A web-based clearing house is a mechanism that brings together pre-existing information networks, and filters data based on established criteria, serving as an organizing tool to provide a more coherent and coordinated approach for accessing, synthesizing and visualizing thematic information. It is a collective pool of validated and quality assured data, information, assessments, reports and expertise. The consolidation of the data broadens the client access to information, and the filtering provides the client with tailored information according to needs.

At the eighth Conference of the Parties, the secretariat was requested to work on the structure and content of an information clearing house, including information on existing resources that could facilitate:

1. the implementation of the New Delhi Work Programme;
2. information exchange and cooperation between Parties and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations working on Article 6 issues.

SB18 (June 2003 - Bonn)

• Secretariat proposal for an Article 6 information network clearing house to facilitate the implementation of Article 6 - FCCC/SBI/2003/4

SB19 (December 2003 - Milan)

• An informal advisory group of interested Parties convened to receive further guidance on the development of the clearing house;
• The Secretariat is requested to examine options for the development.

SB20 (June 2004 - Bonn)

• A small scale model was developed and presented to Parties to assist in clarifying concepts and features.

SB21 (December 2004 - Buenos Aires)

• Secretariat presented options for the development of the clearing house to parties with a two phased development approach - FCCC/SBI/2004/14

SB23 (November - December 2005, Montreal)

• Official launch of the CC:iNet prototype

• the secretariat was requested to continue its work on CC:iNet and Parties were invited to submit their views on issues relating to this work. (FCCC/SBI/2007/15)

• Evaluation of the Prototype (FCCC/SBI/2007/26 and FCCC/SBI/2007/34 Para. 51(a))

SB33 / COP16 / CMP6 (December 2010 - Cancun, Mexico)

• Launch of the full-scale implemetation of CC:iNet 

CC:iNet has been acknowledged as an important tool for promoting the implementation of Article 6.  Following its use over two years, suggestions were made towards a more functional, multilingual and user-friendly clearing house.
The full-scale version of CC:iNet has been launched to enable visitors and registered users to make use of the enhanced features, while concurrent testing and improvement is undertaken.

Last modified: 15 December 2010