In accordance with Para. 9 of UNEP/CMS/Resolution 14.2, the Secretariat has been working to address requests from several Parties to make available a simplifed mode of payment of paying small value assessed contributions. The issue was initially raised at CMS COP13, leading to ongoing discussions with the Corporate Services Division of UNEP and the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) to establish a more cost-effective method for settling small contributions.

We are pleased to bring to the attention of CMS Parties that the Budget and Financial Management Services of UNON has approved a new set of guidelines for depositing contributions not exceeding US$ 50,000 (United States dollar) through UNDP Country Offices. This alternative allows Parties to easily transfer funds to a UNDP country office located within their country, effectively addressing the challenges associated with remitting smaller contributions internationally and providing a less burdensome and more expeditous transaction process. 

Should you wish to utilize this method of payment via a UNDP country office, we kindly ask that you inform the CMS Secretariat. The Secretariat will send an updated invoice with UNDP country office bank details to the requesting Parties. This payment method is applicable for current assessed contributions as well as for clearing arrears, either as a lump sum or through multiple payments over time.

Please note that any losses from currency conversions and service fees charged by UNDP country offices will be the responsibility of the contributing Party. According to the 2023 Universal pricing list issued by UNDP, the UNDP service fee ranges from USD 16.63 to USD 35.50 for most CMS Parties. For 18 CMS Parties under Special development situation country offices of the UNDP Universal list, the service fee varies between USD 33.49 and USD 86.60. As each UNDP country office has a different service fee, the Secretariat will provide service fee details individually upon request from the Parties.

For any further queries on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Enkhtuya Sereenen, Administrative Officer of the CMS Secretariat, at [email protected].

We appreciate your cooperation and continued support in implementing these new procedures, which aim to facilitate the process of fulfilling CMS Party financial commitments to CMS.