SBSTA adopted conclusions which considered enhancing the work programme and agreed to continue discussion on this issue at SBSTA 39 on the basis of, inter alia:

(a) Considering the scope of the work of the Nairobi work programme as agreed in the annex of decision 2/CP.11  through additional cross-cutting issues;

(b) Sequencing activities so that they build on each other, and engaging adaptation practitioners;

(c) Developing linkages with adaptation-related workstreams and bodies under the Convention, including the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, as appropriate.

The SBSTA invited Parties and relevant organizations to submit to the secretariat, by 2 September 2013, their views on ways to enhance the relevance of, and to support the objective of, the work programme, taking into account the information above.

Parties initiated its reconsideration of the work areas of the Nairobi work programme in line with the mandate of decision 6/CP.17. It agreed to continue its consideration of this matter at SBSTA 39 based on, inter alia, the draft text contained in the annex to these conclusions.

The conclusions also mandated two activities, a technical paper before SBSTA 39 and a technical expert meeting before SBSTA 40, focusing on indigenous and traditional knowledge and practices, and gender-sensitive approaches and tools for adaptation to climate change. The SBSTA requested the secretariat, under the guidance of the of the Chair of the SBSTA and in collaboration with relevant organizations, to undertake these two activities with a view to developing recommendations for practitioners on the use of indigenous and traditional knowledge and practices for adaptation, and the application of gender-sensitive approaches and tools for understanding and assessing impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change.

The SBSTA expressed its readiness to support the Adaptation Committee in the implementation of relevant activities of its workplan through the Nairobi work programme. The SBSTA invited the Adaptation Committee to provide recommendations in its next report on how the work programme could provide such support.

The SBSTA welcomed the engagement of, and contributions provided by, Nairobi work programme partner organizations, and invited them to continue to undertake concrete actions and programmes in support of adaptation. The SBSTA also welcomed following documents prepared for the session:

• Report on the technical workshop on ecosystem-based approaches for adaptation to climate change (FCCC/SBSTA/2013/2)
• Progress made in implementing activities under the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change (FCCC/SBSTA/2013/INF.1)
• Submissions from Parties and relevant organizations on their views on potential future areas of work of the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. Submissions from Parties and relevant organizations (FCCC/SBSTA/2013/MISC.2)

26 November - 1 December 2012

The SBSTA adopted the conclusions as contained in report of the SBSTA at its thirty-seventh session. The conclusions welcomed following documents mandated for this session:

The conclusions took note of a new database of Nairobi work programme partners and action pledges. The SBSTA also recalled Decision 6/CP.17 (730 kB) , where the COP requested the SBSTA to reconsider, at its thirty-eighth session, the work areas of the Nairobi work programme with a view to making recommendations to the COP at its nineteenth session on how best to support the objectives of the Nairobi work programme.

During the SBSTA session, the sixth Nairobi work programme Focal Point Forum was held on Tuesday 27 November from 19:00-21:30. It was attended by about 80 participants representing Parties and Nairobi work programme partner organizations. The Forum included an interactive format and focused on strengthening linkages between Parties, partner organizations and other relevant organizations for enhanced action on adaptation, in future context of the Nairobi work programme, including on:

14 May - 25 May 2012

The SBSTA adopted conclusions contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2012/2 at its thirty-sixth session. The conclusions welcomed the report on the progress made in implementing activities under the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. The conclusions took note of the work being carried out by the secretariat, under the guidance of the Chair of the SBSTA, inter alia on further enhancing the outreach of the Nairobi work programme and encouraged the secretariat to continue its efforts and also noted the engagement and contribution provided by Nairobi work programme partner organizations.

The SBSTA also recalled Decision 6/CP.17 (730 kB) , whereby the COP invited Parties and relevant organizations to submit to the secretariat, by 17 September 2012, their views on potential future areas of work of the Nairobi work programme.

28 November - 3 December 2011

The SBSTA adopted conclusions contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2011/L.26 and the COP adopted decision (730 kB) at its seventeenth session. At its thirty-fifth session, the SBSTA welcomed documents prepared for the session and also welcomed the report on the joint SBSTA/SBI in-session workshop to consider those outcomes of the Nairobi work programme most relevant to the SBI.

The decision requests the SBSTA to reconsider, at its thiry-eighth session, the work areas of the Nairobi work programme with a view to making recommendations to the COP at its nineteenth session on how best to support the objectives of the work programme; this process would further inform the organization of potential future areas of work that could also support the scientific and technical work under the Cancun Adaptation Framework, as appropriate. The COP invites Parties and relevant organizations to submit to the secretariat, by 17 September 2012, their views on potential future areas of work under the Nairobi work programme and requests the secretariat to compile those submissions into a miscellaneous document for consideration by SBSTA 38.

The decision further requests the SBSTA to consider, at its thirty-ninth session, relevant information and advice on the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change arising from the implementation of the Nairobi work programme for consideration by relevant bodies under the Convention.

The decision further requests the secretariat to:

• organize a technical workshop on water and climate change impacts and adaptation strategies before SBSTA 37;
• organize a technical workshop on ecosystem-based approaches for adaptation to climate change before SBSTA 38;
• prepare a compilation of case studies on national adaptation planning processes, including tools and approaches used for the prioritization and implementation of actions by SBSTA 37;
• continue the development of user-friendly knowledge products and outputs, and enhance the dissemination of information and knowledge products developed under the Nairobi work programme;
• further engage stakeholders.

During the SBSTA session, the fifth Nairobi work programme Focal Point Forum was held on Tuesday 29 November from 18:00-21:00. It was attended by about 70 participants representing Parties and Nairobi work programme partner organizations. The Forum included an interactive format and focused on coordinating efforts to advance adaptation actions. Discussions were held under three themes: making use of strategic communication for adaptation; technical support for national adaptation plans; and applying monitoring and evaluation approaches, experimentation and shared learning.

6 - 17 June 2011

At its thirty-fourth session, the SBSTA welcomed a report on the progress made in implementing activities under the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change; and a compilation of further views and information on the effectiveness of the Nairobi work programme in fulfilling its objective, expected outcome, scope of work and modalities.

The SBSTA also welcomed the engagement of and contributions by organizations in the implementation of the Nairobi work programme. It encouraged the secretariat to continue its efforts to further engage relevant organizations.

The SBSTA concluded its review of the work programme, and requested the secretariat to undertake interim activities under the Nairobi work programme, including:

• conducting a survey of national focal points to identify priority needs for the dissemination of products related to impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change under the Nairobi work programme;
• compiling information on ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation;
• preparing a technical paper on water and climate change impacts and adaptation strategies; and
• organizing a joint SBSTA/SBI in-session workshop to consider the outcomes of the Nairobi work programme to highlight the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change most relevant to the SBI.

The SBSTA agreed to consider, at its thirty-fifth session, possible areas of further work on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change under the Nairobi work programme, including, inter alia, consideration of potential activities as outlined in the annex I of the report of the SBSTA on its thirty-fourth session, with a view to defining the duration and activities for its next phase.

The SBSTA invited Parties and relevant organizations to submit to the secretariat, by 19 September 2011, their proposals for upcoming activities under the Nairobi work programme, taking into consideration the information included in the annex. It requested the secretariat to compile these submissions into a miscellaneous document for consideration by the SBSTA at its thirty-fifth session. (FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.6 and FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.6/Add.1)

During this SBSTA session, an informal workshop was held by Nairobi work programme partners on 7 June 2011 in Bonn, Germany, with the objective of:

• providing participants with an update on work accomplished under the NWP and the programme’s upcoming activities;
• creating an interactive space for exchange between parties and partners of the NWP on issues of shared concern; and
• co-producing a set of lessons learned and recommendations on the basis of the experiences of Parties and partners of the NWP.

A report on the informal meeting is available here (175 kB) .

30 November - 4 December 2010

At its thirty-third session, the SBSTA welcomed the engagement of and contributions by organizations in the implementation of the Nairobi work programme. It encouraged the secretariat to continue its efforts to further engage relevant organizations. The SBSTA commenced the review of the work programme at its thirty-third session, agreed to continue the review and to complete it by its thirty-fourth session. While the review is underway, Parties agreed to continue activities under the Nairobi work programme. To inform the review of the work programme, Parties and relevant organizations are requested to submit to the secretariat, by 28 March 2011, further views and relevant information on progress made and gaps as well as views on new activities that may be needed to achieve the objective and expected outcomes of the work programme.

Without prejudging the outcome of the review, the SBSTA noted that progress has been made towards meeting the objective of the Nairobi work programme and achieving its expected outcomes. It also noted that additional effort is needed to assist all Parties to improve their understanding and assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation and make informed decisions on the implementation of practical adaptation actions and measures, and to assist Parties to enhance the capacity of relevant decision makers and stakeholders to better utilize the information and tools provided by the work programme. In this connection, the SBSTA also requested the secretariat to continue the dissemination of the information products produced under the Nairobi work programme. Adopted conclusions are contained in this document (115 kB) . Progress made under the Nairobi work programme between SBSTA 32 and 33 can be found in document FCCC/SBSTA/2010/INF.7.

During this SBSTA session, a Nairobi work programme Focal Point Forum was held on Monday 6 December 2010 from 18:00-20:30. It was chaired by the SBSTA Chair, Mr. Mama Konate, and was attended by over 60 participants representing Parties and Nairobi work programme partner organizations. Participants exchanged perspectives on progress made and further needs for knowledge management and learning in support of enhanced action on adaptation, particularly within the context of the Nairobi work programme. They also took stock of relevant ongoing and planned activities by partner organizations. A summary note of the discussions is available here (231 kB) .

31 May - 11 June 2010

At SBSTA 32, Parties noted the work of the NWP in advancing scientific and technical knowledge on adaptation, impacts and vulnerability; and in engaging stakeholders, catalysing action, and disseminating relevant information and knowledge. Parties also noted the importance of continuity of such activities and invited Parties and organizations to submit views and information on the effectiveness of the NWP to the secretariat by 16 August 2010. These submissions will be compiled into a miscellaneous document to inform discussions at the informal meeting to take place in early September 2010. The adopted conclusions are found in paragraphs 11-20 of document FCCC/SBSTA/2010/6. Progress made under the Nairobi work programme between SBSTA 31 and 32 can be found in document FCCC/SBSTA/2010/INF.2 (291 kB) .

During this SBSTA session, a Nairobi work programme Focal Point Forum was held on Friday 4 June 2010 from 18:00-20:30. It was chaired by the SBSTA Chair, Mr. Mama Konate, and was attended by over 80 participants representing Parties and Nairobi work programme partner organizations. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the various aspects of the implementation of the Nairobi work programme. A summary note of the event can be found here (174 kB) .

8-12 December 2009

At SBSTA 31, Parties welcomed progress made in the implementation of the Nairobi work programme and in the direct engagement of, and the contributions provided by, a wide range of organizations in the implementation of the Nairobi work programme. Please see paragraphs 14-19 of the SBSTA 31 report (FCCC/SBSTA/2009/8). Progress made under the Nairobi work programme between SBSTA 30 and 31 can be found in document FCCC/SBSTA/2009/INF.5 (335 kB) .

1-12 June 2009

At SBSTA 30, Parties adopted conclusions to continue progress, including further engaging diverse stakeholders in the implementation of the Nairobi work programme and expanding outreach to relevant stakeholders at community, national and regional levels. See SBSTA report FCCC/SBSTA/2009/3 (paragraphs 7-16). Progress made under the Nairobi work programme between SBSTA 29 and 30 can be found in document FCCC/SBSTA/2009/INF.3 (369 kB) .

During the meeting in Bonn, a side event was held to discuss the needs, challenges and opportunities for the second phase of the implementation of the Nairobi work programme. Information is available from the Workshops and Meetings page of the NWP.

1-12 December 2008

At SBSTA 29 (see report FCCC/SBSTA/2008/13) in Poznan, Parties welcomed the progress made up to the twenty-eighth session of the SBSTA (as reported in the summary report FCCC/SBSTA/2008/12) and expressed appreciation to organizations that have undertaken or are planning to undertake action in support of the Nairobi work programme. Progress made under the Nairobi work programme between SBSTA 28 and 29 can be found in document FCCC/SBSTA/2008/INF.5 (336 kB) . The SBSTA highlighted the importance of, and the further potential for, partnerships and dialogues between information providers, users and decision-makers and consideration by these entities of the information from the Nairobi work programme in implementing their activities. The SBSTA invited all stakeholders to share the outcomes of activities implemented in line with the programme with the SBSTA. The SBSTA also considered the need for a group of experts and invited Parties to expand the roster of experts to include all areas of the programme. The SBSTA agreed to continue consideration of this matter at its thirty-second session.

The SBSTA provided the SBI with information and advice emerging from the first phase so as to assist Parties in the consideration of relevant agenda items on adaptation under the SBI (Annex 1, FCCC/SBSTA/2008/13)

During the meeting in Poznan, a forum of focal points of organizations participating in the Nairobi work programme and Parties was convened by the chair of the SBSTA, and the SBSTA noted with appreciation this forum. See summary (176 kB)

At SBSTA 28, Parties adopted conclusions on the second phase of the Nairobi work programme, agreeing on activities up to the end of 2010. SBSTA 28 report FCCC/SBSTA/2008/6 (paragraphs 7-74). Progress made under the Nairobi work programme between SBSTA 27 and 28 can be found here (110 kB) .

At the UNFCCC informal meeting of representatives from Parties on the outcomes of completed activities under the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. The views of Parties on further activities for the next phase of the programme were considered. Parties requested the secretariat to strive to engage experts and representatives of relevant organizations in order to consider the outcomes of the activities completed prior to this meeting. Parties agreed to reconsider the possible need for a group of experts at COP 14 in Poznan.

3-14 December 2007

At COP 13/SBSTA 27 in Bali, Parties welcomed progress made in implementing the Nairobi work programme and considered the possible need for a group of experts and the role that this group could play in the implementation and further development of the Nairobi work programme, and noted the views by Parties included in document. Views on the group of experts FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.25.

Parties requested the secretariat to strive to engage experts and representatives of relevant organizations in the informal meeting of representatives from Parties to consider the outcomes of the activities completed prior to this meeting. Parties agreed to reconsider the possible need for a group of experts at COP 14 in Poznan. (SBSTA 27 report FCCC/SBSTA/2007/16 (paragraphs 9-21)). Progress made under the Nairobi work programme between SBSTA 26 and 27 can be found here (1073 kB) .

During the meeting in Bali, the secretariat convened a forum of focal points of organizations participating in the Nairobi work programme. See summary (133 kB)

7-18 May 2007

SBSTA 26 - Initial progress made under the Nairobi work programme between can be found here (131 kB) .

6-14 November 2006

At SBSTA 25, in Nairobi, Parties adopted conclusions relating to the "Five-year programme of work on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change". COP 12 renamed the five-year programme of work to the "Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change" and activities were intiatied. SBSTA 25 report FCCC/SBSTA/2006/11 (paragraphs 11-71)

18-26 May 2006

At SBSTA 24, the SBSTA considered the Five year programme of work on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. SBSTA 24 report FCCC/SBSTA/2006/5 (paragraphs 10-16 and Annex I)

An initial list of organizations and institutions active in areas relevant to the five-year programme of work was drawn up. Initial list FCCC/SBSTA/2006/INF.3

13-15 March 2006

Informal Meeting of Representatives from Parties to further elaborate a draft indicative list of activities for the five-year programme of work of the SBSTA on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, Vienna, Austria, 13 -15 March 2006, Vienna, Austria. Nine initial activities for the period up to SBSTA 28 (June 2008) were proposed by Parties responding to the sub-themes in decision 2/CP.11.

28 November - 9 December 2005

At SBSTA 23, Parties requested the secretariat to compile a list of organizations and institutions active in areas relevant to the programme of work and to organize an informal meeting by the twenty-fourth session of the SBSTA to further elaborate the indicative list of activities of the programme of work.

At COP 11, Parties adopted the Five-year programme of work of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, Decision 2/CP.11. The SBSTA also considered a draft indicative list of activities for the programme of work and agreed to further consider and elaborate the list.

17-19 October 2005

Informal Workshop on the development of a 5-year programme of work, Bonn, Germany.

At SBSTA 22, Parties had requested the secretariat to organize an informal workshop before its twenty-third session to facilitate the development of the programme of work.

19-27 May 2005

At SBSTA 22, Development of a 5-year programme of work on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, Bonn, as requested by the COP by its decision 1/CP.10.

6-17 December 2004

At COP 10, following consideration of the IPCC Third Assessment Report by the SBSTA, the COP, by its Decision 10/CP.9, requested the SBSTA to initiate work on the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, and to focus on exchanging information and sharing experiences and views among Parties on practical opportunities and solutions to facilitate the implementation of the Convention.

Following workshops on this agenda item, the COP, by its decision 1/CP.10, requested the SBSTA to develop a structured five-year programme of work of the SBSTA on the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate change, which would address the following issues: methodologies, data and modelling; vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning, measures and actions; and integration into sustainable development in the context of the terms of reference of the SBSTA as referred to in Article 9 of the Convention.

At SBSTA 21, a workshop was held on the application of methods and tools, including regional models, for assessing impacts and vulnerability and adaptation; and on the linkages between adaptation and sustainable development, Buenos Aires, Argentina, as requested by the SBSTA, at its twentieth session. SBSTA 21 report FCCC/SBSTA/2004/13 (paragraphs 8-12)

16-25 June 2004

At SBSTA 20, in-session workshop to explore sustainable development opportunities and solutions, and vulnerability and risk as they relate to impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, as requested by the SBSTA at its nineteenth session.

1-13 December

At COP 9, Parties requested intiation of work on scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate change, and scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of mitigation and to focus on exchanging information and sharing experiences and views among Parties on practical opportunities and solutions to facilitate the implementation of the Convention, Decision 10/CP.9.

At SBSTA 19, Pre-sessional consultations on the IPCC Third Assessment Report to provide information and share experiences to facilitate the development of two new agenda items, as requested by the SBSTA, at its eighteenth session.