The meeting enhanced understanding of methodological issues related to establishing reference emission levels for deforestation and forest degradation, as well as reference levels for the conservation and sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Forty-five experts representing Parties, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations attended the meeting, held in Bonn on 23-24 March.  Several experts made presentations on ongoing work relating to approaches and methodologies for establishing reference emission levels. All presentations can be accessed here.

In-depth discussions covered issues relating to:

• Approaches for establishing reference emission levels and reference levels (e.g. historical approach, projections)
• Applicability of different approaches to different national circumstances
• Data availability/ sources and data quality
• Tools, techniques and methodologies required and available, and their cost-effectiveness. 

Experts also identified capacity-building issues and needs - both technical and institutional - and the research and development needs to improve data collection and quality.

The secretariat will prepare a report on the outcomes of this expert meeting, which will be considered by the SBSTA at its next session in June 2009.  It is expected that the outcomes of this meeting will facilitate Parties’ consideration of outstanding methodological issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries.