This summary
was prepared by the International
Institute for Sustainable Development
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Input
to the World Summit on Sustainable Development
Informal
consultations on this matter, facilitated by Amb. Bo Kjellén
(Sweden), took place throughout the meeting. On 2 November, delegates
in the COP Plenary stressed: the principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities; the importance of the "three pillars" of
sustainable development; linkages between UNFCCC, Convention
to Combat Desertification (CCD) and the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD); and the opportunity offered by the WSSD to consider
progress made since UNCED in 1992. A paper containing discussion
elements for the COP’s contribution to the WSSD was distributed
later that day. During the High-Level Segment, consultations
on a Marrakesh draft ministerial declaration were facilitated
by Minister Valli Mossa (South Africa) and Philippe Roch (Switzerland).
The text of a Marrakesh Ministerial Declaration was submitted
on 8 November, as one of the four elements of a global package
deal to be agreed upon at COP-7. All regional groups reportedly
agreed to the proposal, which was adopted by the COP on 10 November.
MARRAKESH
DECLARATION: In the Marrakesh Ministerial Declaration (FCCC/CP/2001/L.27),
ministers and other heads of delegation, inter alia:
- welcome
the Marrakesh Accords that pave the way for the timely entry
into force of the Protocol;
- recognize
that the synergies between the UNFCCC, CCD and CBD should continue
to be explored;
- stress
the importance of capacity building;
- emphasize
that climate change and its adverse impacts have to be addressed
through cooperation at all levels; and
- welcome
the efforts of all Parties to implement the Convention.
Third
assessment report of the IPCC
At
the SBSTA meeting on 29 October, IPCC Chair Bob Watson introduced
the Synthesis Report of the Third Assessment Report (TAR), and
delegates considered the implications of the TAR for the future
work of the SBSTA. The EU, supported by Japan, Canada, Malaysia,
AOSIS, Norway, Switzerland and Australia, but opposed by Saudi
Arabia, suggested holding a workshop on the implications of the
TAR for the work of the SBSTA. Saudi Arabia and the G-77/China
stressed the inclusion of developing country scientists, and
literature in languages other than English. Chair Dovland invited
Halldor Thorgeirsson (Iceland) to conduct informal consultations
on a draft decision on the TAR.
On
Tuesday, 6 November, Thorgeirsson reported that while a large
group of Parties supported steps on follow-up on the TAR, delegates
had been unable to reach consensus on the proposed draft conclusions.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait proposed deferring the issue to SBSTA-16.
Following additional informal consultations, compromise text
was agreed and adopted by the SBSTA. References to assessing "the
implications" of the TAR were deleted, and the scope of
the proposed workshop on the TAR was amended to include reference
to "scientific uncertainty" and the "effects of
measures." A decision was adopted by the COP Plenary on
Friday, 9 November.
COP
Decision: In this decision (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.17/ Add.1),
the COP encourages continuing IPCC work, including preparation
of the Fourth Assessment Report, and also encourages Parties
to make full use of the information in the TAR. It urges Parties
to continue providing financial support to the IPCC and to
contribute to the IPCC trust fund to allow more developing
country experts to participate in IPCC activities.
Report
of the GEF
The
report of the Global Environment Facility prepared for COP-7
was referred by the COP to the SBI, which first took up the matter
on 30 October. Commenting in the SBI on the report, the G-77/China
highlighted concerns over the length of time between project
approval and availability of funds, the impact of currency fluctuations,
and the need for adequate funding for support programmes. Draft
conclusions were subsequently prepared by SBI Chair John Ashe.
On 6 November, the SBI approved these draft conclusions and forwarded
them to the COP, which adopted them on Friday night, 9 November.
CONCLUSIONS: The
SBI Chair’s conclusions (FCCC/SBI/ 2001/L.7) take note
of the GEF report, and urge the GEF to streamline its procedures
to reduce the time between project approval and disbursement
of funds. The conclusions urge GEF financial support to non-Annex
I Parties for second national communications, dissemination of
the IPCC Third Assessment Report, and implementation of UNFCCC
Article 6 (education, training and public awareness). In addition,
the conclusions note some Parties’ concerns regarding
adequacy of GEF assistance for preparation of non-Annex I communications.
Proposals
to amend the lists in UNFCCC Annexes I and II
PROPOSAL
BY TURKEY: A proposal made by Turkey at COP-6 Part I to
remove its name from the list in Annex II to the Convention
was adopted by the COP Plenary on 9 November, following consideration
by the SBI. The decision (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.8) notes that the
entry into force of this amendment to the list in UNFCCC Annex
II shall be subject to the same procedure as that for the entry
into force of annexes to the UNFCCC in accordance with Article
16.3 (entry into force of the adoption of an Annex), and invites
Parties to recognize the special circumstances of Turkey, which
place it, after becoming a Party, in a situation different
from that of the other Parties included in UNFCCC Annex I.
PROPOSAL
BY KAZAKHSTAN: A proposal by Kazakhstan to add its name
to the list in Annex I was taken up in the SBI and adopted
by the COP on 9 November. The conclusions note that, in accordance
with UNFCCC 4.2 (a) and (b) (P&Ms), Kazakhstan becomes
an Annex I Party to the Protocol upon its ratification and
the entry into force of the Protocol. They also note Kazakhstan’s
interest in engaging in negotiations with the objective of
defining a quantified limitation or reductions commitment under
Annex B of the Protocol, and recognize that it will continue
to be a Party not included in Annex I for the purposes of the
UNFCCC.
National
communications
ANNEX
I COMMUNICATIONS: Three sub-issues were addressed under
this agenda item: feasibility of developing guidelines for
the review of national communications; third national communications,
review and roster of experts; and reporting and review of greenhouse
gas inventories in Annex I Parties.
Feasibility
of developing guidelines for the review of national communications: Delegates
agreed to a proposal by SBI Chair Ashe that this issue be considered
after the review of third national communications. Conclusions
were adopted and are contained in the report of the SBI (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.2).
The conclusions take note of a workshop report on exchanging
information on preparation of third national communications,
and note that the SBI will return to this issue at a future
session.
Review
and roster of experts in relation to third national communications: Chair
Ashe noted that these communications are due by 30 November
2001. The decision (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.5), adopted by the COP
on 9 November, requests the Secretariat to prepare the compilation
and synthesis of national communications at COP-8.
Reporting
and review of greenhouse gas inventories in Annex I Parties: SBSTA
took up the matter of Annex I Party inventories on 30 October.
Chair Dovland recalled the SBSTA-12 invitation for Annex I
submissions of experiences in preparing greenhouse gas inventories
using IPCC good practice guidance. Noting that an inventory
review expert meeting is to take place in December 2001, he
proposed deferring evaluation of experiences to SBSTA-16. The
decision on this matter (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.9/Add.1) was adopted
by the COP on Friday, 9 November. In the decision, the COP
defers the revision of the guidelines for the technical review
of greenhouse gas inventories for consideration by SBSTA-16
and extends the trial period for their assessment until COP-8.
NON-ANNEX
I COMMUNICATIONS: Regarding non-Annex I communications,
Parties considered the third compilation and synthesis of initial
communications; the report of the Consultative Group of Experts
(CGE); and the provision of financial and technical support.
Three decisions and one set of conclusions were adopted by
the SBI and the COP on this item. The conclusions on the provision
of financial and technical support were only considered by
the SBI, and are summarized in the SBI section.
National
communications: The decision on this agenda item was adopted
by the SBI on 8 November and by the COP on 9 November. The
decision on third compilation and synthesis of initial national
communications from non-Annex I Parties (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.4)
requests the Secretariat to prepare a fourth compilation and
synthesis report for COP-8; concludes that non-Annex I Parties
are fulfilling their commitments under UNFCCC Article 4.1 (communication
of information); and notes the constraints and limitations
encountered during the preparation of national communications.
Consultative
Group of Experts: Two draft decisions and one set of draft
conclusions on this item were considered by the SBI and a contact
group chaired by Emily Ojoo-Massawa (Kenya) and in informal
consultations. Following their approval in the SBI, all three
texts were adopted by the COP on 9 November.
In
the first SBI discussion on this matter, the US proposed that
recommendations from the CGE be considered as a basis for improvements
of the UNFCCC reporting guidelines. On the report of the CGE,
Canada, with Australia, noted that there might be overlap between
the report and the COP-6 Part II funding package, suggesting
they be harmonized. The EU and Australia, opposed by Malaysia,
China and Argentina, said the report provided a sound basis to
initiate the revised guidelines. SBI Chair Ashe said this issue
would be further considered in a contact group, along with the
provision of financial and technical support.
In
the contact group, Parties discussed the terms of reference for
the CGE, in particular language in the document referring to
LDCs. Several LDCs noted that the CGE did not have a mandate
to address the LDC NAPA process. The EU stressed linkages between
the processes of preparing national communications and NAPAs.
Text referring to LDCs was bracketed and remained so until agreement
on linkages was reached between LDCs and the CGE within the group
discussing LDC issues.
On
the composition of the CGE, the G-77/China requested removal
of the expert from non-Annex I Parties in Europe proposed in
the new terms of reference. The EU, Switzerland and Australia
supported the initial composition, and Switzerland and Australia
said further consideration of the terms of reference was not
necessary.
On
the improvement of guidelines for the preparation of non-Annex
I communications, several Parties supported the extension of
the current terms of reference, although consensus was not achieved.
Delegates addressed at length the timing for three issues: the
improvement and adoption of the guidelines; the preparation of
draft improved guidelines and a workshop to be held on this;
and the submission by Parties of proposals on the draft guidelines
to the Secretariat. Uganda, for the LDCs, supported adopting
the improved guidelines at COP-10, while the G-77/China preferred
COP-9. The US, with Australia, supported doing this at COP-8,
underscoring the relevant COP-5 decision that had scheduled this
for COP-7, and stressed that it was not acceptable to postpone
this for more than one year. Parties agreed to the adoption of
the improved guidelines at COP-8, the holding of a workshop prior
to SB-16, and the submission of Parties’ proposals on
these guidelines by 5 August 2002 for consideration at SBI-17.
The US did not support deciding at COP-7 on the frequency of
submission of national communications by non-LDC developing country
Parties.
On
the terms of reference, participants discussed: the cut-off time
for reviewing national communications and for inclusion in the
Secretariat’s compilation and synthesis report; the number
of workshops to be held; and the number of experts to be invited
to these workshops. Regarding dates for workshops, and the review
of the terms of reference for the CGE, the G-77/China proposed
two workshops be held in 2002, and that the terms of reference
be reviewed at COP-8, to which delegates agreed.
CGE
Decisions and Conclusions: The conclusions on the report
of the CGE (FCCC/SBI/2001/CRP.4) note the excellent work of
the CGE and recommend two draft decisions that were adopted
by the COP.
The
decision on the report of the CGE on other matters relating to
communications from non-Annex I Parties (FCCC/CP/2001/L.20) states
that: the process of reviewing the guidelines for the preparation
of national communications should be continued with a view to
improving these at COP-8; and that the improvement of guidelines
shall take into account information on the use of guidelines
contained in third compilation and synthesis report, national
communications, and recommendations by the CGE. It also decides
that the Secretariat shall prepare draft guidelines on the preparation
of national communications, invites Parties to submit proposals
on the matter by 5 August 2002, and requests the Secretariat
to prepare an information document on Parties’ views for
consideration by SB-17.
The
decision on the CGE (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.10/Rev.1) states that at
least one member of the CGE from LDCs and at least one member
of the CGE from an Annex II Party should also be members of the
LDC Expert Group, in order to establish linkage on issues related
to adaptation; that the CGE shall conduct two workshops in 2002;
that during 2002 the Secretariat shall organize a meeting of
the LDC Expert Group back to back with a meeting of the CGE;
and that the terms of reference of the CGE shall be reviewed
at COP-8.
Programme
budget for the biennium 2002-03
This
matter was referred by the COP to the SBI, which first took up
the matter on Monday, 29 October. UNFCCC Executive Secretary
Cutajar introduced the revised UNFCCC programme budget, produced
following SBI’s recommendation at SB-14 of a budget for
2002-2003 of US$32.8 million. Consultations were held on the
draft decision and adopted by the SBI on 8 November and by the
COP on 9 November, with an amendment inviting Parties to make
contributions in the order of US$6.8 million rather than US$6.5
million to support activities relating to "prompt start" of
the CDM. The decision (FCCC/ CP/2001/L.3) approves the programme
budget of US$32,837,100 and approves a contingency budget for
conference servicing of US$5,661,800.
Other
matters
LETTER
FROM THE CENTRAL ASIA, CAUCASUS, ALBANIA AND MOLDOVA GROUP
OF COUNTRIES (CAC&M GROUP) ON THEIR STATUS UNDER THE CONVENTION: This
agenda item, based on a letter stating that the CAC&M group
considers COP-6 and COP-7 decisions relating to developing
countries should also apply to members of the group, was taken
up by the COP on Monday, 29 October, and referred to informal
consultations. On Friday, 2 November, the COP adopted a decision
(FCCC/CP/2001/L.17) inviting SBI-16 to give further consideration
to the request and to make recommendations to the COP.
PARTICIPATION
OF WOMEN: On Friday, 9 November, the COP adopted by acclamation
a draft decision (FCCC/CP/2001/L.22) proposed by COP-7 President
Elyazghi on improving the participation of women in the representation
of Parties in bodies established under the UNFCCC and its Protocol.
The decision invites Parties to give active consideration to
the nomination of women for elective posts in any body established
under the UNFCCC and the Protocol; requests the Secretariat
to bring this decision to the attention of Parties whenever
a vacancy arises for any elective post in any body established
under the UNFCCC and the Protocol; and further requests the
Secretariat to maintain information on the gender composition
of each body with elective posts established under the UNFCCC
and the Protocol, and to bring this information to the attention
of Parties whenever such a vacancy occurs.
Reports
of the subsidiary bodies
The
subsidiary bodies to the UNFCCC met for their fifteenth sessions
from 29 October - 8 November. On Monday, 29 October, the Subsidiary
Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific
and Technological Advice (SBSTA) met separately to begin their
work by addressing most of their agenda items. These meetings
were followed by a number of informal consultations over the
next week, which resulted in draft conclusions adopted by the
two subsidiary bodies in meetings held on Tuesday, 6 November,
and Thursday, 8 November. Issues addressed include, for the SBI,
the programme budget for 2002-2003 and national communications,
and, for SBSTA, methodological issues, technology transfer, and
education, awareness and training. SBSTA adopted its report for
the session (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.6) on 6 November, while the SBI
adopted its report (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.2) on 8 November. The following
section outlines issues addressed by these two bodies that the
COP did not specifically address or take a separate decision
on.
SUBSIDIARY
BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE (SBSTA): The
fifteenth session of the SBSTA, chaired by Harald Dovland (Norway),
met five times from 29 October - 6 November. On 29 October,
delegates adopted the agenda and agreed on its organization
of work. On 6 November, following consultations, delegates
elected Philip Weech (the Bahamas) as SBSTA Vice-Chair and
Tatyana Ososkova (Uzbekistan) as SBSTA Rapporteur.
During
the COP Plenary on 9 November, Chair Dovland reported on the
work of SBSTA-15. He listed the issues on which SBSTA had adopted
draft conclusions and submitted, for the consideration of the
COP, the draft report of SBSTA-15 (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.6) and the
report of SBSTA-14 (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.2).
Methodological
Issues: Bunker Fuels: This issue was considered
on Tuesday, 30 October. The EU reiterated concerns about increasing
greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation and called
for guidelines compatible with the Protocol for emissions allocation
methodologies. He urged the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) to work on emissions reductions activities. Switzerland
proposed that the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) Council continue initiatives on guidelines on emissions
reductions. The G-77/China proposed that work take place within
the framework of Protocol Article 2.2, which stipulates that
Annex I Parties shall limit emissions from aviation and marine
bunker fuels, working through the ICAO and IMO. Informal consultations
on this issue were convened by José Romero (Switzerland).
On 6 November, Romero reported that full agreement had been
reached.
The
conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.11) note with appreciation an
IPCC presentation on reporting aspects and an ICAO resolution
regarding policies and practices on environmental protection.
It also requests the Secretariat to continue cooperation with
ICAO and IMO, and invites the ICAO, IMO and Secretariat to explore
opportunities for improving the quality of data reporting and
comparability.
Methods
and tools to evaluate impacts and adaptation: These issues
were examined on 30 October. Canada proposed that regional
workshops on integrated assessment include consideration of
impacts and adaptation. Malaysia and Thailand proposed joint
research projects between developed and developing countries.
The issues were addressed in informal consultations convened
by Pierre Giroux (Canada) and Martha Yvette Munguia de Aguilar
(El Salvador). The conclusions were adopted on 6 November.
The
conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.10) take note of a recent workshop
and Party submissions, notes the need for more scientific work
on development of methodologies to assess impacts and adaptation,
and requests the Secretariat to consult with other UN bodies
and organizations and hold a workshop prior to SBSTA-17.
Development
of good practice guidance and other information for the LULUCF
sector: This item was considered on 30 October. IPCC Chair
Bob Watson outlined the future of the IPCC and highlighted
the LULUCF work programme under the IPCC National Greenhouse
Gas Inventory programme. The EU, supported by Indonesia, proposed
that the SBSTA develop terms of reference for IPCC work on
CDM modalities for LULUCF during its current session. The US,
Russian Federation, Canada and Australia cautioned that the
draft decision on LULUCF has yet to be finalized. Tuvalu, for
AOSIS, stressed that issues related to Protocol Articles 5,
7 and 8 need to be resolved before further guidance is given
to the IPCC, and supported broader consultation. The matter
was examined in informal consultations convened by Margaret
Mukahanana-Sangarwe (Zimbabwe) and Audun Rosland (Norway).
SBSTA adopted the conclusions on 6 November.
In
the conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.12), the SBSTA:
- notes
IPCC work progress with regard to LULUCF;
- welcomes
its proposed work programme relating to good practice guidance,
with a separate section for Protocol purposes containing specific
requirements as elaborated in the draft COP/MOP-1 decision
on Article 7;
- takes
note of the IPCC plan to address consistent representation
of land areas;
- takes
note of a proposed IPCC scoping paper on the development of
definitions for direct human-induced degradation and methodological
options for inventorying and reporting in this regard;
- takes
note of a proposed IPCC scoping paper on development of methodologies
for factoring out direct human-induced carbon stock changes
from changes due to indirect human-induced and natural effects
and effects of past practices;
- welcomes
a workshop organized by FAO, IPCC and the Center for International
Forestry Research on forest-related definitions; and
- invites
the IPCC to report on work progress at its next session.
Issues
relating to emissions from forest harvesting and wood products: This
issue was considered in the SBSTA meeting on 30 October.
The EU, supported by AOSIS, China and Saudi Arabia, opposed
the inclusion of harvested wood products (HWP) in the first
commitment period. New Zealand noted slow progress on the
development of technical methodologies and, supported by
Japan, Canada and Malaysia, suggested further technical review.
It was agreed that this issue be examined in the informal
discussions on good practice guidance and other information
on LULUCF. On 6 November, SBSTA adopted the conclusions.
In
its conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.12), the SBSTA:
- notes
the IPCC intention to include HWP in its development of good
practice guidance;
- encourages
further work on HWP by interested Parties;
- invites
Party submissions for consideration at SBSTA-18;
- requests
the Secretariat to prepare a technical paper on HWP accounting;
and
- decides
to further consider the issue at SBSTA-20 and SBSTA-21.
Cooperation
with Relevant International Organizations: This issue was
considered on Tuesday, 30 October. The Global Climate Observing
System (GCOS) reported on its regional workshop programme and
on a proposal for a second assessment of the adequacy of observing
systems. Several Parties expressed concern at the deterioration
of networks. An informal contact group on this issue was convened
under Sue Barrell (Australia) and Sok Appadu (Mauritius) and
reached agreement on relevant draft conclusions.
On
cooperation with other multilateral environmental agreements,
the IPCC reported on its technical paper on interlinkages between
climate change, biodiversity and desertification, and on the
relevance of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment to the climate
change process. Presentations were also provided by the CBD,
the CCD, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the World Health
Organization. In the ensuing discussion, Parties stressed enhancing
cooperation between conventions, strengthening such cooperation
at the national level, and furthering the international environmental
governance process. Informal consultations were convened by Jimena
Nieto Carrasco (Colombia) and Ian Carruthers (Australia) and
reached agreement on relevant draft conclusions.
SBSTA
Conclusions: These conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/
L.14), adopted on 6 November, include sections on cooperation
with scientific organizations, other conventions and UN bodies.
Under cooperation with scientific organizations, the SBSTA
welcomes the GCOS statement and encourages GCOS to continue
addressing the deterioration of the global observation systems.
The SBSTA further notes the holding of regional workshops
to identify capacity-building needs, and encourages GCOS
to expedite further workshops.
Under
cooperation with other conventions, the SBSTA: reaffirms the
need for enhanced cooperation with the CBD and CCD; notes with
appreciation an IPCC technical paper being developed on the interlinkages
between climate change, biodiversity and desertification; and
welcomes cooperation with the Ramsar Convention. The SBSTA requests
a joint liaison group to collect information on the work programmes
and operations of the three conventions and to examine the possibility
of holding a joint workshop prior to SBSTA-18.
Under
cooperation with UN bodies, the SBSTA notes with appreciation
the work of the WHO relating to climate change and invites it
to make more information available at SBSTA-16.
Article
6 of the Convention: Education, Training and Public Awareness: Delegates
addressed this issue on Wednesday, 31 October. Malaysia and
China stressed the importance of a concrete implementation
work programme. The US suggested that a workshop be held on
the prioritization of activities and on setting a work programme.
Senegal and Central African Republic called for a Climate Change
Day. China suggested that each Party should focus on promoting
public awareness on the IPCC TAR, and Mauritius said Article
6 implementation should take place at the grassroots level
in both developed and developing countries. Informal consultations
were convened by Teresa Fogelberg (The Netherlands) and Gladys
Kenabetsho Ramothwa (Botswana). The SBSTA adopted the conclusions
on 6 November.
SBSTA
conclusions: In these conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/
L.13), the SBSTA:
- reaffirms
the importance of work in this area and invites Parties to
contribute funding;
- encourages
the Secretariat to facilitate cost-effective information dissemination,
and to develop a new website as a resource center;
- requests
the Secretariat to organize a workshop to develop a work programme
on Article 6 activities, with the terms of reference attached
as an annex;
- recognizes
the need to disseminate the results of the TAR;
- requests
the Secretariat to report on Article 6 implementation based
on Annex I Party national communications for consideration
at SBSTA-17; and
- notes
the potential awareness-raising role of a UN Climate Change
Day.
Other
Matters: Proposal on cleaner or less greenhouse gas-emitting
energy: On 31 October, a number of delegates supported
Canada’s proposal to hold a workshop to follow-up on
a recent meeting in Calgary on the "cleaner or less greenhouse
gas-emitting energy trade." The matter was referred to
informal consultations convened by Mohammad Barkindo (Nigeria).
The SBSTA adopted the conclusions on 6 November. In the conclusions
(FCCC/SBSTA/2001/ L.19), the SBSTA requests the Secretariat
to organize a workshop on the matter, if possible prior to
SBSTA-16, notes Canada’s offer to host the workshop,
and invites Parties to submit views on it.
Special
circumstances of Croatia under Convention Article 4.6: On
31 October, Croatia underlined the importance of utilizing
UNFCCC Article 4.6 (flexibility for EITs). On Tuesday, 6
November, SBSTA adopted conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.8)
where SBSTA invites Parties to send views on this matter
by 15 February 2002, requests the Secretariat to review Croatia’s
national communication, and decides to further consider the
matter at its sixteenth session.
Issues
relating to hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons: This
issue was considered on 31 October, when the EU suggested
it should be a substantive agenda item at SBSTA-16. Chair
Dovland undertook to develop conclusions based on informal
consultations. On 6 November, SBSTA adopted the conclusions
on the matters. These were amended to provide for China’s
proposal that only Annex I Parties be encouraged to update
information on means for limiting such emissions.
In
these conclusions (FCCC/SBSTA/2001/L.16), the SBSTA recalls a
COP-5 decision and requests Annex I Parties and other relevant
entities to update information on ways and means of emissions
limitation, invites Parties’ views on information aspects
noted in the COP-5 decision and decides to further consider the
issue at SBSTA-16.
SUBSIDIARY
BODY FOR IMPLEMENTATION (SBI): The fifteenth session of
the SBI met in four Plenary meetings chaired by John Ashe (Antigua
and Barbuda), and adopted its agenda (FCCC/ SBI/2001/10) at
its first meeting. Delegates elected Daniela Stoytcheva (Bulgaria)
as SBI Vice-Chair and Emily Ojoo-Massawa (Kenya) as SBI Rapporteur.
The SBI referred several items to contact groups and informal
consultations, as well as to the COP.
Matters
relating to LDCs: This issue was taken up by the SBI on
Monday, 29 October, and referred to a contact group chaired
by Sibusiso Gamede (South Africa). Negotiations in this group,
and in a drafting group, resulted in three draft decisions
and one set of draft conclusions, adopted by the SBI on 8 November,
and by the COP on 10 November. Delegates addressed: the establishment
of an LDC Expert Group; support for the preparation of National
Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs); and guidance to the
LDC Fund.
Contentious
issues under this agenda item included: whether the guidance
to the Fund should be considered at this or the subsequent COP;
whether there should be explicit linkages between the LDC Expert
Group and NAPA process, and the CGE; the composition of the LDC
Expert Group; and the identity of the entity operating as a financial
mechanism to the LDC Fund.
Under
support for the preparation of NAPAs, Malawi introduced a proposal
that delegates examined throughout the negotiations. In a meeting
of the contact group on 31 October, Chair Gamede noted progress,
but said some Parties had proposed enlisting more expert assistance
on the guidelines.
On
a draft proposal for a COP decision on the establishment of an
LDC Expert Group, including an annex containing terms of reference
for the group, a number of Annex I Parties raised concerns. The
US and Switzerland noted similar discussions taking place in
the CGE group, and the EU suggested that the groups might be
combined at some point. Several LDCs highlighted the efficiency
and value of an expert group in NAPA preparation and implementation,
and underscored the distinction between the NAPA process and
the work of the CGE.
Guidance
to an operating entity of the financial mechanism on the LDC
Fund remained the outstanding issue in consultations towards
the end of the first week. Mali, for the LDCs, underscored a
simplified operating procedure for the Fund, enabling project
approval within four months, and employment of local and regional
expertise. The EU suggested that the legal and technical review
carried out by the Secretariat as a result of delays in the intergovernmental
process had not taken into account the document on guidance to
the Fund and, with the US, Japan, and Norway, said developing
guidance to the Fund should be considered at COP-8. Chair Gamede
requested Parties to consider this informally, and said that
if no agreement was reached, the matter of guidance to the Fund
would be referred to ministers. Consultations continued until
7 November.
In
the final meeting of the contact group, the US stressed a package
deal on all three draft decisions, and said they should remain
bracketed in their entirety when being forwarded to SBI. All
other Parties supported removing the brackets. The draft conclusions
on the status of the implementation of UNFCCC Article 4.9 (LDCs)
were agreed with brackets remaining around the reference to the
three other decisions on LDCs, at the request of the US.
Following
further informal consultations prior to formal adoption by the
SBI, the brackets were removed from all documents. Agreement
to remove the brackets was reached in exchange for inclusion
of a paragraph that notes the unique circumstances of LDCs, and
that the establishment of the LDC Expert Group "does not
set a precedent for the establishment of similar groups for other
categories of countries."
Decisions
and Conclusions: The draft decision on the establishment
of the LDC Expert Group (FCCC/CP/2001/L.26) further outlines
the terms of reference in an annex, defining the group as
twelve experts, of which five from African LDC Parties, two
from Asian LDC Parties, two from LDC SIDS, and three from
Annex II Parties.
The
draft decision on guidance to the LDC Fund (FCCC/SBI/2001/ L.12)
requests the operating entity of the Fund to: meet the full cost
of preparing NAPAs; adopt simplified procedures and arrange for
expedited access to the Fund by LDCs; encourage the use of national
and, where appropriate, regional experts; and adopt streamlined
procedures for the operation of the Fund.
The
draft decision on guidelines for the preparation of NAPAs (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.14)
decides to adopt the guidelines included in an annex, and invites
Parties to make submissions with a view to improving the guidelines
for consideration at SBI-17.
Draft
conclusions on the assessment of the status of implementation
of UNFCCC Article 4.9 (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.11), adopted by the SBI
on 8 November and by the COP on 10 November, note that prompt
steps needed to be taken to expedite the process of provision
of funding in support of NAPA preparation, and the need for a
further assessment of the status of implementation of Article
4.9 at COP-9.
Financial
and Technical Support for non-Annex I Communications: On
6 November, the SBI adopted draft conclusions (FCCC/SBI/ 2001/CRP.3)
taking note of progress made by non-Annex I Parties in the
preparation of their national communications and greenhouse
gas abatement projects submitted for funding and recommending
these projects be brought to the attention of the GEF, and
other bilateral and multilateral financing institutions.
Administrative
and Financial Matters: Three sub-items were considered
under this agenda item: interim financial performance for 2000-2001;
possible options to respond to late payment of contributions;
and implementation of the Headquarters Agreement. Delegates
adopted a draft decision on the interim financial performance
for 2000-2001 (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.6) on 6 November. The decision
takes note of the interim financial statements as of 31 December
2001, expresses appreciation to Parties that made their indicative
contributions to the core budget in a timely manner, and expresses
concern at the trend toward late payment of contributions.
On
possible options to respond to late payment of contributions,
Chair Ashe and Philip Weech (the Bahamas) held informal consultations.
The informal group considered text outstanding from SB-12, on
problems and inconveniences that could be faced by the UNFCCC
as a result of late payments to the core budget, and additional
options the SBI might wish to consider as a basis for recommendations
to the COP. However, possible options to respond to late payment
of contributions had not been agreed by 6 November, and delegates
decided to forward the matter to SBI-16.
On
implementation of the Headquarters Agreement, Germany reported
progress on the building of a UN campus, the development of a
congress center and matters relating to Secretariat staff and
their families. Informal consultations were unable to lead to
further progress. Conclusions were adopted, contained in the
report of the session (FCCC/SBI/2001/L.2).
Section
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