6 February 2013: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is collaborating with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to include participation of biodiversity experts in the upcoming regional training workshop on adaptation for Francophone Least Developed Countries (LDCs) of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG), established by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC.

The LEG provides technical guidance and advice to the LDCs in addressing adaptation to climate change through the national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs), the LDC work programme and the national adaptation plan (NAP) process. Its mandate includes, among others, the facilitation of information-exchange, and promotion of regional synergies and synergies with other multilateral environmental conventions. With regard to the CBD, the COP has requested the Executive Secretary to collaborate with other conventions, in particular the UNFCCC, to promote mutually supportive actions addressing climate change and biodiversity, including on adaptation.

Within this framework, the CBD Secretariat has invited CBD parties to nominate one expert, to be considered for selection to take part in the LEG regional training workshop for Francophone LDCs, to be held from 18-22 March 2013, in Lomé, Togo. Thanks to the financial contribution from Japan, the CBD Secretariat is able to fund the participation of a limited number of experts. Among other criteria, nominated representatives should have knowledge and understanding of the links between biodiversity and climate change, and practical experience in integrating biodiversity into climate change projects and policies or in integrating climate change into biodiversity projects and policies. Nominations should be submitted by 20 February 2013. [CBD Notification]