Date: 11 January 2023 

NOTIFICATION  No. 2023-001 

Dear Madam/Sir,

At its fifteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted the monitoring framework for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (decision 15/5 - https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-05-en.pdf). In the same decision, it also decided to establish an ad hoc technical expert group, with a time-bound mandate until the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, to advise on the further operationalization of the monitoring framework. The terms of reference for the expert group are contained in annex II of that decision. 

In accordance with decision 15/5, I am pleased to invite Parties and observers to nominate experts to participate in the ad hoc technical expert group on indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The expert group will be composed of 30 technical experts nominated by Parties and up to 15 representatives nominated by observer organizations. The selection of participants will be undertaken in consultation with the Bureau of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, with due regard to representation of different areas of technical expertise and ensuring balance in expertise on all aspects of the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The selection will also take into account geographical representation and the representation of indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth groups, and major stakeholders, as well as gender balance and the special conditions of developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, small island developing States, and countries with economies in transition. It will also take into consideration the special situation of developing countries, including those that are most environmentally vulnerable, such as those with arid and semi-arid zones, coastal and mountainous area. Thus, Parties and observers may wish to nominate more than one expert in order to facilitate the selection of experts representing a broad range of thematic expertise. 

Nominations for the ad hoc technical expert group should be submitted through an official letter addressed to the CBD Executive Secretary and sent as a scanned attachment to secretariat@cbd.int no later than 24 February 2023. When submitting nominations, please provide the name and full contact details of the nominee(s), as well as a curriculum vitae that demonstrates their area of expertise, bearing in mind the terms of reference of the ad hoc technical expert group as specified in annex II of decision 15/5. 

The ad hoc technical expert group will primarily conduct its work virtually. It is expected that the group will meet at least once in person during the intersessional period. Further information on the working modalities for the group will be communicated in due course. 

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

The text of this notification is also available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2023/ntf-2023-001-kmgbf-en.pdf

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema

Executive Secretary