Notification 2023-119

Dear Madam/Sir, In decision 15/13 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-13-en.pdf), the Conference of the Parties to the Convention encourages Parties and other Governments to work together with all stakeholders to jointly implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support, at global, regional, subregional, national and subnational levels, across areas and sectors, through bilateral joint work programmes where appropriate, and through existing global, regional, subregional, national and subnational instruments, mechanisms and processes. Pursuant to this decision, a meeting for the development of a global partnership to support the achievement of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was held in Cambridge, United Kingdom, hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme – World Conservation Monitoring Centre, from 12 to 14 June 2023. The meeting brought together experts from Parties, representing each region, and indigenous peoples and local communities, and from global, regional and sub-regional organizations. The outcomes of the meeting and the partnership framework can be accessed here (https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/e6a6/9ecf/3e51137f556ca957c87a3b8b/pa-om-2023-01-02-adv-en.pdf). A virtual information session to discuss the outcomes of the June 2023 meeting and the next steps is also scheduled for 29 and 30 November 2023. To accommodate participants in different time zones, two sessions will be offered as follows: o Wednesday, 29 November 2023 at 7:00 p.m. EST Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MO0MwsM2Ql-FsENpAqh5sA o Thursday, 30 November 2023 at 9:00 a.m. EST Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zLvEzSItS268iGcly1SpNQ Further to the above, I am pleased to invite Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, and relevant organizations to join and actively participate in the partnership. The partnership will facilitate access to a broad network of partners, fostering an exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices. Also, through collective efforts, the partnership seeks to enhance the successful and effective implementation of Target 3, reducing overlap and duplication of initiatives while optimizing the allocation of resources. Protected and conserved areas, and other effective area-based conservation measures, are primary to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and therefore, a vast number of organizations, coalitions and networks are involved in supporting the achievement of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The partnership will serve to bring these actors together to provide a platform for them to exchange information on their activities, identify gaps in the provision of support for the target, and collaborate to provide support where a need for a partnership approach has been identified. This will amplify the impact of the work these actors do individually and enhance achievement of Target 3. While this partnership is global in nature, it will also support action at the local, subnational, national and regional levels. The partnership will be flexible, dynamic and adaptable, and voluntary. Participation in this partnership will be open and inclusive, targeting organizations that are engaged in supporting Parties, rights-holders, and other stakeholders working on Target 3. We welcome participation from a diverse range of actors, spanning governmental, non-governmental, indigenous, local, and private sector organizations. There will be no cut-off date for joining the partnership. The first meeting of the global partnership is planned to take place on 22 and 23 February 2024, on the margins of the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). Further details will be made available in due course. I thank you for your cooperation in this matter and your continued support for the work of the Convention. Please accept, Sir, Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Acting Executive Secretary

To: CBD national focal points, SBSTTA focal points, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant organizations