Notification 2015-016

Dear Madam/Sir, The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted decisions X/33 and XI/20 in relation to climate-related geoengineering. This notification follows up on a number of requests contained in these decisions. (a) Update on the potential impacts of geoengineering techniques on biodiversity, and on the regulatory framework of climate-related geoengineering relevant to the Convention on Biological Diversity As you may be aware, in response to decision X/33, the Secretariat published, in 2012, CBD Technical Series No. 66: Geoengineering in Relation to the Convention on Biological Diversity: Technical and Regulatory Matters (http://www.cbd.int/doc/publications/cbd-ts-66-en.pdf). The study provided a strong scientific reference basis for the decision adopted at the eleventh meeting of the COP. In decision XI/20, paragraph 16 (a), the COP requested the Executive Secretary, subject to the availability of financial resources and at the appropriate time, to prepare, provide for peer review, and submit for consideration by a future meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), an update on the potential impacts of geoengineering techniques on biodiversity, and on the regulatory framework of climate-related geoengineering relevant to the CBD, drawing upon all relevant scientific reports such as the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and discussions under the Environment Management Group. An interim update of information on the potential impacts of climate geoengineering on biodiversity and the regulatory framework relevant to the CBD was made available in June 2014 for the eighteenth meeting of SBSTTA (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/18/INF/5). Now that the Synthesis Report of the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been published, the update requested by the COP can be prepared for consideration by SBSTTA at its nineteenth meeting in November 2015. A draft update will be made available for peer review by Parties, relevant organizations and experts before SBSTTA-19. With a view to reinforcing this peer review process and ensuring geographical and gender balance, I would like to invite you to provide the names and contact information of potential peer review experts with relevant expertise related to the potential impacts of geoengineering techniques on biodiversity and on the regulatory framework of climate-related geoengineering and associated social, economic and cultural impacts. (b) Further views of Parties, other governments, indigenous and local communities and other stakeholders on the potential impacts of geoengineering on biodiversity, and associated social, economic and cultural impacts In decision XI/20, paragraph 16 (b), the COP requested the Executive Secretary to prepare an overview of the further views of Parties, other governments, indigenous and local communities and other stakeholders on the potential impacts of geoengineering on biodiversity, and associated social, economic and cultural impacts, taking into account gender considerations, and building on the overview of the views and experiences of indigenous and local communities contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/16/INF/30. Pursuant to this request, I invite you to provide further views on the potential impacts of geoengineering on biodiversity and associated social, economic and cultural impacts. (c) Information on measures undertaken in accordance with decision X/33, subparagraph 8(w) In decision XI/20, the COP invited Parties to report on measures undertaken in accordance with paragraph 8 (w) of decision X/33. Paragraph 8 (w) of decision X/33 contains the following guidance: “Ensure, in line and consistent with decision IX/16 C, on ocean fertilization and biodiversity and climate change, in the absence of science based, global, transparent and effective control and regulatory mechanisms for geo-engineering, and in accordance with the precautionary approach and Article 14 of the Convention, that no climate-related geo-engineering activities that may affect biodiversity take place, until there is an adequate scientific basis on which to justify such activities and appropriate consideration of the associated risks for the environment and biodiversity and associated social, economic and cultural impacts, with the exception of small scale scientific research studies that would be conducted in a controlled setting in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and only if they are justified by the need to gather specific scientific data and are subject to a thorough prior assessment of the potential impacts on the environment.” Further to this request, a notification was sent on 12 November 2013 (ref.: 2013-102) inviting Parties to submit such information. Submissions received are available at: http://www.cbd.int/climate/geoengineering/. Given low number of submissions received, I would like to give Parties another opportunity to submit information on any measures they have undertaken in accordance with paragraph 8(w) of decision X/33. Parties may wish to provide information, for example, on: (i) general measures they have undertaken to implement paragraph 8(w), in particular “to ensure […] that no climate-related geo-engineering activities that may affect biodiversity take place, until there is an adequate scientific basis on which to justify such activities and appropriate consideration of the associated risks for the environment and biodiversity and associated social, economic and cultural impacts”; and/or (ii) general measures that address the exception for small scale scientific research studies contained in paragraph 8(w) and any information on their application to specific cases. In conclusion, I would like to invite you to submit any relevant information as requested above, by e-mail at: secretariat@cbd.int, or by fax at: +1 514 288 6588, before 15 April 2015. Further information on climate-related geoengineering and biodiversity is available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/climate/geoengineering/. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points