Distr.
GENERAL
FCCC/SBI/1996/1/Add.1
22 February 1996
ENGLISH ONLY
SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Second session
Geneva, 27 February - 4 March 1996
Item 2 (a) of the provisional agenda
1. The second session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation
(SBI) will be opened at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 February 1996, in
conference room XIX.
(a) Adoption of the agenda
2. The provisional agenda for the second session of the SBI is
presented for adoption (see FCCC/SBI/1996/1).
GE.96-
(b) Organization of the work of the
session
(i) Documentation
3. A list of documents relating to the provisional agenda, as well
as other documents available at the session, is contained in annex I.
Other documents may be made available during the
session.
(ii) Schedule
4. During the sessional period 27 February to 4 March, a new
system of scheduling the meetings of the SBI and the Subsidiary Body
for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) will be tried out.
Formal meetings of the SBI will be held in the afternoons and those
of the SBSTA will take place in the mornings. Furthermore, each
subsidiary body will be able to hold informal meetings during the
half of the day in which it will not have formal
meetings.
5. The scheduling of meetings for the SBI session will be based on
the availability of facilities during normal working hours. Formal
meetings with interpretation will be held in the afternoons from 3
p.m. to 6 p.m. and informal meetings (or meetings of contact groups
or subgroups) may be held in the mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with
interpretation. There will also be some facilities for informal
meetings without interpretation. Delegations are urged to use these
facilities fully by starting all meetings promptly at the scheduled
time. Informal workshops of the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate
(AGBM) will be held in parallel to meetings of the SBI in the
afternoons of 28 February and 4 March. A suggested approach to the
organization of work is contained in annex II. In the event that the
items scheduled for a particular day are completed ahead of time,
other items may be taken up.
(iii) SBI recommendations for action by the Conference of the
Parties at its second session (COP 2)
6. At its third session, the SBI must agree on a report to COP 2,
including recommendations for action by the COP. Therefore it is
proposed that priority consideration be given at the current session
to items that will give rise to such recommendations. Where relevant,
the SBI should ensure that its recommendations are consistent with
those of the SBSTA. Arrangements for COP 2 are being considered by
the SBI at this session under item 8 of the provisional agenda. On
that item, the SBI has before it document FCCC/SBI/1996/8, including
possible elements for a provisional agenda for the session. The
following list of points for priority consideration by the SBI is
drawn from those agenda elements. For other matters on which the SBI
will not provide the COP with recommendations for action, it will be
necessary to provide a progress report for the COP to consider and to
give guidance on further work.
Implementation of the commitments in Article 4 of the Convention
and of the related decisions of COP 1, including those regarding the
development and the transfer of technologies
Decisions to advance the Convention process:
(a) Communications by Parties:
(i) Communications from Annex I Parties: process for
consideration
(ii) Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the
Convention: facilitation and process for consideration
(b) Financial mechanism:
(i) Report by the Council of the Global Environment
Facility
(c) Financial and administrative matters:
(i) Establishment of the permanent secretariat and arrangements
for its functioning
(ii) Convention budget for the biennium 1996-1997 - income and
budget performance, and resource deployment for 1997
(iii) Other voluntary funding for the biennium
1996-1997
(a) Communications from Parties included in Annex I to
the Convention
(i) Progress report on in-depth
reviews
7. The SBI, at its first session, agreed that the consideration of
in-depth reviews would be a standing item on its agenda. It took note
of the progress report on the in-depth reviews and requested the
secretariat to provide to the SBI at subsequent sessions review
reports as they became available. The present session will have
before it a brief progress report on the status of in-depth reviews
undertaken to date (FCCC/SB/1996/2). The session may wish to take
note of this report.
8. A number of in-depth review reports containing a thorough and
comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the Convention
commitments are available in the original language under the symbol
FCCC/IDR.1/(country code). Summaries of a number of the reports are
available in all official languages under the symbol
FCCC/IDR.1(SUM)/(country code). In accordance with the division of
labour with the SBSTA, endorsed at the first session of the SBI, the
present session may wish to discuss these reports and start
consideration of implementation issues related to optimal utilization
of information contained therein for the purposes of the Convention.
In this context the AGBM, at its first session, decided to consider
at its third session (5-8 March 1996) those aspects of national
communications of Annex I Parties and related in-depth review reports
relevant to its work, along with any related conclusions or advice
that the SBSTA and SBI may provide (FCCC/AGBM/1995/2, para. 19 (k)).
The SBI may wish to offer advice to the AGBM on the policy aspects of
such communications.
(ii) Elements of the second compilation and synthesis
report (policy aspects)
9. The elements of the second compilation and synthesis report of
in-depth reviews are contained in document FCCC/SB/1996/1 and Add.1.
The SBI may wish to discuss the policy aspects and provide guidance
to the secretariat regarding the possible structure and presentation
of the synthesis report to be submitted to the SBI for consideration
at its third session to enable it to develop conclusions and
recommendations for transmission to COP 2.
(b) Communications from Parties not included in Annex I
to the Convention: issues related to the compilation and
consideration of information
10. The COP, at its first session, by its decision 8/CP.1(1) on first communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention, requested the subsidiary bodies to develop, for consideration by COP 2, recommendations on guidelines for the preparation of national communications from non-Annex I Parties and proposals for the process to consider these communications. The programme of work of these bodies, as discussed at their first sessions, allocates responsibility for taking the lead to the SBSTA with regard to recommendations on guidelines for the communications and to the SBI with regard to the process for considering the communications (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/2, paras. 23-27; FCCC/SBI/1995/2, paras. 9-13; FCCC/SB/1995/INF.1, para. 2). The SBSTA, at its first session, requested the secretariat to prepare, for consideration at its second session, recommendations on guidelines for the preparation of national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention, taking into account the views expressed by the Parties and the papers submitted by the Parties, including document A/AC.237/MISC.40
(FCCC/SBSTA/1995/3, para. 35 (a)). At the second session of the
AGBM, Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention expressed
readiness to advance the preparation of their initial communications
taking into account Article 4.3, 4.5 and 4.7 of the Convention and
paragraph 2 (b) of decision 1/CP.1, in order to supplement their
sustainable development (FCCC/AGBM/1995/7, para. 42).
11. A workshop on the preparation of national communications from
Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention, which is being
convened by the Group of 77 and China, will be held on Monday, 26
February. The workshop is being held in response to a request from
the AGBM. Any relevant conclusions of the workshop will be made
available as an input to item 3 (b) of the provisional
agenda.
12. The SBI will have before it draft recommendations drawn up by
the secretariat elaborating on issues related to the preparation,
compilation and consideration of the communications from Parties not
included in Annex I (FCCC/SB/1996/3). The SBI will also be informed
of any relevant conclusions of the workshop on national
communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the
Convention.
13. The SBI may wish to commence its discussion of the
facilitation of the preparation of communications from non-Annex I
Parties and the process for their consideration, taking into account
any guidelines that may be recommended by the SBSTA.
(a) Matters relating to the financial
mechanism
14. The SBI, at its first session, took note of the information
contained in document FCCC/SBI/1995/3/Add.1 and requested the
secretariat to make available at subsequent sessions information on
relevant action taken by the Council of the Global Environment
Facility (GEF) (FCCC/SBI/1995/5, para. 24). The Council of the GEF
met from 25 to 27 October 1995 and relevant decisions are reflected
in FCCC/SBI/1996/3. The SBI may wish to consider this information and
develop recommendations to COP 2.
15. The COP, at its first session, endorsed the initial guidance
on policies, programme priorities and eligibility criteria provided
by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework
Convention on Climate Change at its eleventh session to the GEF. The
SBI may wish to consider what further guidance the COP could provide
to the GEF.
(b) Technical and financial cooperation: progress
report
16. The COP, at its first session, took note of a conclusion
reached by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a
Framework Convention on Climate Change, at its eleventh session, that
the interim secretariat was requested to continue to facilitate the
provision of technical and financial support to Parties, in
cooperation with its partners, and to report back periodically to the
COP on progress achieved, so that further guidance could be provided
(FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1, section III (b)). The SBI will have before it
a progress report by the secretariat on this matter
(FCCC/SBI/1996/4). A full report on this item will be submitted to
COP 2.
17. The COP, at its first session, by its decision 13/CP.1,
decided to review, at COP 2 and at each session of the COP
thereafter, the implementation of Article 4.5 and 4.1(c) of the
Convention. The SBI, at its first session, endorsed the division of
labour with the SBSTA and, as suggested in document
FCCC/SB/1995/INF.1, will focus on issues relating to transfer
of technology and implementation of related commitments, and
will consider the "itemized progress report" on implementation
of transfer of technology commitments and the elaboration on the
terms of transfer (FCCC/SB/1995/INF.1, para. 11). In pursuance
of the above, the secretariat has prepared a note for the
consideration of the SBI on measures taken by Annex II Parties to
transfer environmentally-sound technologies and know-how
(FCCC/SBI/1996/5). The SBI may wish to initiate discussions on
possible recommendations to COP 2. The SBI may also wish to provide
advice to the SBSTA on the improvement of the guidelines for national
communications.
(a) Conclusions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific
and Technological Advice on a reporting framework for activities
implemented jointly under the pilot phase
18. The COP, at its first session, by its decision 5/CP.1, decided
that the SBSTA would, in coordination with the SBI, establish a
framework for reporting, in a transparent, well-defined and credible
fashion, on the possible global benefits and the national economic,
social and environmental impacts as well as any practical experience
gained or technical difficulties encountered in activities
implemented jointly under the pilot phase. The SBSTA, at its second
session, is expected to develop the framework for reporting and,
should it complete its work early enough in the session, the SBI
could take up the issue and provide its views on the framework to the
SBSTA. A compilation of views submitted by delegations
(FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.1) is available as well as a note by the
secretariat on an approach to the framework for reporting
(FCCC/SBSTA/1996/5).
(a) Update on implementation of decisions 14/CP.1,
15/CP.1, 17/CP.1 and 18/CP.1 of the Conference of the
Parties
19. The COP, at its first session, by its decision 14/CP.1, took a
number of decisions relating to the institutional linkage of the
secretariat, the financing of conference-servicing costs, the
provision of administrative support, and the appointment of the head
of the secretariat. The conclusions reached by the SBI after
reviewing these matters at its first session are contained in
document FCCC/SBI/1995/5, paragraph 29.
20. The Executive Secretary will report on the status of these
issues in the light of relevant decisions of the General Assembly at
its fiftieth session and will review the budgetary situation for
1996, including the status of payments to the trust funds of the
Convention (FCCC/SBI/1996/6). The SBI may wish to take note of this
information and adopt appropriate conclusions.
(b) Arrangements for the relocation of the Convention
secretariat to Bonn
21. The COP, at its first session, by its decision 16/CP.1 on the
physical location of the Convention secretariat invited "the
Executive Secretary of the interim secretariat to consult the
authorities of the host Government regarding arrangements for the
smooth transition from the interim to the Convention secretariat."
Accordingly, the Executive Secretary, with the Office of Legal
Affairs of the United Nations, has initiated discussions with the
Government of Germany in order to conclude a tripartite agreement for
the establishment of the Convention secretariat in Bonn. This
agreement will apply mutatis mutandis the provisions of the
agreement already concluded between the United Nations and the
Government of Germany concerning the establishment in Bonn of the
headquarters of the United Nations Volunteers Programme.
22. Additionally, the secretariat has been discussing with its
counterparts in the Government of Germany the practical arrangements
for the relocation of the secretariat, including the financial and
material aspects thereof and the most appropriate dates for the
move.
23. At its meeting on 31 October 1995, the Bureau of the COP noted
that the secretariat would inform the SBI on the above subjects and
seek appropriate guidance. The SBI will have before it document
FCCC/SBI/1996/7 containing information on the above items and related
matters.
24. The SBI may wish to consider, in particular, the approach proposed by the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations to clarify the juridical personality and legal capacity of the Convention secretariat and take appropriate action thereon. It is hoped that a legal
officer from that Office will be available to explain this
approach and answer questions. The SBI is also invited to endorse the
intention of the Executive Secretary to conclude and sign the above
mentioned agreement with the United Nations and the Government of
Germany.
25. The SBI may also wish to express initial views on the ideas
advanced by the secretariat regarding the maintenance of channels of
communication with Parties, during and after the relocation of the
secretariat from Geneva to Bonn.
26. At its meeting on 31 October 1995, the Bureau of the COP
decided that COP 2 would be held in Geneva, from 8 to 19 July 1996.
The Bureau also recommended that the period of meetings would open
with the COP for one day, then continue with the four subsidiary
bodies and revert to the Conference in the middle of the second
week.
27. As regards the provisional agenda for COP 2, it will be
recalled that rule 9 of the draft rules of procedure states that "in
agreement with the President, the secretariat shall prepare the
provisional agenda of each session". Accordingly, the Bureau decided
that the secretariat should proceed with preparing a draft
provisional agenda for COP 2 and that this would be kept under review
by the Bureau and the SBI. The Bureau further decided that a thematic
approach should guide the preparation of the provisional
agenda.
28. At the same meeting, the Bureau decided that the secretariat
would prepare, in consultation with the Bureau, a document on all
aspects of COP 2 to be considered at the second session of the SBI,
in the context of an agenda item on arrangements for COP 2.
Accordingly, the SBI will have before it document FCCC/SBI/1996/8
containing information on arrangements being made by the secretariat
in connection with COP 2, including a list of possible elements for a
provisional agenda for the session and suggestions concerning the
organization of the work of the session. The SBI may wish to give
guidance on these matters and in particular advise whether there
should be a high level or ministerial segment of COP 2.
29. The SBI at its first session, by its decision 1/SBI.1, adopted
the proposed programme of work and requested the secretariat to
revise the scheduling in the light of the results of the first
session of the SBSTA (FCCC/SBI/1995/5, annex). The revision affected
two items and for that reason those items only are reproduced in
document FCCC/SBI/1996/2 for the information of the SBI. A
consolidated text of the programme of work embracing all the
revisions made during the first and second sessions will be prepared
for the third session when the SBI comes to review the programme of
work prior to the second session of the COP.
30. The Chairman may, on 4 March, subsequent to the meeting of the
Bureau of the COP on 2 March, provide an oral report on any further
decisions of that Bureau relating to the schedule of meetings under
the Convention in 1996 and 1997. This schedule will be relevant for
the capacity of the secretariat to respond in time to requests from
the Convention bodies.
31. The relatively short duration of the session may affect the extent to which a draft text of the report on its work could be available at the end of the session. The SBI may wish to adopt decisions or texts of substantive conclusions under the relevant items and sub-items of the agenda and, as at the first session, authorize the Rapporteur to complete the report after the session, under the guidance of the Chairman and with the assistance of the secretariat. While every effort will be made to have conclusions available in all languages, this can only be possible if sufficient time is available for translation.
FCCC/SBI/1996/1 Provisional agenda
FCCC/SBI/1996/1/Add.1 Annotations to the provisional
agenda
FCCC/SBI/1996/2 Revised programme of work
FCCC/SBI/1996/3 Matters relating to the financial mechanism:
arrangements between the Conference of the Parties and the operating
entity or entities of the financial mechanism: Information on
relevant action by the Council of the Global Environment
Facility
FCCC/SBI/1996/4 Financial and technical cooperation: progress
report on the activities of the secretariat concerning technical and
financial support to Parties
FCCC/SBI/1996/5 Transfer of technology
FCCC/SBI/1996/6 Institutional and budgetary matters:
implementation of decision 14/CP.1 on institutional linkage of the
Convention secretariat to the United Nations and budget-related
matters
FCCC/SBI/1996/7 Arrangements for the relocation of the Convention
secretariat to Bonn
FCCC/SBI/1996/8 Arrangements for the second session of the
Conference of the Parties, including elements for a provisional
agenda
FCCC/SB/1996/1 and Add.1 National communications from Parties
included in Annex I to the Convention: elements of the second
compilation and synthesis report
FCCC/SB/1996/2 National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention: progress report on in-depth reviews
FCCC/SB/1996/3 National communications from Parties not included
in Annex I to the Convention: issues related to the preparation,
compilation and consideration of communications
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/5 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot
phase - options for reporting guidelines
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/Misc.1 Activities implemented jointly under the
pilot phase - Comments from Parties
FCCC/SBI/1995/5 and Corr.1 Report of the Subsidiary Body for
Implementation on the work of its first session held at Geneva on 31
August 1995
FCCC/SBI/1995/2 Proposed programme of work
FCCC/CP/1995/7 and Add.1 Report of the Conference of the Parties
on its first session held at Berlin from 28 March to 7 April
1995
FCCC/SB/1995/INF.1 Division of labour between the subsidiary
bodies established by the Convention
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Informal consultations |
Informal consultations |
Informal consultations |
Informal consultations |
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Items 1 2 3 (a) |
Items 4 (a) 4 (b) |
Items 3 (b) 7 (a) 7 (b) 8 |
Items 5 6 (a) 9 |
Item 10 |
(The items of the provisional agenda are listed
below.)
Other meetings relevant to the work of the
SBI:
Formal meetings of the SBSTA will be held in the mornings of the
days shown in the above schedule. The SBSTA may hold informal
meetings in the afternoons in parallel with meetings of the
SBI.
The AGBM will hold informal workshops in the afternoons of 28
February and 4 March, in parallel with meetings of the
SBI.
On 26 February, the Group of 77 and China will convene a workshop
on the preparation of national communications from Parties not
included in Annex I to the Convention (relevant to agenda item 3
(b)).
On 2 March, a workshop will be held on mechanisms for inputs by
non-governmental organizations.
Items of the provisional agenda:
1. Opening of the session.
2. Organizational matters:
(a) Adoption of the agenda;
(b) Organization of the work of the session.
3. National communications:
(a) Communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention:
(i) Progress report on in-depth reviews;
(ii) Elements of the second compilation and synthesis report
(policy aspects).
(b) Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the
Convention: issues related to the compilation and consideration of
information.
4. Financial and technical cooperation:
(a) Matters relating to the financial mechanism;
(b) Technical and financial cooperation: progress
report.
5. Transfer of technology.
6. Matters arising from sessions of other bodies:
(a) Conclusions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice on a reporting framework for activities
implemented jointly under the pilot phase.
7. Institutional and budgetary matters:
(a) Update on implementation of decisions 14/CP.1, 15/CP.1,
17/CP.1 and 18/CP.1 of the Conference of the Parties;
(b) Arrangements for relocation of the Convention secretariat to
Bonn.
8. Arrangements for the second session of the Conference of the
Parties.
9. Review of the programme of work, 1996-1997.
10. Report on the session.