Subject: Webinar series on digital sequence information on genetic resources (DSI) Thematic area: Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-sharing

Ref.: SCBD/CPU/TSS/BCG/89216

NOTIFICATION  No. 2020-087

Dear Madam/Sir,

I am pleased to inform you that the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in collaboration with the ABS Capacity Development Initiative, is organizing a global webinar series in December 2020 and early 2021 to share and exchange information related to digital sequence information on genetic resources. 

This webinar series aims to foster a common understanding of digital sequence information on genetic resources, its importance and linkage to the Convention and the Nagoya Protocol as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, and how digital sequence information on genetic resources is being addressed under the CBD, in preparation for the third meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.  Three webinars will be held as follows:

- Webinar 1: Understanding DSI: a technical overview of its production, distribution and use: Tuesday, 1 December 2020, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EST, (hosted by the ABS Capacity Development Initiative).

- Webinar 2: Process and recent outcomes related to digital sequence information on genetic resources under the CBD: Wednesday 9 December 2020, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EST, (hosted by the CBD Secretariat).

- Webinar 3: Policy options for access and benefit-sharing and digital sequence information on genetic resources: January or February 2021, date and time to be confirmed, (hosted by the CBD Secretariat).

Further information on the webinar series and links for registration are available on the DSI webinar series page at: https://www.cbd.int/article/dsi-webinar-series-2020.

I look forward to your participation and contribution to these webinars.

The text of this notification is also available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2020/ntf-2020-087-abs-en.pdf.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema

Executive Secretary

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity United Nations Environment Programme