A/RES/63/219 implement the provisions of articles 15 and 8 (j) of the Convention and its three objectives, without in any way prejudging or precluding any outcome regarding the nature of such instrument/instruments; Takes note also of decision IX/20 of the Conference of the Parties to the 9. Convention, on marine and coastal biodiversity, and the annexes thereto,11 by which the Conference, inter alia, adopted a set of scientific criteria for identifying ecologically or biologically significant marine areas in need of protection, contained in annex I to the decision, and scientific guidance for designing representative networks of marine protected areas, contained in annex II; 4H 10. Takes note further of decision IX/5 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, on forest biodiversity;11 5H 11. Encourages the efforts being made to implement the seven thematic programmes of work, as established by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, as well as the ongoing work on cross-cutting issues; 12. Reaffirms the commitment, subject to national legislation, to respect, preserve and maintain the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, promote their wider application with the approval and involvement of the holders of such knowledge, innovations and practices and encourage the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their utilization; 13. Takes note of decision IX/33 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, and the annex thereto,11 and invites parties to the Convention, other Member States, relevant international organizations and other relevant stakeholders to make preparations to celebrate in 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity, and in that regard: (a) Invites all Member States to create national committees, with the participation of representatives of indigenous and local communities, to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity, and invites all international organizations to mark the event; (b) Invites the Secretary-General to consider appointing before 2010, within existing resources, an honorary ambassador for the International Year of Biodiversity, who would have a mandate to call for practical actions and solutions towards meeting the objectives of the Convention; (c) Decides, as a contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity, to convene at its sixty-fifth session, in 2010, a one-day high-level meeting of the General Assembly, with participation of heads of State, Governments and delegations, taking into consideration the schedule of meetings of the Convention; (d) Encourages United Nations departments, funds and programmes, the specialized agencies and regional commissions to fully support and participate, as appropriate, in the activities being envisaged for the observance of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, under the auspices of the secretariat of the Convention; 14. Stresses the importance of private-sector engagement for the implementation of the objectives of the Convention and the achievement of the 2010 target, and invites businesses to align their policies and practices more explicitly with the objectives of the Convention, including, inter alia, through partnerships; 4