Notification 2016-082

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to inform you that the 2016 edition of the Fair on Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA), jointly organized by the Government of Mexico and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, will be held on the margins of the thirteenth meeting of the Conference (COP 13), from 4 to 17 December 2016, at the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico. The CEPA Fair provides a unique opportunity for Governments and organizations to showcase their work, national experiences, and contribution to the implementation of the Convention in the context of CEPA. In keeping with the theme of COP 13, “Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Human Well-being”, this year’s fair will not only focus on Aichi Biodiversity Target 1 and the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, but will also look at Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 “By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values have been integrated into national and local development and which states poverty reduction strategies and planning processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting systems”. The CEPA Fair features two components: an exhibition of outreach materials (kiosks), and a thematic side event (presentation and/or performance). Both components, as well as the modalities of participation are explained in more detail in the CEPA Fair Guide: www.cbd.int/cepa/cepafair/cepa-fair-guide.pdf. The 2016 CEPA Fair will highlight a number of overarching themes for the Convention and its Protocols, and therefore Parties are asked to submit proposals that reflect the following: CBD: Measuring the progress of implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the celebration of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. The focus is on Aichi Biodiversity Target 1: “By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably”. Cartagena Protocol: Best practices and experiences in implementing Article 23 on public awareness and participation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, including implementing the programme of work on public awareness, education and participation concerning the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms (2011-2015) and Focus Area 5 in the Strategic Plan for the Cartagena Protocol (2011-2020). Nagoya Protocol: Tools and activities that support the Awareness-Raising Strategy for the Nagoya Protocol, as agreed in Decision NP-I/9. The Secretariat invites Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations, and indigenous peoples and local communities to express their interest to showcase their CEPA activities at their earliest convenience, but no later than 1 September 2016 by sending a message to cepa.fair@cbd.int. Please note that due to restricted room capacity, only a limited number of Participants can be offered the opportunity to showcase their work. The Secretariat reserves the right to select the Participants. In keeping with the spirit of the global celebrations of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, the Secretariat of the CBD is honoured to have this occasion to share with the rest of the world the work of these partners whose work in Communication Education and Public Awareness brings us all one step closer to fulfilling the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) National Focal Points, Nagoya Protocol National Focal Points, Biosafety Clearing House National Focal Points, Relevant Organizations and and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities