CAN Letter: Participation of civil society in SBSTA Agriculture Workshop, March 2016

~~Dear Mr. Fuller,
 
I am writing to you on behalf of the Climate Action Network (CAN) as many of the members of the CAN are working on the climate, agriculture and food security nexus.  Many of them, individually or collectively, made submissions to the SBSTA last year and will submit new texts for the two upcoming workshops to make sure that the needs and solutions of the most vulnerable people especially smallholder farmers are highlighted.

The fact that the SBSTA addresses issues relating to agriculture is a very positive sign. Nonetheless, we noted that during the workshops of June 2015, the space given to observers was extremely limited despite previous decisions of the SBI reminding that “the existing means of engagement of observer organizations could be further enhanced, in the spirit of fostering openness, transparency and inclusiveness” (FCCC/SBI/2011/7 – SBI-34 conclusions 178).

We therefore would like you and the secretariat to support the participation of civil society representatives in the two workshops. At least one representative of the different constituencies should be invited to give a presentation and actively participate to the discussion. We truly think that such a proposal will benefit all.
 
We remain at your disposal for further information. Thank you in advance for your kind attention.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
 
Wael Hmaidan
Director
Climate Action Network-International

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Download file: http://letter-participationngo-agworkshop_sbsta_chair.pdf