Notification 2010-001

Dear Madam/Sir, Reference is made to notification SCBD/STTM/JM/SB/va/68785 (2009-118) dated 16 September 2009, and notification SCBD/ITS/NP/fb/69027 (2009-127) dated 1 October 2009. The purpose of this notification is to provide further information regarding the funding possibilities for the participation of one representative from eligible Parties. Please note that subject to the availability of contributions to the Special Voluntary Trust Fund (BZ), the Secretariat will be in a position to finance the participation of only one representative from each of the developing countries Parties to the Convention, including the least developed countries, small island developing States, other developing countries, and countries with economies in transition, for both meetings, i.e. the SBSTTA-14 and the WGRI-3 meetings. In accordance with rule 18 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties, the designation of representatives to attend the SBSTTA-14 meeting should be submitted through official letters to be addressed to the Executive Secretary of the CBD and sent, preferably through diplomatic channels by fax to +1 514-288-6588, or as scanned email attachments addressed to secretariat@cbd.int as soon as possible, but no later than 30 March 2010. Without an official notification from representatives of contracting Parties nominated to attend the meeting, indicating the names, titles and contacts of delegates and including the head of the delegation, registration will not be possible. Eligible Parties to the Convention wishing to solicit such assistance are kindly requested to advise the Secretariat at their earliest convenience, but no later than 6 March 2010, of the name and coordinates of the Government’s officially designated representative to benefit from such financial support for both meetings. It will not be possible for the Secretariat to respond positively to request for funding received after the deadline. In view of the increased security procedures for travellers and budget constraints, and in order to allow the maximum number of countries to participate in the meetings, the Secretariat will be using special airfare tickets for sponsored delegates that impose restrictions with regard to changing the passenger’s name, travel date and itinerary. In this respect, it will not be possible for the Secretariat to accommodate name changes if they are received after 6 March 2010. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: all SBSTTA Focal Points and CBD National Focal Points