Top > Foreign Policy > Environment > Climate Change > Archives on Climate Change > REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES ON ITS FIRST SESSION, HELD AT BERLIN FROM 28 MARCH TO 7 APRIL 1995 (PART 2: Action Taken by the Conference of the Parties at its First Session)

REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
ON ITS FIRST SESSION, HELD AT BERLIN FROM 28 MARCH TO 7 APRIL 1995

 

Addendum

PART TWO: ACTION TAKEN BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES AT ITS FIRST SESSION

CONTENTS

Page

  1. DECISIONS ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

Decision

1/CP.1 The Berlin Mandate: Review of the adequacy of Article 4, paragraph 2(a) and (b), of the Convention, including proposals related to a protocol and decisions on follow-up 4

2/CP.1 Review of first communications from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention 7

3/CP.1 Preparation and submission of national communications from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention 13

4/CP.1 Methodological issues 15

5/CP.1 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase 18

GE.95-

Page

Decision

6/CP.1 The subsidiary bodies established by the Convention 21

7/CP.1 The report on implementation 30

8/CP.1 First communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention 31

9/CP.1 Maintenance of the interim arrangements referred to in Article 21, paragraph 3, of the Convention 32

10/CP.1 Arrangements between the Conference of the Parties and the operating entity or entities of the financial mechanism 33

11/CP.1 Initial guidance on policies, programme priorities and eligibility criteria to the operating entity or entities of the financial mechanism 34

12/CP.1 Report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties on the development of an operational strategy and on initial activities in the field of climate change 39

13/CP.1 Transfer of technology 40

14/CP.1 Institutional linkage of the Convention secretariat to the United Nations 42

15/CP.1 Financial procedures 44

16/CP.1 Physical location of the Convention secretariat 53

17/CP.1 Adoption of the Convention budget for the biennium 1996-1997 54

18/CP.1 Other voluntary funding for the biennium 1996-1997 57

19/CP.1 Extrabudgetary funding for the interim secretariat in 1995 58

Page

Decision

20/CP.1 Establishment of a multilateral consultative process for the resolution of questions regarding the implementation of the Convention (Article 13) 59

21/CP.1 Date and venue of the second session of the Conference of the Parties and arrangements for the third session 60

  1. RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

Resolution

1/CP.1 Expression of gratitude to the Government and people of Germany 61

  1. OTHER ACTION TAKEN BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

(a) Modalities for the functioning of operational linkages between the Conference of the Parties and the operating entity or entities of the financial mechanism 62

(b) Provision to developing country Parties of technical and financial support 63

I. DECISIONS ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

Decision 1/CP.1

The Berlin Mandate: Review of the adequacy of Article 4, paragraph 2 (a) and (b), of the Convention, including proposals related to a protocol and decisions on follow-up

The Conference of the Parties, at its first session,

Having reviewed Article 4, paragraph 2(a) and (b), of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and

Having concluded that these subparagraphs are not adequate,

Agrees to begin a process to enable it to take appropriate action for the period beyond 2000, including the strengthening of the commitments of the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention (Annex I Parties) in Article 4, paragraph 2(a) and (b), through the adoption of a protocol or another legal instrument:

I

  1. The process shall be guided, inter alia, by the following:

    (a) The provisions of the Convention, including Article 3, in particular the principles in Article 3.1, which reads as follows: "The Parties should protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Accordingly, the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof;"

    (b) The specific needs and concerns of developing country Parties referred to in Article 4.8; the specific needs and special situations of least developed countries referred to in Article 4.9; and the situation of Parties, particularly developing country Parties, referred to in Article 4.10 of the Convention;

    (c) The legitimate needs of the developing countries for the achievement of sustained economic growth and the eradication of poverty, recognizing also that all Parties have a right to, and should, promote sustainable development;

    (d) The fact that the largest share of historical and current global emissions of greenhouse gases has originated in developed countries, that the per capita emissions in developing countries are still relatively low and that the share of global emissions originating in developing countries will grow to meet their social and development needs;

    (e) The fact that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions;

    (f) Coverage of all greenhouse gases, their emissions by sources and removals by sinks and all relevant sectors;

    (g) The need for all Parties to cooperate in good faith and to participate in this process.

II

  1. The process will, inter alia:

    (a) Aim, as the priority in the process of strengthening the commitments in Article 4.2(a) and (b) of the Convention, for developed country/other Parties included in Annex I, both

    • to elaborate policies and measures, as well as
    • to set quantified limitation and reduction objectives within specified time-frames, such as 2005, 2010 and 2020, for their anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol,

    taking into account the differences in starting points and approaches, economic structures and resource bases, the need to maintain strong and sustainable economic growth, available technologies and other individual circumstances, as well as the need for equitable and appropriate contributions by each of these Parties to the global effort, and also the process of analysis and assessment referred to in section III, paragraph 4, below;

    (b) Not introduce any new commitments for Parties not included in Annex I, but reaffirm existing commitments in Article 4.1 and continue to advance the implementation of these commitments in order to achieve sustainable development, taking into account

    Article 4.3, 4.5 and 4.7;

    (c) Take into account any result from the review referred to in Article 4.2(f), if available, and any notification referred to in Article 4.2(g);

    (d) Consider, as provided in Article 4.2(e), the coordination among Annex I Parties, as appropriate, of relevant economic and administrative instruments, taking into account Article 3.5;

    (e) Provide for the exchange of experience on national activities in areas of interest, particularly those identified in the review and synthesis of available national communications; and

    (f) Provide for a review mechanism.

III

  1. The process will be carried out in the light of the best available scientific information and assessment on climate change and its impacts, as well as relevant technical, social and economic information, including, inter alia, reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It will also make use of other available expertise.
  2. The process will include in its early stages an analysis and assessment, to identify possible policies and measures for Annex I Parties which could contribute to limiting and reducing emissions by sources and protecting and enhancing sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases. This process could identify environmental and economic impacts and the results that could be achieved with regard to time horizons such as 2005, 2010, and 2020.
  3. The protocol proposal of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), which contains specific reduction targets and was formally submitted in accordance with Article 17 of the Convention, along with other proposals and pertinent documents, should be included for consideration in the process.
  4. The process should begin without delay and be conducted as a matter of urgency, in an open-ended ad hoc group of Parties hereby established, which will report to the second session of the Conference of the Parties on the status of this process. The sessions of this group should be scheduled to ensure completion of the work as early as possible in 1997, with a view to adopting the results at the third session of the Conference of the Parties.

9th plenary meeting

7 April 1995

Decision 2/CP.1

Review of first communications from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling the relevant provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in particular Articles 4.2(a), (b) and (d), 7.2(a), (d) and (e), 9.2 (b) and 10.2,

Having considered recommendation 4 of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change,

  1. Adopts the statement of purpose of the review process contained in annex I to the present decision and the description of tasks of the review contained in annex II;
  2. Decides:

    (a) That each national communication(1) submitted by a Party included in Annex I to the Convention (Annex I Party) should be subject to an in-depth review as soon as possible, but within one year of receipt by the secretariat, with the aim of completion by the second session of the Conference of the Parties; such in-depth reviews should be carried out by expert review teams, under the authority of the subsidiary bodies;

    (b) That the review teams should be coordinated by a representative of the secretariat and composed of experts selected from those nominated by Parties and, as appropriate, by intergovernmental organizations as described in paragraph 4(b) below; experts nominated by Parties should, to the extent possible, constitute a majority of each team;

    (c) That the review teams should conduct their work through in-depth "paper" reviews, guided by the purpose and tasks of the review referred to in paragraph 1 above, drawing upon annexes A, B and C to document A/AC.237/63/Add.1; if deemed helpful, visits to clarify the communications, with the prior approval of the Party concerned, might also be useful;

    (d) That each review team should produce, under its collective responsibility, a report on each in-depth review of a national communication, written in non-confrontational language, and submit it to the subsidiary bodies; such review reports should be based on the indicative outline contained in annex III to the present decision; they should be approximately 10 pages in length and should include a summary; a draft of the review report should be provided to the Party being reviewed and, as a general rule, revised to reflect any comments the Party might have. Should the Party and the review team be unable to agree on the treatment of a comment, the secretariat will ensure that the comments of the Party are incorporated within a separate section of the summary of the review report; the summary of the review report should be distributed by the secretariat to all Parties and accredited observers to the Conference of the Parties; copies of the full review report will be available on request;

    (e) That the subsidiary bodies should consider the in-depth review reports;

    (f) To make the necessary arrangements to finance the review process in the budget for the permanent secretariat;

  3. Invites:

    (a) Parties to contribute to the review process by nominating experts for selection to participate in the review teams and to otherwise assist the secretariat as required;

    (b) Parties to make voluntary contributions to the trust fund for the negotiating process to support the implementation of the present decision until the budget of the permanent secretariat is established;

    (c) Intergovernmental organizations to make contributions of experts and/or resources, where possible, to assist the secretariat in undertaking the review of national communications under the Convention;

  4. Requests the secretariat:

    (a) To coordinate and facilitate the review process described in paragraph 2 above, including the organization of the in-depth reviews of individual national communications;

    (b) To select, under the guidance of the Chairmen of the subsidiary bodies, the members of the in-depth review teams from among the names provided by the Parties and intergovernmental organizations, ensuring a balance of skills and expertise, of environmental and developmental perspectives and the necessary geographical balance among team members. It should also ensure that such experts do not participate in reviews of the national communications from their own country;

    (c) To prepare, for consideration by the subsidiary bodies and by the Conference of the Parties at its second session, a second compilation and synthesis of first national communications, taking into account available review reports of individual national communications and including, as appropriate, the names of Parties in the narrative text, bearing in mind the facilitative and non-confrontational nature of the process;

    (d) To examine means to facilitate the exchange and sharing of information among Parties, including forums in which a general and further analysis of specific and common aspects of national communications could be undertaken.

10th plenary meeting

7 April 1995

ANNEX I

 

Purpose of the review of first communications from Annex I Parties

The review should provide a thorough and comprehensive technical assessment of the implementation of the Convention commitments by individual Annex I Parties and Annex I Parties as a whole. Its purpose is to review, in a facilitative, non-confrontational, open and transparent manner, the information contained in the communications from Annex I Parties to ensure that the Conference of the Parties has accurate, consistent and relevant information at its disposal to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities, which are, inter alia:

(a) To assess the implementation of the Convention by the Parties, the overall effects and cumulative impacts of the measures taken and the extent to which progress towards the objective of the Convention is being achieved (Articles 7.2(e), 4.2(a) and (b) and 10.2(a));

(b) To contribute to the reviews by the Conference of the Parties of the adequacy of commitments and to its decisions on follow-up action (Articles 10.2(b) and 4.2(d));

(c) To examine the obligations of these Parties under Articles 4, 5, 6 and 12 of the Convention;

(d) To examine the institutional arrangements under the Convention;

(e) To promote and guide the development and refinement of methodologies (Article 7.2(d)) and guidelines to enhance the comparability and focus of further communications

(f) To promote and facilitate the exchange of information on measures adopted by the Parties (Article 7.2(b)).

ANNEX II

 

Tasks of the review of first communications from Annex I Parties

The review process should undertake six major tasks:

  1. Review key qualitative information and quantitative data points contained in national communications;
  2. Review policies and measures described in national communications;
  3. Assess the information contained in national communications against Convention commitments, and assess the extent to which progress towards the objective of the Convention is being achieved;
  4. Describe expected progress in the limitation of emissions by sources and enhancement of removals by sinks of greenhouse gases, on the basis of information contained in national communications;
  5. Describe expected progress in cooperation to prepare for adaptation;
  6. Aggregate data across national communications with respect to inventories, projections, effects of measures and financial transfers, but without adding up the individual national totals for projections and the effects of measures.

ANNEX III

 

Outline for review reports from in-depth reviews of individual national communications from Annex I Parties

  1. Introduction and summary

    • Convention ratification date
    • Date of receipt of national communication
    • Dates of review and dates of comment period
    • Members of the review team
    • National circumstances
    • Summary and findings

    Compliance with guidelines

    Review of key data points

    Approach to greenhouse gas mitigation

    Expected progress in greenhouse gas mitigation

    Approach to adaptation

    Expected progress on adaptation

    Implementation of Convention commitments

    Summary of comments offered by the Party (when not reflected in the text)

  2. Inventories of anthropogenic emissions and removals

    • Implementation of Convention commitments
    • Approaches used
    • CO2 - review of key data points
    • CH4 - review of key data points
    • N2O - review of key data points
    • Other gases - review of key data points
    • Emissions from international marine and aviation transport
  3. Policies and measures

    • Implementation of Convention commitments
    • Overview of measures by gas, sector and policy instrument
    • Effects of individual measures, where possible
    • Policies and measures under consideration or requiring international cooperation
  4. Projections and effects of policies and measures

    • Implementation of Convention commitments
    • Approaches used
    • Review of key data points
  5. Projected progress in greenhouse gas mitigation
  6. Expected impacts of climate change
  7. Adaptation measures

    • Implementation of Convention commitments
  8. Financial assistance and technology transfer

    • Review of key data points
    • Implementation of Convention commitments
  9. Research and systematic observation

    • Implementation of Convention commitments
  10. Education, training and public awareness

    • Implementation of Convention commitments

Decision 3/CP.1

Preparation and submission of national communications from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling Articles 4.1(a), 4.2(b), 4.6, 7.2 and 12 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,

Having considered recommendation 3 of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change,

  1. Urges those Parties included in Annex I to the Convention (Annex I Parties) that have not submitted their first communications according to Article 12.5 of the Convention to do so as soon as possible;
  2. Requests Annex I Parties, except as specified in paragraph 3 below, to submit to the secretariat, in accordance with Article 12.1 and 12.2 of the Convention and with guidelines for the preparation of such communications to be revised, as appropriate, and adopted by the Conference of the Parties:

    (a) A second national communication,(2) by 15 April 1997;

    (b) National inventory data on emissions by sources and removals by sinks on an annual basis, recognizing that for some greenhouse gases and sectors or activities annual data may be less readily available or less relevant; on this basis, data (where appropriate, updated) for the period 1990-1993 and, where available, for 1994 should be provided by

    15 April 1996; data for subsequent years should be provided annually on 15 April, following the same principles;

  3. Decides that those Annex I Parties required to submit their first communications during 1996, and which do so in accordance with the Convention, may be exempt from the provisions of paragraph 2(a) above;
  4. Decides that, until further review, the guidelines for the preparation of first communications by Annex I Parties, as elaborated in the Annex to decision 9/2 of the Committee,(3) should continue to be used by Annex I Parties in preparing their communications;
  5. Requests the secretariat, drawing on the experience in the compilation and synthesis of national communications, to prepare a report on the guidelines for the preparation of first communications by Annex I Parties for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation before the second session of the Conference of the Parties, with a view, among other things, to further enhancing the comparability and focus of the communications;
  6. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, in the context of its work on methodological issues arising from the review of national communications, to consider the use of relevant statistical adjustments;
  7. Decides to continue to apply the procedures for the transmission, distribution and translation of communications as elaborated in Committee decision 9/2,(4) until new procedures are established before the submission of the second national communications by Annex I Parties and subject to a review in 1996 of the financial implications of those procedures.

10th plenary meeting

7 April 1995

Decision 4/CP.1

Methodological issues

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling Articles 4.2(c), 7.2(d), 9.2(e) and 12.1(a) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,

Having considered recommendation 7 of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change,

  1. Decides:

    (a) That the Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and Technical Guidelines for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should be used by Annex I Parties in preparing their national communications(5) pursuant to the Convention. Parties that already have an established and comparable methodology could continue to use that methodology, provided that they include sufficient documentation to back up the data presented. Standard tables and formats recommended in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Guidelines should be used for the presentation of that data;

    (b) That the Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and Technical Guidelines for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations or the simplified default methodologies adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should be used by non-Annex I Parties, as appropriate and to the extent possible, in the fulfilment of their commitments under the Convention;

    (c) That Parties may use global warming potentials to reflect their inventories and projections in carbon-dioxide-equivalent terms. In such cases, the 100-year time-horizon values provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its 1994 Special Report should be used. Parties may also make use of at least one of the other time-horizons provided by the Panel in its 1994 Special Report;

    (d) That the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, drawing upon existing competent international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and taking account of decision 2/CP.1 on the process for reviewing first national communications and decision 6/CP.1 on the subsidiary bodies, should:

    (i) Consider the methodological issues arising from the review of national communications, including those identified in the compilation and synthesis of national communications and in available in-depth review reports, and make recommendations thereon to the Conference of the Parties at its second session;

    (ii) Provide advice to the Conference of the Parties and to the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, taking account of the outcome of subparagraph (i) above, on further development, refinement, improvement and use of comparable methodologies for:

    1. National inventories of emissions and removals of greenhouse gases;
    2. Projecting national emissions and removals of greenhouse gases and comparing the respective contributions of different gases to climate change;
    3. Evaluating the individual and aggregate effects of measures undertaken pursuant to the provisions of the Convention;
    4. Conducting impact/sensitivity analyses and assessing adaptation responses;

    (iii) Propose a work plan and timetable for longer-term activities relating to methodological questions (including inventory methodologies and methodologies for analysing impacts and mitigation options) and the establishment of working relationships with other bodies (in particular, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and its working groups and programmes);

    (iv) Report on the work specified above to the Conference of the Parties at its second session;

    (e) To consider at a future session, in the light of the scientific, technical and practical information provided by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, the issues covered by the decisions contained in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above;

    (f) That the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, taking fully into account ongoing work in Governments and international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, address the issue of the allocation and control of emissions from international bunker fuels, and report on this work to the Conference of the Parties at its second session;

  2. Invites the relevant international organizations and bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to contribute to the work of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, especially on the scientific aspects of methodologies, particularly those relating to inventories of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, global warming potentials of those greenhouse gases, vulnerability assessment and adaptation, projections of emissions by sources and removals by sinks, the evaluation of the effects of measures undertaken pursuant to the provisions of the Convention and the allocation and control of emissions from international bunker fuels.

10th plenary meeting

7 April 1995

Decision 5/CP.1

Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling that, in accordance with Article 4.2(d) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Conference is required to take decisions regarding criteria for joint implementation as indicated in Article 4.2(a),

Noting that the largest share of historical and current global emissions of greenhouse gases has originated in developed countries, that per capita emissions in developing countries are still relatively low and that the share of global emissions originating in developing countries will grow to meet their social and development needs,

Acknowledging that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions,

Recognizing that,

(a) According to the provisions of the Convention, the commitments under

Article 4.2(a) to adopt national policies and to take corresponding measures on the mitigation of climate change apply only to Parties included in Annex I to the Convention (Annex I Parties), and that Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (non-Annex I Parties) have no such commitments,

(b) Activities implemented jointly between Annex I Parties and non-Annex I Parties will not be seen as fulfilment of current commitments of Annex I Parties under Article 4.2(b) of the Convention; but they could contribute to the achievement of the objective of the Convention and to the fulfilment of commitments of Annex II Parties under Article 4.5 of the Convention,

(c) Activities implemented jointly under the Convention are supplemental, and should only be treated as a subsidiary means of achieving the objective of the Convention,

(d) Activities implemented jointly in no way modify the commitments of each Party under the Convention,

  1. Decides:

    (a) To establish a pilot phase for activities implemented jointly among Annex I Parties and, on a voluntary basis, with non-Annex I Parties that so request;

    (b) That activities implemented jointly should be compatible with and supportive of national environment and development priorities and strategies, contribute to cost-effectiveness in achieving global benefits and could be conducted in a comprehensive manner covering all relevant sources, sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases;

    (c) That all activities implemented jointly under this pilot phase require prior acceptance, approval or endorsement by the Governments of the Parties participating in these activities;

    (d) That activities implemented jointly should bring about real, measurable and long-term environmental benefits related to the mitigation of climate change that would not have occurred in the absence of such activities;

    (e) That the financing of activities implemented jointly shall be additional to the financial obligations of Parties included in Annex II to the Convention within the framework of the financial mechanism as well as to current official development assistance (ODA) flows;

    (f) That no credits shall accrue to any Party as a result of greenhouse gas emissions reduced or sequestered during the pilot phase from activities implemented jointly;

  2. Further decides that during the pilot phase:

    (a) The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice will, in coordination with the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, establish a framework for reporting, in a transparent, well-defined and credible fashion, on the possible global benefits and the national economic, social and environmental impacts as well as any practical experience gained or technical difficulties encountered in activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase;

    (b) The Parties involved are encouraged to report to the Conference of the Parties through the secretariat using the framework thus established. This reporting shall be distinct from the national communications of Parties;

    (c) The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, with the assistance of the secretariat are requested to prepare a synthesis report for consideration by the Conference of the Parties,

  3. Further decides:

    (a) That the Conference of the Parties shall, at its annual session, review the progress of the pilot phase on the basis of the synthesis report with a view to taking appropriate decisions on the continuation of the pilot phase;

    (b) In so doing, the Conference of the Parties shall take into consideration the need for a comprehensive review of the pilot phase in order to take a conclusive decision on the pilot phase and the progression beyond that, no later than the end of the present decade.

10th plenary meeting

7 April 1995

Decision 6/CP.1

The subsidiary bodies established by the Convention

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling Articles 9 and 10 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change establishing, respectively, the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI),

Having considered recommendation 8 of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change,

Noting that the roles of the subsidiary bodies can be broadly characterized as follows:

(a) The SBSTA will be the link between the scientific, technical and technological assessments and the information provided by competent international bodies, and the policy-oriented needs of the Conference of the Parties,

(b) The SBI will develop recommendations to assist the Conference of the Parties in its review and assessment of the implementation of the Convention and in the preparation and implementation of its decisions,

  1. Decides that, subject to future reconsideration, the functions of the SBSTA and the SBI shall be as outlined in annex I to this decision, which annex builds upon Articles 9 and 10 of the Convention and recommendations from the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change;
  2. Requests the SBSTA to undertake the tasks described in annex II, section A, to this decision, as well as tasks mandated in decisions 2/CP.1, 3/CP.1, 4/CP.1, 5/CP.1 and 8/CP.1, and to report on its work to the Conference of the Parties at its second session;
  3. Authorizes the SBSTA, in accordance with rule 27 of the rules of procedure, to establish, subject to confirmation at the second session of the Conference of the Parties, two intergovernmental(6) technical advisory panels to provide it with advice on technologies, including advice on related economic aspects, and on methodologies;
  4. Requests the SBI to undertake the tasks described in annex II, section B, to this decision, as well as tasks mandated in decisions 2/CP.1, 3/CP.1, 4/CP.1, 5/CP.1, 8/CP.1 and 10/CP.1, and to report on its work to the Conference of the Parties at its second session;
  5. Requests both bodies to develop proposals on their longer-term activities and organizational arrangements, including any adjustments to the functions and/or allocation of work, and the scheduling and periodicity of sessions, taking due account of the financial and support implications, and to report accordingly to the Conference of the Parties at its second session;
  6. Invites the officers of the SBSTA and the SBI to submit, after due consultation with their respective bodies, proposals for future cooperation between the SBSTA and the SBI and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to the second session of the Conference of the Parties.
  7. Invites the officers of the SBSTA and the SBI to play an active role in preparing for the substantive sessions of these bodies, with the support of the Convention secretariat;
  8. Requests the Convention secretariat to make arrangements for sessions of both subsidiary bodies on the basis of annexes II and III to this decision. Where possible, sessions should be held consecutively, starting with the SBSTA, and each session would last for a week;
  9. Further requests the Convention secretariat to make arrangements for three further sessions of both subsidiary bodies: in December 1996, July 1997 (preceding the third session of the Conference of the Parties) and December 1997;
  10. Decides that workshops and other events, for which no provision is made in the secretariat budget, should be funded by the host country or from other sources. Such funding should include participation costs;
  11. Further requests the Convention secretariat to support the substantive work of the subsidiary bodies, in particular by:

    (a) Organizing their sessions;

    (b) Liaising with competent scientific and technical international bodies and financial institutions, in order to ensure an adequate flow of information in both directions;

    (c) Preparing the documentation needed for consideration by the subsidiary bodies or the Conference of the Parties;

    (d) Providing technical and analytical support for the review of communications by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention.

10th plenary meeting

7 April 1995

ANNEX I

 

Functions to be carried out by the Subsidiary Bodies

A. Functions to be carried out by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties and drawing upon existing competent international bodies

  1. Provide assessments of the state of scientific knowledge relating to climate change and its effects (Article 9.2(a)). In this context:

    (a) Summarize and, where necessary, convert the latest international scientific, technical, socio-economic and other information provided by competent bodies including, inter alia, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), into forms appropriate to the needs of the Conference of the Parties, including in support of the review of the adequacy of commitments;

    (b) Compile and synthesize scientific, technical and socio-economic information on the global situation on climate change, provided by, inter alia, the IPCC, as well as on the latest developments in science, to the extent possible, and assess the implications thereof for the implementation of the Convention; and formulate requests to competent international scientific and technical bodies.

  2. Prepare scientific assessments on the effects of measures taken in the implementation of the Convention (Article 9.2(b)). In this context:

    (a) Consider the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of the in-depth review reports, resulting from the process for the review of national communications;(7)

    (b) Consider the compilation and synthesis of national communications prepared by the secretariat;

    (c) Make recommendations on the technical aspects related to the review of information contained in national communications.

  3. Identify innovative, efficient and state-of-the-art technologies and know-how, and advise on the ways and means of promoting development and/or of transferring such technologies (Article 9.2(c)). In this context:

    (a) Ensure the collection and dissemination of information on appropriate technologies for limiting emissions from sources, enhancing sinks of greenhouse gases and adapting to climate change, and on related international initiatives, cooperation and programmes, and the services they offer;

    (b) Provide advice on the latest, and future, technologies mentioned above, their effects, their relative feasibility in different circumstances and their relevance to programme priorities of the financial mechanism, taking into account relevant advice to the Conference of the Parties from the Subsidiary Body for Implementation;

    (c) Provide advice on ideas on promoting international initiatives, programmes and cooperation in the areas of technology development and transfer, as well as on sharing of experience between Parties;

    (d) Evaluate ongoing efforts in the area of development and/or transfer of technologies to determine whether they fully meet the needs of the Convention, and advise on possible improvements.

  4. Provide advice on scientific programmes, and on international cooperation in research and development related to climate change, as well as on ways and means of supporting endogenous capacity-building in developing countries (Article 9.2(d)), and assist the Parties in implementing Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention. In this context:

    (a) Ensure the collection and dissemination of information on international initiatives, cooperation and programmes in the areas of scientific research and systematic observation, as well as on education, human resources and training, public awareness, capacity-building, and the services they offer;

    (b) Provide advice on education programmes;

    (c) Provide advice on human resources and training;

    (d) Provide advice and ideas on promoting the above initiatives, cooperation and programmes, as well as sharing of experience between Parties;

    (e) Evaluate ongoing efforts in these fields to determine whether they fully meet the needs of the Convention and advise on possible improvements.

  5. Respond to scientific, technological and methodological questions that the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies may put to the body (Article 9.2(e)). In this context:

    (a) Seek, in particular from the IPCC, and provide advice on, the development, improvement and refinement of comparable methodologies for:

    (i) National inventories of emissions and removals of greenhouse gases;

    (ii) Projecting national emissions and removals of greenhouse gases and comparison of respective contributions of different gases to climate change;

    (iii) Evaluating the individual and aggregated effects of measures undertaken pursuant to the provisions of the Convention;

    (iv) Conducting impact/sensitivity analyses;

    (v) Assessing adaptation responses;

    (b) Seek information and provide advice on methodological questions in support of the guidance to be provided by the Conference of the Parties to the financial mechanism, and guidelines in the application of the concept of "agreed full incremental cost";

    (c) Provide information and advice on any methodology and technical aspects that would be needed in the development of protocols to the Convention;

    (d) Provide guidance and advice to the Parties on the use of agreed methodologies;

    (e) Provide guidance to the Parties on technical aspects of issues related to the implementation of the Convention, such as the allocation and control of emissions from international bunker fuels or the use of global-warming potentials.

B. Functions to be carried out by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties

  1. Consider the information communicated in accordance with Article 12.1, to assess the overall aggregated effect of the steps taken by the Parties in the light of the latest scientific assessments concerning climate change (Article 10.2(a)). In this context:

    Consider the policy aspects of the in-depth review reports resulting from the process for the review of national communications, inter alia, on the basis of the scientific and technical analysis provided by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and make recommendations to the Conference of the Parties regarding the implementation of the Convention.

  2. Consider the information communicated in accordance with Article 12.2, in order to assist the Conference of the Parties in carrying out the reviews required by Article 4.2(d) (Article 10.2(b)). In this context:

    Consider how the overall aggregated effect of the steps taken by Parties relates to the commitments set out in Article 4.2(a) and (b), to the modification of longer-term trends in anthropogenic emissions, and to any further commitments that might be agreed upon by the Parties in subsequent amendments or protocols to the Convention, as well as to the objective of the Convention.

  3. Assist the Conference of the Parties, as appropriate, in the preparation and implementation of its decisions (Article 10.2(c)), taking into account advice from the SBSTA. In this context:

    (a) Advise the Conference of the Parties on the policies, eligibility criteria and programme priorities related to the financial mechanism, as well as on transfer of technology in the light of the reviews and assessments carried out under Article 10.2(a), taking into account relevant advice from the SBSTA and, if so requested by the Conference of the Parties:

    (i) Review the financial mechanism and advise on appropriate measures;

    (ii) Consider reports from the operating entity or entities of the financial mechanism on activities related to climate change;

    (iii) Make recommendations related to the arrangements for the operational linkages between the Conference of the Parties and the operating entity or entities;

    (b) Provide recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on possible responses to the findings of the review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) and (b) and its implementation, including, if so requested by the Conference of the Parties, the conducting of negotiations on resolutions, amendments or protocols;

    (c) Advise the Conference of the Parties on matters related to the consideration of information contained in national communications.

ANNEX II

 

Tasks for the Subsidiary Bodies between the first and second sessions of the Conference of the Parties

A. Tasks for the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties, should:

  1. Consider the Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and make appropriate recommendations to the Conference of the Parties and, where appropriate, to the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI);
  2. Undertake the tasks on methodological questions as specified in decision 4/CP.1 on methodological issues;
  3. Lay the groundwork for performing its advisory functions relating to technology transfer and research and development, with initial emphasis on identifying, promoting access to and disseminating information on state-of-the-art technologies and know-how for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases and adapting to climate change, and addressing capacity-building needs for the effective use and dissemination of such technologies;
  4. Lay the groundwork for performing its advisory functions relating to capacity-building in developing country Parties, taking into account any information from the SBI;
  5. Establish such intergovernmental technical advisory panels as may be deemed necessary and approved by the Conference of the Parties, to provide it with advice on technologies, including on related economic aspects, and on methodologies; and define the terms of reference, work plans, membership and duration of work thereof;
  6. Oversee the in-depth review of scientific and technical aspects and the preparation of the compilation and synthesis of the first national communications from Annex I Parties in accordance with decision 2/CP.1 on review of first communications from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention; and make recommendations thereon to the Conference of the Parties and/or to the SBI.

B. Tasks for the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

The Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties, should:

  1. Oversee the in-depth review of the policy aspects of the first national communications from Annex I Parties, including the implementation of their commitments under Article 4.2(a) and (b) in accordance with Article 12.2 of the Convention and Article 4.5 in accordance with Article 12.3 of the Convention on the basis of scientific and technical analysis provided by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, in accordance with decision 2/CP.1 on review of first communications from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention; and make recommendations thereon to the Conference of the Parties;
  2. Consider the report from the operating entity or entities of the financial mechanism; and make recommendations thereon to the Conference of the Parties;
  3. Further elaborate policies, programme priorities and eligibility criteria for the financial mechanism and provide assistance to the Conference of the Parties.

ANNEX III

Summary of the sequence of events prior to the second session of the Conference of the Parties, including a list of matters to be considered by the Subsidiary Bodies


Schedule		 Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice Subsidiary Body for Implementation
First session

October 1995		 Consider work plan and relationships with IPCC and other bodies

Organize work of intergovernmental technical advisory panels



Plan for consideration of IPCC Second Assessment Report

Work relating to review of national communications		 Consider work plan



Work relating to follow-up to review of the adequacy of Article 4.2 (a)

and (b), if required

Work relating to review of national communications

Deal with matters relating to the financial mechanism
January 1996 Intergovernmental technical advisory panels meet

Workshop a/ on non-governmental inputs
Second session Mid-February 1996 Consider IPCC Second Assessment Report

Consider work of intergovernmental technical advisory panels



Consider report of workshop on non-governmental inputs

Work relating to review of national communications

Deal with requests from SBI



Work relating to follow-up to review of the adequacy of Article 4.2 (a)

and (b), if required

Work relating to review of national communications
April 1996 Intergovernmental technical advisory panels meet Issue-specific workshop (if required)
Third session

July 1996

(preceding the second session of the Conference of the Parties)		 Finalize recommendations to the Conference of the Parties at its second session and, where appropriate, to SBI

Work relating to review of national communications		 Deal with matters relating to the financial mechanism

Finalize recommendations to the Conference of the Parties at its second session

Work relating to review of national communications


Back to Index