Notification 2016-030

Dear Madam/Sir, As you may be aware, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is currently preparing The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. The report will provide the first integrated global assessment and overall synthesis of biodiversity for food and agriculture. The report will also help to improve the scientific basis for decision-making on the integrated management and use of genetic resources, improve the visibility of biodiversity for food and agriculture, and facilitate decision- making. The information and guidance provided by The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture is expected to be highly relevant to the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and specifically the attainment of Aichi Biodiversity Targets 7 and 13, as well as targets 2.4 and 2.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals. It will also help to inform assessment processes, such as the global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services approved by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services at its fourth session in February 2016. The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture is being prepared through a country-driven process. National focal points for the preparation of country reports on biodiversity for food and agriculture have been nominated by countries. The country reports, on which the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture will, in part, be based, are being prepared through national consultations involving various stakeholders. Further information on the preparation process for The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, including information on regional meetings, is being made available in an information note for the twentieth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/20/INF/42). Given the relevance of The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture to the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity, I encourage National Focal Points to the Convention to ensure active participation in the national preparatory process. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD and SBTTA National Focal Points