Notification 2014-059

Dear Madam/Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you that, pursuant to decision XI/18 (paragraph 26), the Secretariat is convening an Expert Workshop to Prepare Practical Guidance on Preventing and Mitigating the Significant Adverse Impacts of Marine Debris on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and Habitats, from 2 to 4 December 2014, hosted in the United States of America at Baltimore. The workshop is being organized with financial support from the European Commission. Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations are invited to nominate an expert to participate in this workshop. Nominations should be submitted to the Secretariat as soon as possible but no later than 14 July 2014, to ensure that travel arrangements are finalized in a timely manner. Nominations should be submitted via an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary and signed by the National Focal Point or the head of the organization. Nominations must include the name and full contact details of the nominee, accompanied by a curriculum vitae that clearly indicates the areas of expertise and experience of the nominee. Nominations must be sent by e-mail to: secretariat@cbd.int or by fax to +1 514 288-6588. The workshop will comprise of experts selected from among those nominated, taking into account regional and gender balance, using the following criteria: • Scientific knowledge of the impacts of marine debris on marine and coastal biodiversity and habitats; • Experience in management approaches to minimize and mitigate the impacts of marine debris on marine and coastal biodiversity and habitats; and • General understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its programme of work on marine and coastal biodiversity. The names of the selected experts will be posted on the CBD website in due course. Workshop documents will be forwarded to the selected experts and posted on the CBD website as they become available. The workshop will be conducted in English. I thank you for your continued support of the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points and SBSTTA Focal Points; other Governments; relevant organizations; and indigenous and local communities