (SPREP) and the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI) of Auckland University of Technology (AUT), is planning an indigenous tourism workshop focusing on islands, to be held in Samoa from 3 to 5 November 2008. It is my pleasure to invite you to nominate possible participants for this upcoming workshop. Please select one or two nominees based upon the following criteria: - Participants are indigenous leaders in tourism in the region as entrepreneurs, policymakers or advisors, and active in existing and functioning associations of indigenous people and tourism operators; - The tourism products they manage include areas with significant biodiversity (parks, community or private protected areas); - Participants, or their constituents or representatives, should have access to internet and worldwide web-based tools for information, marketing, and networking; and - Participants can reproduce and disseminate the knowledge after the workshop. The final selection of participants will take into consideration the above criteria as well as geographic and gender balance. Ten selected participants from developing countries will be offered travel support to cover their costs of participation. I would appreciate receiving updated curriculum vitae for the nominated representatives at your earliest convenience. I look forward to your suggestions and response. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points of Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu