Notification 2013-017

Dear Madam/Sir, The Conference of the Parties, in decision XI/22, encouraged Parties and all partners, institutions, organizations and processes concerned to consider the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets in developing the post-2015 United Nations development agenda and in the process of establishing sustainable development goals under the United Nations General Assembly. In the same decision, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to provide information on ways and means for the Convention’s national focal points to engage in processes to develop sustainable development goals and the post-2015 development. In line with this decision, I would like to encourage National Focal Points and stakeholders to actively engage in these discussions at the national level. In more than 55 countries, the United Nations is supporting a process of national consultations on the post-2015 development agenda. Relevant information on the ongoing processes in these countries is available at www.worldwewant2015.org. The processes at the national level provide a unique opportunity to highlight the critical role of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystems that provide essential services, and which are the foundations for sustainable development and human well being. More information to support contributions of National Focal Points and stakeholders to the on-going processes towards the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals will be made available on the CBD website. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points