Notification 2018-104

Dear Madam/Sir, I would like to draw your attention to several recent notifications issued by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which are relevant to the work of the Convention on Biological diversity. In view of the importance of IPBES and the IPCC to the work of the Convention, I would like to encourage Parties and observers to participate in these processes. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, through a notification (https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/em_2018_22_call_experts_ias_20180921_tsu3.pdf), is formally inviting Governments and stakeholders to nominate experts to participate in the thematic assessment of invasive alien species which will commence following the seventh session of the IPBES Plenary. In a related notification (https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/em_2018_30_call_nomination_fellows_ias.pdf), IPBES is also calling for the nominations of fellows for this assessment. It has also issued a notification (https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/em_2018_31_call_for_nomination_of_fellows_for_the_development_of_scenarios_methods.pdf) calling for the nominations of fellows for the development of scenarios on nature and its contributions to people. As you will recall, the IPBES Plenary in its decision IPBES-6/2 requested the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau, supported by the IPBES secretariat, to finalize a draft strategic framework up to 2030 and elements of the work programme of the Platform for consideration and approval by the Plenary at its seventh session. The Conference of the Parties adopted a decision on this matter at its recent fourteenth meeting (Decision 14/36). The IPBES has issued a notification (https://www.ipbes.net/system/tdf/em_2018_26_draft-next-workprogramme_20181129.pdf?file=1&type=node&id=29150) to notify Governments and stakeholders that the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau are now inviting comments from Governments and stakeholders on the draft work programme of IPBES. The deadline for comments is 2 January 2019. I would also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the availability of a primer on IPBES’ global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The primer, which is available in the six official languages of the United Nations, is accessible at: http://www.ipbes.net/ipbes7-primers. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change through a notification (https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/11/PR_SROCC-SRCCL_review_final.pdf) is also inviting experts and governments to review the Second Order Drafts of two Special Reports, one on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) and the other on Climate Change and Land (SRCCL).

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, Cartagena Protocol National Focal Points, ABS National Focal Points, indigenous peoples and local communities, relevant organizations