Notification 2008-095

Dear Madam/Sir, The purpose of this notification is to invite Parties and relevant organizations to provide information on (i) status and trends of, and threats to, marine and coastal biological diversity; and (ii) progress made in the implementation of the programme of work on marine and coastal biological diversity for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) at its fourteenth meeting, tentatively scheduled to be held in May/June 2010 in Bonn, Germany. In paragraph 9 of decision VIII/14, the Conference of the Parties (COP) invited Parties to provide, on a voluntary basis, information for the in-depth review of thematic programmes included in the multi-year programme of work of the Conference of the Parties up to 2010. In paragraph 9 of decision VIII/15, the COP endorsed the goals and global outcome-oriented targets integrated into the programme of work on marine and coastal biological diversity, noting that they are intended as guidance to Parties in their implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans. In annex II of decision VIII/10, the COP decided to undertake the in-depth review of the programme of work on marine and coastal biological diversity at its tenth meeting, following its consideration by SBSTTA-14, to be held prior to the tenth meeting of the COP. Parties and relevant organizations are invited to submit, on a voluntary basis, to the Executive Secretary, as soon as possible but no later than 31 December 2008, information on the implementation of the programme of work on marine and coastal biological diversity, including progress made towards achieving the goals, challenges, as well as obstacles and capacity-building needs. Parties and relevant organizations are also invited to provide information on the status and trends of, and threats to, marine and coastal biological diversity. Information may be presented in any format and submitted preferably electronically. Appended herewith is guidance for the submission of the information, for your reference.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, relevant organizations