The Nairobi work programme (NWP) was established at COP11 (December 2005, in Nairobi, Kenya), through decision 2/CP.11, as a mechanism under the Convention to facilitate and catalyze the development and dissemination of information and knowledge that would inform and support adaptation policies and practices. Its implementation has been coordinated by the Subsidiary Body for Science and Technological Advice (SBSTA), under the guidance of the Chair of the SBSTA, with assistance from the secretariat, and with contributions from Parties and other adaptation stakeholders.

Through its four main functions and diverse range of modalities, the Nairobi work programme provides unique opportunities for linking relevant institutions, processes, resources and expertise outside the Convention to respond to adaptation knowledge needs identified by Parties, and arising from the implementation of the various workstreams under the Convention.

The Adaptation Knowledge Portal will provide more information on the knowledge resources generated under the NWP, as well as on the upcoming technical work in different thematic areas.

Outcomes of SBSTA 46

In Bonn, Germany (8-18 May 2017), Parties reviewed the progress made in the implementation of activities under the NWP and welcomed the following documents, which were prepared in collaboration with Parties, NWP partner organizations and other expert organizations:

• A synthesis paper on human health and adaptation: understanding climate impacts on health and opportunities for action (FCCC/SBSTA/2017/2);

• A synthesis report on adaptation planning, implementation and evaluation addressing ecosystems and areas such as water resources (FCCC/SBSTA/2017/3);

• A summary report on initiatives in the area of human settlements and adaptation(FCCC/SBSTA/2017/INF.3);

• A report on the progress made in implementing the NWP (FCCC/SBSTA/2017/INF.1).

Those documents were recognized as relevant to inform the work of the Parties to address impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change.

Parties also adopted conclusions, which include:

• An appreciation to Parties, NWP partner organizations and other expert organizations for their inputs and collaboration, noting that these collaborative activities have enhanced the role of the NWP as a knowledge hub that supports enhanced action on adaptation;
• A recognition of the potential contributions of NWP activities to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a request to the Secretariat to further explore opportunities to develop linkages with the SDGs;
• An invitation to NWP partner organizations and other relevant organizations to implement relevant collaborative actions to address impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, taking into account the above documents as appropriate;
• Recommendations to improve the Focal Point Forum with a view to:
  • Enhancing the engagement of experts and expert organizations, including those from developing countries and those working on national adaptation plans; 
  • Providing an interactive space for informal exchange of views among Parties, NWP partner organizations and other relevant organizations;
  • Facilitating collaboration and partnerships, which could contribute to concrete adaptation actions;
  • Informing future activities to be undertaken under the NWP, in a way that supports the potential role of the NWP in the implementation of the Paris agreement;
  • Taking stock of the practical ways in which knowledge shared through the NWP has been used.

• A request to the Secretariat to engage with Parties, NWP partner organizations and other relevant organizations to co-organize events that would complement the Focal Point Forum.