Notification 2017-107

Dear Madam/Sir, Through this notification, Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations are invited to submit information relevant to the objectives of the expert workshop to develop options for modifying the description of areas meeting the criteria for ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs), for describing new areas, and for strengthening the scientific credibility and transparency of the EBSA process. This expert workshop is being convened by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Berlin from 5 to 8 December 2017 (see notification 2017-086 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2017/ntf-2017-086-marine-en.pdf), dated 8 September 2017). Information submitted in response to this notification will be compiled and made available to workshop participants to support their deliberations. In preparing their submissions, Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations are encouraged to make use of the annex to this notification, as appropriate. Submissions should outline national, subregional, regional and/or global experiences relevant to the objectives of the workshop, in particular with regard to the issues addressed in the annex. Relevant information may be provided in any appropriate format (e.g., reports, scientific articles), including links to relevant reports or other publications. Kindly provide your submissions as soon as possible but no later than 10 November 2017, to facilitate the timely compilation and synthesis of information. Contributions should be addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Convention and submitted via e-mail to secretariat@cbd.int or via fax to +1 514 288 6588. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and your continued support for the work of the Convention. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. Annex. Guidance for the preparation of submissions (to be used on a voluntary basis) Considering the objectives of the expert workshop, information on the following types of experiences would provide useful examples and insights for the workshop deliberations: • Experience in procedures to modify the geographic scope and/or status (including expansion, downgrading, downsizing or degazettement) of areas previously designated as significant (e.g., ecologically, socio-culturally, historically) and/or sensitive/vulnerable, including information on relevant scientific and technical guidelines for modification; • Experience in the incorporation of new scientific information, including traditional knowledge, into a pre-existing process for the designation of significant and/or sensitive/vulnerable areas; • Experience in ensuring scientific credibility and transparency in the use of specific criteria for designating significant and/or sensitive/vulnerable areas, including through processes for regular peer-review. These can include, for example, relevant experiences under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Maritime Organization, International Seabed Authority, Ramsar Convention, UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, World Heritage Convention, and other relevant global, regional or national processes.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, Convention on Migratory Species, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Maritime Organization, International Seabed Authority, Ramsar Convention, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Heritage Convention, relevant United Nations/international organizations, Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, Regional Fisheries Bodies, indigenous peoples and local communities; other relevant organizations