Notification 2008-151

Dear Madam/Sir, The purpose of this notification is to invite Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and individuals to contribute views for the updating and revision of the Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by participating in the electronic forum on the post 2010 Strategic Plan accessible at http://www.cbd.int/sp/post2010forum/ . Pursuant to paragraph 6 of decision IX/9, the CBD Secretariat issued two notifications to request views from Parties and observers on an updated and revised Strategic Plan to be considered by COP-10 in October 2010. To date, we have received very few contributions in response to these notifications. It is hoped that, through the provision of questions, this electronic forum will facilitate the gathering and sharing of views on the Strategic Plan among a wider range of stakeholders in an informal way. All these views, together with the views solicited through the notifications, will enable the Secretariat to prepare a first draft of the revised Strategic Plan early next year. This electronic forum gives an opportunity to everyone to contribute anonymously as an individual, as a government representative, or as an organization. National focal points and focal points of organizations do not need to submit views twice (i.e. in response to notifications 2008-144 dated 27 October 2008 and 2008-076 dated 07 July 2008, and this notification) unless they find it necessary. The e-forum will be kept live until 15 January 2009. Considering the importance of the Strategic Plan for the implementation of the objectives of the Convention and COP decisions including the programmes of work, everyone is encouraged to invite others to participate. Please note that, on 24 November 2008, the e-forum will become available in both French and Spanish on the same web page dedicated to the CBD Strategic Plan. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, relevant organizations