Distr.
GENERAL
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/7
2 September 1997
Original: ENGLISH
SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE
Seventh Session
Bonn, 20-29 October 1997
Item 2 (a) of the provisional agenda
Arrangements have been made for the seventh session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), to be held at the Beethovenhalle, Bonn, from
20 to 29 October 1997. The session will be opened by the Chairman at 3 p.m. on
Monday, 20 October 1997.
The provisional agenda for the seventh session of the SBSTA,
proposed after consultation with the Chairman, is as
follows:
Opening of the session.
Organizational matters:
Adoption of the agenda;
Organization of the work of the session;
Preparations by the SBSTA for the third session of the
Conference of the Parties (COP 3).
GE.97-
Co-operation with relevant international
organizations.
National communications:
Communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention;
Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the
Convention.
Methodological issues.
Development and transfer of technologies:
Programme of work;
Activities by Annex II Parties regarding the transfer of
technologies.
Roster of experts.
Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase.
Report on the session.
The seventh session of the SBSTA will be opened by the Chairman at 3 p.m. on
Monday, 20 October 1997.
(a) Adoption of the agenda
The provisional agenda for the seventh session of the SBSTA is
presented for adoption (see paragraph 2 above).
(b) Organization of the work of the
session
(i) Co-ordination with the Subsidiary Body for Implementation
(SBI)
The SBSTA will need to prepare at its seventh session its
recommendations to the third session of the Conference of the Parties
(COP 3) on some matters before it. The SBSTA may wish to continue
following the approach it had taken at its sixth
session.
The provisional agenda and annotations reflect the recommendations on the division of labour between the SBSTA and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) that were adopted by both bodies at their sixth sessions. At their seventh sessions, several agenda items are common to both. This is, inter alia, a reflection of the need for the SBI to assist the COP in its reviews on the effective implementation of the Convention. Several ways exist to ensure
co-ordination on such issues between the subsidiary bodies. For
example, ad-hoc joint sessions could be held. Alternatively, one body
may request the other to handle the issue on its behalf, in order to
ensure an integral consideration. Another option is that one body may
take overall responsibility in considering an issue, requesting
adequate and specific inputs from the other body. Or finally,
informal joint drafting groups could be established.
The Chairman of the SBSTA and the SBI may make proposals on the organization of
work of such common items, for consideration by the
bodies.
(ii) Documentation
The provisional agenda has been drawn up taking account of the expected timely
availability of documentation in the six languages of the United Nations. There are some exceptions as indicated below.
Documents FCCC/SBSTA/1997/10, FCCC/SBSTA/1997/12,
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/12/Add.1, FCCC/SBSTA/1997/13, FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.4
and FCCC/SBSTA/1997/MISC.6 may be available late.
A list of documents relating to the provisional agenda, as well as other documents
available at the session, is contained in annex I to this
document.
(iii) Schedule
The scheduling of meetings for the session will be based on the availability of facilities
during normal working hours, when services are available for
meetings with interpretation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6
p.m. There will also be some facilities for informal meetings, some
of which may have interpretation. Delegations are urged to use these
facilities fully by attending all meetings promptly at the scheduled
time. A suggested approach to the organization of work is contained
in annex II to this document.
At its fourth session, the SBSTA requested the secretariat to explore ways to enhance
co-ordination on relevant methodological activities, for example,
on the monitoring of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere with the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and to advise the SBSTA on
these activities. In response to this request, the secretariat has
developed a note, on the basis of a report by WMO, for consideration
by the SBSTA (FCCC/SBSTA/1997/8).
At its fifth session, the SBSTA requested the co-sponsors of the Conference on the
World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), to be held at Geneva from
26 to 28 August 1997, to make a full report of the Conference
available to it. The WMO will provide this report
(FCCC/SBSTA/1997/MISC.6).
The SBSTA may also receive short oral reports from relevant international
organizations, on the progress of work related to the
Convention.
At its sixth session, the SBSTA, requested the secretariat to organize, together with the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an informal
meeting at the seventh session of the SBSTA, to discuss key issues to
be addressed in the Third Assessment Report (TAR). This meeting is
tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, 23 October
1997.
(a) Communications from Parties included in Annex I to
the Convention
At its seventh session, the SBI will consider the first compilation and synthesis report
of second national communications of Annex I Parties. It will also consider updated information on greenhouse gas emissions and projections drawn from the first and second national communications, as well as other information relevant to national communications of
Annex I Parties (see FCCC/SBI/1997/17, paras. 12-19). Related to
this, and taking into account the division of labour, the SBSTA may
consider methodological issues, in particular those related to the
submission of inventory data. (FCCC/SBI/1997/19 and Add.1,
FCCC/SBI/1997/INF.4 and FCCC/SB/1997/6). The SBSTA may in particular
consider to give further guidance on any additional information to be
submitted with the inventory tables. The SBSTA may also provide
advice, within its mandate, on aspects of the communications relating
to the development and transfer of technology (see paragraphs 21-23
below).
(b) Communications from Parties not included in Annex I
to the Convention
At its second session, by its decision 10/CP.2, paragraph 1(a), the COP requested the
secretariat, in accordance with Article 8.2 (C) to facilitate
assistance to Parties, particularly developing country Parties, in
the preparation of their initial communications, through the
organization of workshops at the regional level; to provide a forum
for the exchange of experiences in the development of emission
factors and activity data for the preparation of the inventory, as
well as, on request, for other elements of information in the initial
communication; and to provide a report to the SBSTA and the SBI at
each of their sessions (FCCC/CP/1996/15/Add.1).
In view of the proposed division of labour, and since there are no methodological issues
to be addressed at this session, the SBSTA does not need to
consider this agenda item. Instead, it will be discussed by the
SBI.
At its fourth session, the SBSTA requested the secretariat to compile and synthesize
information on emissions as affected by weather and electricity
trade, as well as the methodologies used for adjustments, from the
national communications and the in-depth reviews. The SBSTA will have
before it a paper on methodological issues FCCC/SBSTA/1997/9 and a
technical paper on how emission estimates are affected by temperature
adjustment (TP/1997/2). The SBSTA may wish to consider this
information with a view to giving guidance to Parties and the
secretariat on how to deal with temperature adjustments to inventory
data.
At its sixth session, the SBSTA decided to give consideration to the appropriate ways to
provide terms of reference for expert contributions and the review
of technical documents to be produced, in accordance with the work
programme on methodologies. Parties may wish to come prepared with
possible suggestions about approaches to this issue.
(a) Programme of work
At its sixth session, the SBSTA took note of activities underway by the secretariat to
prepare reports on topics such as adaptation technologies,
technology information centres and networks and technology transfer
activities supported by Annex II Parties. It urged the secretariat to
complete the reports on these subjects for the next
session.
The SBSTA will have before it a progress report on development and transfer of
technology FCCC/SBSTA/1997/10 and an overview of the information
provided on technology transfer activities by Annex II Parties
(FCCC/SBSTA/1997/13). It will also have available a technical paper
(TP/1997/3) which will provide an overview of adaptation technologies
and a note (FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.4) on options for technology
information centres and information.
The SBSTA may take note of the above reports and the progress made in the areas of
technology development and the transfer of technologies during the past year, and in conjunction with the SBI, develop a recommendation for a draft decision by the COP on these matters
(see FCCC/SBI/1997/17, paras. 31-33). In relation to this, it may
consider the proposal by a Party for a decision by COP 3 contained in
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.5.
At its second session, the COP, in its decision 7/CP.2, noted that the roster of experts and
its use in facilitating the work of the Convention secretariat
should be evaluated by the SBSTA and the SBI, taking into account the
ongoing discussion on Intergovernmental Technical Advisory Panel(s)
(ITAPs).
At its fifth session, the SBSTA requested the secretariat to produce a report for its
seventh session on its experience in using the roster of experts.
Accordingly, a report has been prepared describing the roster and its
use, FCCC/SBSTA/1997/11. A list of experts on the roster is available
in document FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.6.
The SBSTA may wish to provide further guidance regarding the roster, and develop a
recommendation for a decision by the COP on the roster of experts,
and, keeping in mind the proposed division of labour with the SBI,
inform the SBI accordingly.
At its sixth session, the SBSTA considered the subject of ITAPs. It recalled that the
subject of ITAPs, including their possible establishment, would be
considered by the SBSTA at its seventh session and requested Parties
to send any new ideas on the subject to the secretariat by 31
August 1997. Parties may wish to note that, in response to
decision 6/CP.1, the SBSTA previously considered the issue of ITAPs
at its first and second sessions (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/2,
FCCC/SBSTA/1995/3, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/2, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/3, and
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.3). If consensus can be reached regarding ITAPs,
the SBSTA may wish to develop a recommendation for a draft decision
by COP 3 on this matter.
The COP in its decision 5/CP.1, requested the SBSTA and the SBI, with the assistance
of the secretariat, to prepare a synthesis report for
consideration by the COP.
The SBSTA will have before it, for consideration, document FCCC/SBSTA/1997/12 and
its addendum providing a synthesis prepared by the secretariat on
the basis of reports on activities implemented jointly, submitted by
Parties, in accordance with the initial framework for reporting and
the uniform reporting format, before 30 June 1997. It further
provides an overview of the progress made since the last session of
the COP.
The SBSTA may wish to prepare conclusions on technical aspects on the basis of its
consideration of these documents. These conclusions will assist
the SBI in preparing a recommendation to the COP on the continuation
of the pilot phase as well as on the need for a comprehensive
review.
At its fifth session, the SBSTA requested the secretariat to
develop, in accordance with decision 5/CP.1, practical options with
regard to the list of methodological issues contained in paragraph
47(d) of its report on the work of that session (FCCC/SBSTA/1997/4)
and to report on the progress made in this respect. The SBSTA invited
interested Parties and organizations to provide support to the
secretariat in this task.
The secretariat has started the process of developing practical options and will provide a brief oral report. The SBSTA will have before it, for information, document FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.3 providing an update on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase. The SBSTA may take note of that information.
Due to the relatively short duration of the session and the number of items on its agenda,
a complete draft text of the report might not be available at the end of the session. The SBSTA may wish to adopt decisions or texts of substantive conclusions, and authorize the Rapporteur to complete the report after the session with the guidance of the Chairman and the assistance of the secretariat. Subject to the availability of sufficient time for their translation, conclusions will be made available in all languages.
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/7 Provisional agenda and annotations
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/8 Cooperation with relevant international
organizations: Monitoring of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/9 Methodological issues: Progress
report
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/10 Development and transfer of technologies: Progress
report
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/11 Roster of experts: Experience of the secretariat in its use
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/12 Synthesis report on activities implemented jointly
under the pilot phase
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/12/Add.1 Synthesis report on activities
implemented jointly under the pilot phase: Addendum
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/13 Second communications from Parties included in
Annex I to the Convention. Activities of Parties included in Annex
II related to transfer of technology
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.3 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.4 Options for technological information
centres and networks
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.5 Development and transfer of technologies:
Proposal from a Party: Draft decision regarding the transfer of
technologies
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/INF.6 Roster of experts: Nominations to the
roster
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/MISC.6 Report on World Climate Research Programme.
Report of the Conference on the WCRP
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/MISC.7 Submissions on Intergovernmental Technical
Advisory Panel(s) (ITAPs)
FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1 Report of the Conference of the Parties on its first session, held at Berlin from
28 March to 7 April 1995. Part two
FCCC/CP/1996/15/Add.1 Report of the Conference of the Parties on its second session, held at Geneva from
8 to 19 July 1996. Part two
FCCC/SBSTA/1995/2 Proposed programme of work
FCCC/SBSTA/1995/3 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on the work of its first session held at Geneva from 28 August to
1 September 1995
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/2 Establishment of Intergovernmental Technical
Advisory Panel(s)
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/3 Communications from Parties included in Annex I
to the Convention: Report on the guidelines for the preparation of
first communications by Annex I Parties
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.3 Establishment of Intergovernmental Technical Advisory Panel(s): Comments from Parties, positions of the Group of 77 and China, and of the United States of America
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/4 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice on the work of its fifth session, Bonn, 25-28
February 1997
FCCC/SBSTA/1997/6 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice on the work of its sixth session, Bonn, 28 July
- 5 August 1997
FCCC/SBI/1997/17 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation on the work of its sixth session, Bonn,
28 July - 5 August 1997
FCCC/SBI/1997/19 Communications from parties included in Annex I
to the Convention: First compilation and synthesis of second
communications
FCCC/SBI/1997/19/Add.1 Communications from Parties included in
Annex I to the convention: First compilation and synthesis of second
communications, Addendum, Tables of inventories of anthropogenic
emissions and removals and projections up to the year
2020
FCCC/SBI/1997/INF.4 Communications from Parties included in Annex
I to the Convention. Updated information on greenhouse gas emissions
and projections
FCCC/SB/1997/6 Communications from Parties included in Annex I to
the Convention: Inventory and projection data
FCCC/TP/1997/2 Methodological issues: Temperature
adjustments
FCCC/TP/1997/3 Adaptation technologies
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