Notification 2018-046

Dear Madam/Sir, I would like to draw your attention to a recent notification (https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/em_2018_09_global_assessment.pdf) from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), announcing the start of the external review of the second order drafts of chapters and of the first draft of the Summary for Policymakers of the IPBES Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Comments on the chapters should be submitted by 29 June 2018 and comments on the summary for policy makers should be submitted by 9 July 2018. In view of the vital importance of the participation of an extensive and diverse range of experts in this review process, I would like to encourage you to participate in this process. As you are aware, this global assessment will provide the scientific basis for the fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook. Moreover, it will be an important contribution towards the assessment of progress towards the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (2011-2020) and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and also contribute to the process of preparing a post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Details on how to register as an expert reviewer for the global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services are available on the IPBES website at: https://www.ipbes.net/registration-second-external-review-global-assessment. I would also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to three additional recent IPBES notifications. These are: (a) inviting inputs on the strategic framework of the future IPBES work programme (https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/em_2018_07_call_for_input_to_strategic_framework_of_wp_20180425_final_0.pdf) by 23 May 2018; (b) a call for inputs on the organization of work of the seventh session of the IPBES Plenary (https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/em_2018_12_ipbes-7_draft_organization_work.pdf) by 1 June 2018; and (c) a call for the nomination of experts (https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/em-2018-06_letter_nomination_of_experts_and_offers_for_tsus_20180420.pdf) to participate in the assessments on values and the assessment of the sustainable use of wild species by 11 June 2018, and for offers to host technical support units for the assessments on values, the sustainable use of wild species and the assessment of invasive alien species by 16 May 2018. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, indigenous peoples and local communities organizations, United Nations organizations, nongovernmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, business organizations, and educational organizations