Notification 2016-097

Dear Madam/Sir, As you will recall, in its decision XII/2, paragraph 13 of section B2 on technical and scientific cooperation and technology transfer, the Conference of the Parties (COP) welcomed with appreciation the Bio-Bridge Initiative (BBI), which was launched by the Government of the Republic of Korea as part of the Pyeongchang Roadmap on enhancement of technical and scientific cooperation in the context of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Targets. Following the twelfth meeting of the COP, the Secretariat entered into a funding agreement with the Republic of Korea to undertake preparatory activities to support the implementation of the Bio-Bridge Initiative, including putting in place the necessary tools and mechanisms, development of an action plan, identification and engagement of key partners and development of BBI pilot projects to test the proposed tools and mechanisms. The Secretariat has prepared the attached draft Action Plan for the Bio-Bridge Initiative 2017-2020, with the support of the Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science and the United Nations Environment Programme - World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC). The draft outlines the proposed vision, mission and expected outcomes of BBI and describes its proposed operational framework and activities. I am therefore pleased to invite Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations to provide views and comments on the draft action plan using the template annexed hereto. The comments should be submitted to the Secretariat by e-mail (secretariat@cbd.int) or by fax (+1 514 288 6588), as soon as possible but no later than 31 August 2016. Taking into account the input received, the draft action plan will be finalized and made available for consideration by the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to be held on 4 to 17 December 2016 in Cancun, Mexico. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD, ABS, CPB, SBSTTA National Focal Points, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and relevant organizations