Outcomes of SBSTA 24 to SBSTA 27

At SBSTA 24 (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/5, paragraphs 50–55), Parties initiated consideration of the information related to this item contained in the submissions from Parties (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/MISC.5 and Add.1) and in the submissions by accredited observers posted on the UNFCCC website.

Parties also accomplished an important task by agreeing on the scope of the first workshop on this item. The workshop was held from 30 August –1 September 2006 in Rome, Italy.  It provided further opportunities for Parties to share experiences and consider relevant aspects related to reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries. At the workshop, participants discussed specific topics under two main aspects:

(a) scientific, socio-economic, technical and methodological issues; and

(b) policy approaches and positive incentives to reduce emissions from deforestation in developing countries (paragraph 52 (a)–(b)).

In addition, the workshop identified possible links between relevant scientific, socio-economic, technical and methodological issues and policy approaches and positive incentives that may arise.

To facilitate discussions at the workshop, a background paper on the topics related to these two main aspects was prepared, with a synthesis of relevant information in national communications and the submissions by Parties and accredited observers on this item.

At SBSTA 25 (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/11, paragraphs 85–92), Parties decided the scope of the second workshop that was to be held before the twenty-sixth session of the SBSTA (May 2007).  The SBSTA decided to continue discussing the range of topics considered at the first workshop, including the submissions by Parties and accredited observers from this session, at the second workshop, that focused on: the discussions of ongoing and potential policy approaches and positive incentives, and technical and methodological requirements related to their implementation; assessment of results and their reliability; and improving the understanding of reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries.

To facilitate discussions at the second workshop, Parties and accredited observers submitted their views on the scope of the second workshop, referred to above.  In addition, Parties considered, as appropriate, relevant provisions of other conventions (CBD, UNCCD, Ramsar) and the work of multilateral organizations (UNFF, ITTO and the WTO).  The information in the submissions was made available to facilitate discussions at the second workshop and were compiled for consideration by the SBSTA at its twenty-sixth session (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.2 and Add.1).

Following the outcome of the second workshop on reducing emissions from deforestation, several Parties, during the opening plenary of SBSTA 26, requested the Chair of the SBSTA to provide a draft text for a decision on reducing emissions from deforestation as a basis for discussions at this session.  Unable to complete its work at this session, the SBSTA agreed to continue its work on the basis of the draft text (contained in annex III to the report of SBSTA 26, FCCC/SBSTA/2007/4) at its twenty-seventh session.

SBSTA 27 (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/16, paras 25–29)  continued its work on this matter on the basis of the draft text for a COP decision.  As part of this work, the SBSTA also considered the views submitted by Parties on issues related to further steps under the Convention related to reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries: approaches to stimulate action (contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.14,   Add.1, Add.2 and Add.3).

At the end of the session, the SBSTA was able to complete its work on the draft decision except for the final two paragraphs related to further consideration of policy approaches and positive incentives relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/L.23/Add.1/Rev.1).  Agreement on these two paragraphs depended  on the reflection of these issues in the decision on long-term cooperative action on climate change under the Convention (Bali Action Plan).  Once the Bali Action Plan ( decision 1/CP.13) was adopted, the COP also adopted a decision on reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries: approaches to stimulate action ( decision 2/CP.13). 

The COP, in its decision 2/CP.13 , requested the SBSTA to undertake a programme of work on methodological issues related to a range of policy approaches and positive incentives for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. 

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