The UNDP Regional Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) held a consultation in Quito, Ecuador on 24-25 November 2009, as part of a regional initiative entitled: “Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Why these are important for Sustained Growth and Equity in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The two day consultation was held with representatives from various organizations in order to prepare a national report regarding the role of biodiversity and sustainable development in the long term economic wellbeing of the nation and the region. The first in this series of consultations took place in Mexico City, Mexico on 13-14 August, the second in Lima, Peru on 24-25 September, and the third in Caracas, Venezuela, on 4-5 November. A fifth consultation took place in Bogotá, Colombia on 30 November - 1 December and a sixth in Guatemala City, Guatemala (representative of Central American nations) on 3-4 December. Fuurther consultations are slated for Brasilia, Brazil, and Port-in-Spain, Trinidad (representative of Caribbean nations) in early 2010. Each consultation seeks the input of national experts and stakeholders.