Ref.: SCBD/OES/EM/DC/89500

18 March 2021

N O T I F I C A T IO N

Proposed new dates:
Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

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

Dear Madam/Sir,

Reference is made to Notification 2020-050 issued on 14 July 2020, by which the Secretariat had informed Parties and observers of revised dates (17 to 30 May 2021) for the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 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.

However, due to the ongoing pandemic situation, there is a further need to adjust the dates of these meetings.

I am therefore pleased to inform Parties and observers that the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, which also serves as the Bureau for the respective meetings of the Parties to the two Protocols, based on consultations between the Secretariat and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, has considered and approved further revised dates for these meetings. The new dates are 11 to 24 October 2021, in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.

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 to the President and members of the Bureau, the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies and the Co-Chairs of the Open-ended 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 Secretariat remains committed to ensuring the successful and timely preparation of COP 15 and the concurrent meetings of the Parties to the Protocols. It will make available, in due course, further information regarding the agendas, registration and other logistical arrangements for the meetings.

The COP Bureau, together with the SBSTTA Bureau, is currently undertaking consultations with regions concerning the dates and modalities for the formal meetings of the Subsidiary Bodies, with a view to convening SBSTTA24 and SBI3 as soon as possible, potentially in the second half of April or May 2021 and the WG2020-3 in August 2021, in order to allow timely preparation for COP 15 and related meetings. Further information in this regard will be provided in due course.

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

The lead-up to the Conference and related 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, and to continue efforts to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

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 to keep you all updated of any changes and adjustments that may become necessary.

Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema Executive Secretary