Notification 2014-104

Dear Madam/Sir, The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in consultation with the Secretariats of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will convene the Rio Conventions Pavilion at the margins of the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 12) to be held from 6 to 17 October 2014 in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. With the kind support of the host Government, the Rio Conventions Pavilion will provide opportunities for Parties and organizations to highlight activities linking biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management and climate change mitigation and adaptation, especially at national and sub-national levels. The Rio Conventions Pavilion contributes to enhancing awareness-raising, information-sharing and outreach in the framework of the Rio Conventions (CBD COP Decision IX/16) and to strengthening the collaboration between the Rio Conventions (UN General Assembly Resolution 64/203 of (14 December 2009). Running in parallel with the COP, its side event programme and other parallel events, the Rio Conventions Pavilion will bring together presentations, panel discussions and workshops designed around cross-cutting issues of relevance to the three Rio Conventions, such as reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, climate change adaptation and sustainable land management. In addition, this may include synergies with respect to implementation in a range of ecosystems, including marine, coastal and island ecosystems, drylands and wetlands. The Rio Conventions Pavilion will also provide opportunities to highlight a number of cross-cutting issues relevant to the Millennium Development Goals, the Post-2015 United Nations development agenda and sustainable development goals, including, for example: - linking biodiversity, climate change and sustainable land management in poverty - eradication: the role of ecosystem-based approaches; - the economics of biodiversity and ecosystem services in climate change management; - the role of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities; and - gender perspectives in linking biodiversity, climate change and sustainable land management. Events will, as far as possible, be clustered within daily themes and narratives that will be determined on the basis of proposals received. Full details about the Rio Conventions Pavilion at CBD COP 12 are provided in the attached guidance note, entitled “Planning Guide for the Rio Conventions Pavilion at CBD COP 12”. Parties and organizations are invited to submit proposals for events that would highlight actions and experience that link biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, ecosystem management, sustainable land management and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Events that highlight the activities of more than one Party or organization are strongly encouraged. Submissions should include the following: - The name and e-mail address of the contact officer; - The name and description of the presentation (maximum 150 words); - Information on the agency and partners who are implementing the activity to be highlighted during the event; - Links to any online resources that describe the activities; - Audio visual requirements; and - Description of any materials to be exhibited on the day of the event, for example a poster or stand-up banner, printed materials and CD-ROMs Please fill in the template provided in the aforementioned “Planning Guide” and submit your proposal by e-mail to the CBD Secretariat at: secretariat@cbd.int and to rio.pavilion@cbd.int at your earliest convenience but no later than 22 August 2014. Please make sure to include “Rio Conventions Pavilion” in the subject line. CBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC National Focal Points are encouraged to coordinate the preparation of their country’s request. Please note that in the event a high number of proposals is submitted, it is possible that not all who express interest will be invited to make presentations. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration,

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points and relevant organizations