Notification 2015-097

Dear Madam/Sir, I would like to draw your attention to the invitation from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) to an e-conference (to be held from 7 to 25 September 2015) for the review and further development of the initial scoping for: (a) the thematic assessment of invasive alien species and their control and (b) the thematic assessment of sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and strengthening capacities and tools (Deliverables 3bii and 3biii of the 2014-2018 work programme of the IPBES). The scoping for these assessments will be considered by the IPBES Plenary at its fourth session which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 22 to 28 February 2016. The e-conference will take place in 3 different sessions, as a moderated internet forum/discussion board that will allow experts to post their contributions in structured discussion boards, and read and reply to already posted contributions, discussing various elements relevant to the scoping reports. At the end of each week, a synthesis report will be prepared based on comments and discussions held during the week. The e-conference will address, among other things, the following aspects: • relevant policy questions; • scope, rationale and utility of the assessments; • an issue analysis of what substantive items would need to be covered; • indicators, metrics and data sets; • relevant aspects of indigenous and local knowledge systems; • relevant stakeholders and initiatives and strategic partnerships; and • capacity-building needs. Experts, practitioners, decision makers and knowledge holders interested to participate in the e-conference are requested to fill the online registration form available at the following address: http://ipbes.net/j3/forum/index.php?/register/. Once registered, the IPBES Secretariat will send a confirmation e-mail and further information on the e-conference and scoping process. Considering the relevance of these IPBES deliverables for the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity, I encourage you to contribute to this process by participating in this e-conference.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points and relevant organizations