Notification 2016-025

Dear Madam/Sir, In paragraph 9 of decision XII/17, the Executive Secretary was requested to facilitate, in line with paragraph 19 of decision XI/28, capacity building in identification of invasive and potentially invasive species, including rapid DNA-based diagnostic approaches, in support of the Global Taxonomy Initiative. With generous financial support from the Government of Japan, the Secretariat will support a second round of the training course in 2016 on the application of DNA barcoding in the detection and monitoring of priority invasive alien species, pests and zoonotic disease vectors for interested Parties. This course will provide opportunities for Parties to develop national capacity in the detection and management of invasive alien species, pests and disease vectors that threaten habitats, ecosystems or the health of plants, animals and humans. The course will be provided under the auspices of the International Barcode of Life project. The training course has two major components: an 8-week online distance education course on DNA barcoding methodological approaches and technologies, and a 4-week hands-on training course in standard DNA barcoding protocols for selected trainees at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, Canada. Applicants should be nominated by the National Focal Point for the Convention on Biological Diversity. National Focal Points are encouraged to consult with the national or regional plant protection organization (NPPO or RPPO) to recommend appropriate individuals to take the training course. Complete details can be found in the attached Annex. While training will be open to nominations from all Parties, financial support will be available to selected trainees from developing country Parties, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States, as well as Parties with economies in transition, to build their capacity in rapid identification of invasive alien species. Participation of self-funded trainees is welcome and, in such cases, nominations should also be submitted through the CBD National Focal Points. Parties are invited to submit their nominations in accordance with the nomination requirements provided in the Annex, along with the attached questionnaire duly completed, to secretariat@cbd.int as soon as possible but no later than 18 March 2016. Selection of trainees will be carried out by the Secretariat in consultation with the Global Taxonomy Initiative Coordination Mechanism. The names of selected trainees will be posted on the CBD website no later than 1 April 2016. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration,

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, GTI National Focal Points