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The foundation for the research dialogue was laid by decision 9/CP.11 on research needs
relating to the Convention, which stipulated an enhanced communication between Parties and the scientific
community and requested the SBSTA to regularly consider research needs and systematic observation relating
the Convention. The objective of such communication is two-fold:
- To inform Parties about on-going and planned activities of regional and international climate change
research programmes and organizations, and
- To communicate Parties' views on research needs and priorities to the scientific community.
In response to this request, the SBSTA initiated a dialogue on research needs under the Convention between
Parties and regional and international climate change research programmes and organizations. At SBSTA 26 it
was agreed to develop and maintain such dialogue in the context of decision 9/CP.11, and relevant
research programmes and organizations were invited to regularly inform the SBSTA of developments in research
activities relevant to the needs of the Convention, including:
- Emerging scientific findings, research planning activities, research priorities and gaps, research
capacity building activities particularly in developing countries, regional climate change research networks
and relevant communication issues (see FCCC/SBSTA/2007/4, para
47(f))
Since then, the research dialogue is taking place during every second session of the SBSTA. In addition, a
workshop on
research was held in conjunction with SBSTA 34, to give further in-depth consideration to issues
addressed at the research dialogue.
The success of the activities carried out under the research dialogue was recognized by decision 16/CP.17,
which also decided that the dialogue should continue, and be used as a forum for:
- Discussing needs for climate change research and research-related capacity-building, particularly those
of developing countries, to support the work of the Convention;
- Conveying research findings and lessons learned from activities undertaken by regional and international
research programmes and organizations of relevance to the Convention.
Prior to the SBSTA session at which a research dialogue will be held, Parties are invited to submit their
views on research needs as well as on specific themes to be addressed in the dialogue. Regional and
international research programmes and organizations are invited to provide information on developments in
their research activities relevant to the needs of the Convention.
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