Notification 2010-092

Dear Madam/Sir, This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) carries special significance as 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. In keeping with the spirit of the on-going global celebrations, the Secretariat encourages all governments and international organizations to take advantage of this year’s theme which will focus on Biodiversity for Development and Poverty Alleviation. As a means to mark the year and in particular the special day, the United Nations General Assembly decided to hold a high-level event on biodiversity on 22 September 2010. The meeting will provide an occasion for world leaders to strengthen their political will and to address the world’s biodiversity challenges. The high-level event will be attended by Heads of State and will provide a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the global biodiversity crisis and the urgent need for stronger action to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity. In addition, it has been decided that a ten-year review of the Millennium Development Goals will also be discussed. Therefore, the choice of this year’s theme is a direct contribution to the MDGs and it is my sincere hope that it will help to bring the biodiversity crisis to the top of the political agenda. By now you will have received the promotional materials that were sent to all our partners, which contained both IYB materials and the outreach material created for IDB. Electronic IYB promotional materials are available for download on our IYB site located at www.cbd.int/2010/resources/. For the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Secretariat has produced a booklet on the theme Biodiversity for Development and Poverty Alleviation. This can be found at www.cbd.int/idb/2010. As per the usual practice, the message of the United Nations Secretary-General will also be available in all United Nations official languages and posted on our website. I invite Parties that have already initiated national plans for activities to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity to keep the Secretariat informed of their plans, including activities organized by NGOs or other organizations, so that they may be included in the special pages of the CBD website devoted to worldwide celebrations. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: All CBD National Focal Points and International Organizations