Notification 2020-050

Dear Madam/Sir, Reference is made to Notification 2020-033 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2020/ntf-2020-033-sbstta-sbi-en.pdf) issued on 31 March 2020, by which the Secretariat had indicated that, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to adjust the dates of the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-15), the Tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and the Fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization. I am pleased to inform Parties and observers that the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties has considered and approved the revised dates for these meetings, based on a proposal by the Secretariat and the Government of the People’s Republic of China and after consultations through the Bureau members with their respective regions. The new dates of the meetings are 17-30 May 2021, in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. In addition, further to Notification 2020-038 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2020/ntf-2020-038-sbstta-sbi-en.pdf), in which alternative arrangements were being explored by the Secretariat on the convening of SBSTTA 24 and SBI 3, I am also pleased to inform you that, following consultation with the COP and SBSTTA Bureaux, as well as the SBI Chair, preliminary arrangements have been made for the meetings to be held in Quebec City, Canada, as follows: • Twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 24): 2-7 November 2020 • Third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 3): 9-14 November 2020 Information regarding the dates of the third meeting of the Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework will be made available in due course. Given the ongoing uncertainties and taking into account current restrictions on travel and the convening of large physical gatherings, it is possible that further adjustments may be required to the schedule of meetings. In this context, and with a view to maintaining momentum ahead of the UN Biodiversity Summit (see Notification 2020-034 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2020/ntf-2020-034-UNBiodiversitySummitResolution-en.pdf)) and towards COP 15 and to facilitating preparations for SBSTTA 24 and SBI 3, a series of special virtual sessions of SBSTTA and SBI are being scheduled for 15-18 September, 2020. These sessions will include the launch of the fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook, and the testing of a Party-led review process through an open-ended forum, pursuant to decision 14/39. Further information regarding these sessions will be made available in due course. As noted in previous notification, the provisional agenda for SBSTTA 24 and SBI 3 are available on the respective meeting web pages at: https://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=SBSTTA-24 and https://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=SBI-03. Other documents are being made available as they are prepared. Also, as recently communicated in notification 2020-045, SBSTTA documents currently available for peer review are accessible at: https://www.cbd.int/sbstta24/review.shtml. The Secretariat would like to express its appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, as well as the President and members of the Bureau, the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies and the Co-Chairs of the Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework for their continued commitment and sustained efforts in keeping the momentum towards the successful adoption of an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The lead up to the meetings in Kunming provides the global community with further opportunities to galvanize efforts at all levels to build a better future in harmony with nature. Once again, the Secretariat would like to reassure all Parties and the CBD community that it will continue to monitor further developments, in light of the ongoing uncertainties caused by the pandemic and will keep all updated on any changes and adjustments that may become necessary. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, Cartagena Protocol Focal Points, ABS Focal Points, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant organizations