Notification 2012-013

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to invite Parties to participate in the second peer review of the: (i) draft study on the impacts of climate-related geo-engineering on biological diversity and (ii) draft study on the regulatory framework of climate-related geo-engineering relevant to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The draft study on the impacts of climate-related geo-engineering on biological diversity compiles and synthesizes available scientific information on the possible impacts of geo-engineering techniques on biodiversity, including information on associated social, economic and cultural considerations. The draft study also considers options on definitions and understandings of climate-related geo-engineering relevant to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The study is being prepared in response to COP decision X/33, paragraph 9(l). The first technical and stakeholder peer review of the draft study took place from 11 November – 9 December 2011 (ref. notification 2011-215). Comments received during the first peer review process were reviewed during the Informal Expert Meeting on the Impacts of Climate-related Geo-engineering on Biological Diversity (5-7 January 2012, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), and a revised draft study was prepared for the second peer review process. The draft study on the regulatory framework of climate-related geo-engineering relevant to the Convention on Biological Diversity is being prepared in response to decision X/33, paragraph 9(m). The draft study was made available for technical and stakeholder peer review from 29 November – 28 December 2011. The revised draft study was prepared in light of the comments received. The final reports will take into account further comments from the second peer review and will be used for the preparation of a pre-session document to be submitted to the sixteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 16). Paragraph 9(l) of decision X/33 also calls for the compilation of views and experiences of indigenous and local communities and other stakeholders. Accordingly, the Secretariat will be launching an electronic discussion on the online global forum for indigenous peoples, small islands and vulnerable communities called “Climate Frontlines”. The forum, run by UNESCO, reaches over 65,000 people from indigenous, small island and local communities from different regions, and operates in English, French and Spanish. The draft studies, as well as additional information on the above, are available at: http://www.cbd.int/climate/geoengineering/. Please submit your comments on the draft studies to the CBD Secretariat (secretariat@cbd.int) at your earliest convenience, but no later than 22 February 2012. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points and SBSTTA Focal Points