Notification 2009-160

Dear Madam/Sir, Pursuant to paragraph 8 (d) of decision IX/8 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity on Review of implementation of goals 2 and 3 of the Strategic Plan, and decision IX/24 on the CBD Gender Plan of Action, we are pleased to attach herewith the draft guidelines for mainstreaming gender into the national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs). At the request of the CBD Secretariat, the IUCN Senior Gender Advisor’s office, in close collaboration with the Secretariat staff, has developed the attached draft guidelines on mainstreaming gender into NBSAPs. A workshop was held on 12 May 2009 at the office of the CBD Secretariat in Montreal, with the participation of the IUCN and CBD staff, to ensure that the guidelines will be an effective document that can be used by Parties. We would appreciate receiving your comments on the draft guidelines at your earliest convenience, but no later than 31 December 2009. Please send your comments to Ms. Marie Aminata Khan at marie.khan@cbd.int. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points