Notification 2017-081

Dear Madam/Sir, The purpose of this notification is to invite Parties to nominate representatives to an informal advisory group on synergies among the biodiversity-related conventions. At its thirteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted a decision (XIII/24) on options for action to enhance cooperation, coordination and synergies among the biodiversity-related conventions. The Conference of the Parties invited Parties and other Governments to implement options for action at the national level as contained in annex I of the decision. It also invited the governing bodies and secretariats of the conventions and other relevant international organizations to undertake, where appropriate and subject to the availability of resources, the actions foreseen in the road map for enhancing synergies among the biodiversity-related conventions at the international level 2017-2020, contained in annex II of the decision. With a view to supporting implementation of the road map, in paragraph 15 of the decision, the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to establish an informal advisory group on synergies to provide advice on prioritization and implementation of actions contained in annex II of the decision. In order to facilitate the establishment of the informal advisory group on synergies, Parties are invited to submit nominations of qualified representatives by 30 September 2017. Nominations may be submitted to the Secretariat by e-mail to secretariat@cbd.int or by fax to +1 514 288 6588. Nominations should be addressed to the Executive Secretary and provide relevant information on the nominee(s), that may assist the Executive Secretary, in consultation with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties, in the review and selection of the members of the informal advisory group. Such nominations should include the name, position or function, institutional affiliation and contact details of the nominee(s) and information on each of the following aspects of experience: - Relevant working experience in biodiversity-related policy, including the biodiversity-related conventions with which the nominee has experience; - Experience with the intergovernmental bodies of one or more of the biodiversity-related conventions, as well as with relevant organizations; - Responsibility for the implementation, at the national level, of the Convention on Biological Diversity and/or other biodiversity-related conventions; and - Experience in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of one or more of the biodiversity-related conventions. The nominees selected as members of the informal advisory group on synergies shall be representatives of the governments of countries that are contracting Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The country they represent may, in addition, be a contracting Party to other biodiversity-related conventions.Nominations received will be reviewed in consultation with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties. Representatives will be selected on consideration of relevant experience and the need for balanced representation, including regionally. Once established, the informal advisory group on synergies shall determine working arrangements appropriate to fulfil its mandate. However, it is envisaged that these would entail consultations and exchange of views conducted primarily through online and virtual means. Subject to the availability of resources, these might include meetings held in-person. The total time commitment required may be the equivalent of roughly 15 to 20 days during the course of one year. The Secretariat will provide appropriate support to facilitate the work of the group in formulating and conveying its advice pursuant to decision XIII/24, including in drawing upon relevant experts, as appropriate. I look forward to receiving nominations to the informal advisory group on synergies.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points