Notification 2012-057

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to inform you that this year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is "Marine Biodiversity", providing Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and everyone interested in marine life the opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and increase practical action. I also wish to remind you that The Green Wave for biodiversity will contribute for the fifth time to the celebration of IDB. IDB 2012 outreach material includes web pages on the sub themes for this year’s celebrations, as well as a pdf version of a booklet on the importance of marine biodiversity now available in English on the Secretariat’s website at: www.cbd.int/idb/2012. In addition, you will find the IDB logo in the six official United Nations languages at www.cbd.int/idb/2012/logo. In the days to come, the message of the United Nations Secretary-General will also be available. I strongly encourage Parties to translate IDB materials into their respective native language to ensure a truly universal celebration. I invite Parties that have already initiated national plans for activities to celebrate the IDB to keep the Secretariat informed of such plans and other noteworthy activities organized by NGOs or other organizations so that they may be included in the special pages of the CBD website devoted to these celebrations worldwide. As a way to prepare for IDB celebrations, Parties and stakeholders are strongly encouraged to make use of The Green Wave as a tool to promote collaboration and education for biodiversity among governmental, non-governmental and business actors and to bring your citizens to take part in a global movement that aims at building a future in harmony with nature. Since its launch in 2008, The Green Wave brought together over 4000 groups of children and youth from all over the world. By learning about biodiversity and taking part in activities and events, every one of The Green Wave participants has supported the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity and can now contribute to the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. For more information about getting involved in The Green Wave, please visit the website at greenwave.cbd.int or contact: greenwave@cbd.int. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretariat

To: CBD National Focal Points; UN-Ocean members, Regional Seas Organizations, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, and other Relevant Organizations