Notification 2025-114

Dear Sir or Madam, 

I am pleased to announce that experts have been selected to participate in the third iteration of the informal advisory group for ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs). The selection was made based on nominations submitted by Parties, relevant organizations, and indigenous peoples and local communities in response to notification 2025-064, dated 2 May 2025. Attached herewith, as an annex to this notification, is the list of selected experts.

The informal advisory group was established in response to a request from the Conference of the Parties in decision XIII/12, and its term has since been extended by the Conference of the Parties through subsequent decisions (most recently through decision 16/16). The terms of reference for the informal advisory group were provided in annex III of decision XIII/12. They were amended to include additional tasks through decision 14/9 (annex III) and amended again in response to a request from the Conference of the Parties in decision 16/16. The current terms of reference of the informal advisory group are available here.

The selection process took place in line with the criteria outlined in the above-mentioned notification, in consultation with the Bureau of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, taking into account the need to ensure balanced geographical distribution and gender balance. 

 Information regarding the first meeting of the informal advisory group on EBSAs will be communicated in due course, once the dates are selected.

 Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and your continued support of the work of the Convention. 

Please accept, Sir, Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration. 

                                                                                                                         (Signed) Astrid Schomaker

                                                                                                                        Executive Secretary 

Annex: Selected experts to participate in the informal advisory group for ecologically or biologically significant marine areas