Notification 2015-018

Dear Madam/Sir, The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in decisions X/33, XI/19 and XII/20, requested the Executive Secretary to compile information on views and experiences related to biodiversity and climate change and disaster risk reduction. Pursuant to decision X/33, paragraph 9(h), and decision XI/19, paragraph 18, I would like to invite you to provide information on: a) Views on possible indicators to assess the contribution of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries to achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity; and b) Views on potential mechanisms to monitor impacts on biodiversity from these activities and other ecosystem-based approaches for climate change mitigation. Furthermore, as per decision XII/20, paragraph 7(e), I would like to invite you to provide information on: c) Experiences, lessons learned and best practices on the contribution of these activities towards achieving the objectives of the Convention and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020. In addition, in accordance with decision XII/20, paragraph 7(c), I would like to invite you to provide information on: d) Experiences with ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation; and e) Experiences with ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction. When providing information on d) above, I would like to invite you to include information on major policy issues, including cost-benefit analyses, analyses of trade-offs, protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and gender-related issues. Furthermore, I also welcome inclusion of lessons learned, and opportunities and challenges in the context of implementation. If case studies or experiences are documented elsewhere, please consider contributing a reference (e.g. to National Reports, published materials, or a weblink) or to attach existing documents. Submissions should be sent to the Secretariat by e-mail at: secretariat@cbd.int, or by fax at: +1 514 288 6588, before 15 April 2015. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, and relevant international, regional and national organizations