International news

Cyprus, on 29 December 2011, became the seventy-second signatory of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the thirty-seventh signatory of the Nagoya Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Guinea and Morocco, on 9 December 2011, became the latest signatories to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).This brings the total number of signatures to 70, with one ratification (Gabon). The Nagoya Protocol was opened for signature in February 2011. The Protocol will enter into force 90 days after deposit of the 50th instrument of ratification.

Communiqué: Partnership forged between Japan Committee for the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Press Release: 2011-2020 United Nations Biodiversity Decade Launched in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we announce the passing away of a valued staff member of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Marie Aminata Khan, on 12 December 2011. Since joining the CBD, Marie has greatly contributed to the work of the CBD, She developed and implemented the plan of action on gender and biodiversity. She was a team player and true believer in the ideals of the United Nations Organization. Marie will be deeply missed. We extend our sincere condolences to her family. Marie is survived by her two sons, Frederic and Charles.

The UN Secretary-General's Message on the Launch of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, Kanazawa, Japan, 17 December 2011

Message by Ahmed Djoghlaf, CBD Executive Secretary, on the occasion of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, 19 December 2011

Communiqué: UN Decade on Biodiversity launched at Meso-American workshop on National Biodiversity Strategies

Press Release: UN Biodiversity Chief Signs Memorandum of Understanding with World Future Council

Statement by Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, CBD Executive Secretary, on the occasion of the Celebrations of Oceans Day 2011, 3 December 2011, Durban, South Africa