Notification 2016-072

Dear Madam/Sir, I am writing in reference to the high-level segment of the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-13) and concurrent meetings of the Parties to the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols, which is being organized by the Government of the United Mexican States on 2-3 December 2016 in Cancun, Mexico. Invitations to the high-level segment were disseminated by the Government of the United Mexican States through its diplomatic channels, and were also sent by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to the CBD National Focal Points for the kind attention of their respective ministers. On behalf of the Government of the United Mexican States, we would like to thank those Governments that have responded to the invitation. We would like, however, to remind those that have not yet done so to please confirm participation to juan.mateos@semarnat.gob.mx and enrique.lendo@semarnat.gob.mx as soon as possible but no later than 30 June 2016. Participation in the high-level segment is of strategic importance to strengthen efforts for the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and for discussions on ways to mainstream biodiversity into the Sustainable Development Goals. It is also envisaged that the high-level segment will adopt a declaration on biodiversity mainstreaming. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD, CPB and ABS National Focal Points