Distr.

GENERAL

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/20

27 January 1997

Original: ENGLISH

SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE

Fourth session

Geneva, 16-18 December 1996

Paragraphs Page

I. OPENING OF THE SESSION 1 - 4 3

(Agenda item 1)

II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS 5 - 18 3

(Agenda item 2)

A. Adoption of the agenda 5 3

B. Election of officers other than the Chairman 6 - 9 4

C. Organization of the work of the session 10 - 16 4

D. Attendance 17 5

E. Documentation 18 6

III. COOPERATION WITH THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL

PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE 19 - 33 6

(Agenda item 3)

GE.97-

Paragraphs Page

IV. METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES 34 - 59 8

(Agenda item 4)

A. Longer-term programme of work 34 - 48 8

B. Possible revisions to the guidelines for the

preparation of communications by Parties included

in Annex I to the Convention 49 - 59 11

V. NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM PARTIES

INCLUDED IN ANNEX I TO THE CONVENTION 60 - 66 13

(Agenda item 5)

VI. ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED JOINTLY UNDER

THE PILOT PHASE 67 - 76 14

(Agenda item 6)

VII. DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES 77 - 83 15

(Agenda item 7)

VIII. REPORT ON THE SESSION 84 - 87 16

(Agenda item 8)

Documents before the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and

Technological Advice at its fourth session 17

1. The fourth session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (hereinafter referred to as "the SBSTA") was held at Geneva from 16 to 18 December 1996.

2. The Chairman of the SBSTA, Mr. Tibor Faragó, opened the session on 16 December 1996. He welcomed all delegates and observers from non-parties, United Nations bodies and organizations, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. He noted the need to work expeditiously, despite the substantial achievements of the SBSTA and the Conference of the Parties (COP) at the previous session.

3. The Chairman reported on the schedule of meetings of Convention bodies as decided by the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties. The fifth session of the SBSTA will be held from 25 to 28 February in Bonn, with subsequent sessions to be organized within the following periods:

Sixth session 28 July - 7 August 1997 Bonn

Seventh session 20 - 31 October 1997 Bonn

4. The Chairman informed the SBSTA that the Bureau of the COP had also decided that there would be no meetings of the subsidiary bodies during or immediately preceding the third session of the COP.

5. At its 1st meeting, on 16 December, the SBSTA adopted the following agenda:

1. Opening of the session.

2. Organizational matters:

(a) Adoption of the agenda;

(b) Election of officers other than the Chairman;

(c) Organization of the work of the session.

3. Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

4. Methodological issues:

(a) Longer-term programme of work;

(b) Possible revisions to the guidelines for the preparation of communications by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention.

5. National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention.

6. Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase.

7. Development and transfer of technologies.

8. Report on the session.

6. At its 1st, 2nd and 5th meetings, on 16 and 18 December, the SBSTA considered the sub-item on election of officers other than the Chairman.

7. At its 1st meeting, on 16 December, the Chairman provided an oral report on the consultations on the election of the Vice-Chairmen and Rapporteurs of the SBSTA, the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13 (AG13), carried out by the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM), at the request of the President of the Conference of the Parties, in which he indicated that agreement had not yet been reached on the issue.

8. Statements were made by representatives of 10 Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the Asian Group, one speaking on behalf of the African Group and another speaking on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group.

9. At its 2nd meeting, on 16 December, the SBSTA considered a proposal by its Chairman and statements by representatives of Parties. In view of the persisting lack of agreement, it agreed to consider the issue further at its next session. At its fifth meeting on 18 December, a statement on this issue was made by a representative of a regional group.

10. At its 1st meeting, on 16 December, the SBSTA considered the sub-item on organization of the work of the session.

11. The Chairman recalled that services would be available for one morning and one afternoon meeting each day with interpretation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to

6 p.m. The SBSTA agreed to proceed on the basis of the proposed schedule of work contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/14, annex II, with the addition, proposed by the Chairman following informal consultations, that the item on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase be taken up also on the first day.

12. The Chairman reminded the SBSTA that the Bureau of the COP had decided previously to continue its policy of allowing representatives of non-governmental organizations access to the conference room floor, before and after the meetings, but not during the meetings.

13. As the Bureau had agreed to leave it to the discretion of the Chairman of each subsidiary body whether, in the specific context of a given body, wider access could be granted, the Chairman, invoking this flexibility, decided to continue the same arrangements as in the previous session, in which three representatives of non-governmental organizations were granted access to the floor, as observers.

14. The Chairman informed the SBSTA that the applications of 2 intergovernmental and 15 non-governmental organizations had been screened by the secretariat on the basis of the provisions of Article 7.6 of the Convention and in accordance with the procedures established by the COP for the admission of organizations as observers. The SBSTA agreed to grant access to these organizations for the current session of the SBSTA, pending formal action on their accreditation by the Conference of the Parties at its third session.

15. The SBSTA, at its third session, had requested the secretariat to organize a round table on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase (AIJ) in conjunction with the fourth session of the SBSTA to provide for the exchange of information and experience on ongoing AIJ projects and programmes (see FCCC/SBSTA/1996/13, para. 38 (b)). The round table on AIJ took place on Tuesday, 17 December 1996.

16. Statements were made by representatives of four Parties.

17. The lists of attendance at the fourth session of the SBSTA are given in document FCCC/1996/INF.5 and Corr. 1.

18. The documents prepared for the fourth session of the SBSTA, as well as other documents available for information, are listed in the annex below.

PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE

19. At its 1st, 2nd and 5th meetings, on 16 and 18 December, the SBSTA considered the item on cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It had before it two documents prepared by the Convention secretariat, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/18 and Add.1. Two additional documents, a technical report, "Technologies, policies and measures for mitigating climate change", prepared by the IPCC for the AGBM, and the Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories were made available by the secretariat of the IPCC, for information purposes.

20. The discussion was prefaced by statements by the Chairman of the IPCC and the

Co-Chairman of Working Group I of the IPCC, who both also responded to questions.

21. Statements were made by representatives of 34 Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member States, one speaking on behalf of the African Group, one speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and another speaking on behalf of the group of countries with economies in transition.

22. A representative of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO/IOC) also made a statement.

23. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December, having considered a proposal made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions.

24. The SBSTA welcomed the work of the IPCC to produce technical papers and special reports. It took note of the revised schedule of work and urged the IPCC to give high priority to the development of regional scenarios of climate change, regional impacts of climate change, and assessment of economic impacts on all Parties, including developing country Parties, of any proposed new commitment undertaken by Annex I Parties.

25. The SBSTA also took note of the preparations under way to develop a Third Assessment Report, and noted with satisfaction that the IPCC will send out a discussion paper on the preparation of the report early in 1997. It urged the IPCC to develop a flexible work programme as it plans this report so that the emerging needs of the SBSTA can be considered. Parties are requested to submit comments on the planned structure and content of the Third Assessment Report to the secretariat, by 30 May 1997, for compilation into a miscellaneous document.

26. The SBSTA considered the issues on longer-term emission profiles arising from its request to the IPCC for information on the implications of different emission limitation proposals in terms of projected increases in global mean temperatures, sea-level rise and other changes in climate. There were divergent views expressed by Parties regarding the format, timing, content and sensitivity studies to be used in developing such profiles. Some Parties expressed their deep concern regarding the lack of progress in giving guidance to the IPCC on this issue. The SBSTA requested Parties to make submissions on this issue by

15 January 1997.

27. The SBSTA requested the IPCC to complete this work as soon as possible on the basis of these submissions in consultation with the Joint Working Group of officers of the IPCC and the Convention (JWG). The SBSTA decided to continue to elaborate on this issue during its fifth session with a view to giving clear guidance to the IPCC on the development of longer-term emission profiles.

28. The SBSTA also requested the IPCC to make a presentation on the development of emission profiles and possible implications to the climate system during its fifth session.

29. The SBSTA commended the IPCC, and the cooperating organizations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), on the preparation of the Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (the revised 1996 guidelines), which, for the first time, consider the gases HFCs, PFCs, SF₆ and SO₂, and also improve the methodologies for the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions under a number of source categories. The revised guidelines contain additional data and information, as well as simplified methodologies, that may be helpful to developing country Parties.

30. The SBSTA took note of the revised 1996 guidelines adopted by the IPCC for the reporting of national greenhouse gas inventory data, and :

(a) Decided that the revised 1996 guidelines should be applied by Annex I Parties on a voluntary basis for the inventories due in 1997 and on a mandatory basis for inventories due in 1998 and beyond. When applying the revised 1996 guidelines, these Parties should also use them to recalculate the base year greenhouse gas inventory. Annex I Parties are urged to submit updated time series data for the years in between. In providing greenhouse gas inventories due in the years 1997 and 1998, Annex I Parties should indicate clearly whether they use the 1995 guidelines or the revised 1996 guidelines. Annex I Parties with economies in transition may phase in the revised 1996 guidelines one year later than other Annex I Parties, but not later than for the inventories due in 1999, at which time they should also recalculate their base year inventory and inventories for the years in between to the extent possible;

(b) Recalled decision 10/CP.2,⁽¹⁾ and encouraged non-Annex I Parties to apply the revised 1996 guidelines, as appropriate and to the extent possible, in communicating their national greenhouse gas inventories.

31. The SBSTA, based on paragraphs 27 (a) and (b) above, encouraged Parties to report actual emissions of HFCs, PFCs and SF₆, given that these better reflect the real releases to the atmosphere and encouraged Parties which are not in a position to report actual figures to report potential emissions. Parties which report actual emissions should also include figures for potential emissions as a subset, for reasons of transparency and comparability.

32. The SBSTA requested the secretariat, in consultation with the IPCC, to work cooperatively with other organizations to ensure the wide dissemination of the Revised 1996 Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Inventories to all Parties, through workshops, seminars and other approaches.

33. The SBSTA welcomed the convening by the IPCC of an expert group meeting on the technical aspects of methodologies for assessing emissions from harvested wood products and requested the secretariat to prepare a scoping study on such methodologies, taking into account the outcome of this meeting, for consideration at the sixth session of the SBSTA.

34. At its 4th and 5th meetings, on 17 and 18 December, respectively, the SBSTA considered the sub-item on the longer-term programme of work on methodological issues. It had before it two documents prepared by the secretariat, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/16 and Add.1.

35. Statements were made by representatives of 11 Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member States.

36. A representative of the IPCC also made a statement.

37. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December, having considered a proposal made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions.

38. The SBSTA had a first exchange of views on the development of a longer-term programme of work related to methodologies as mandated by decision 4/CP.1,⁽²⁾ and in particular, the need to "propose a work plan and timetable for longer-term activities relating to methodological questions (including inventory methodologies and methodologies for analysing impacts and mitigation options) and the establishment of working relationships with other bodies (in particular, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and its working groups and programmes)".

39. The SBSTA acknowledged the importance of and need for adequate methodologies for all Parties, including financing for their development and dissemination, particularly those related to the preparation and consideration of national communications. It took note of the extensive list of methods identified in paragraph 13 of document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/16 that could be given consideration and recognized the need for methods which assist the broad international community.

40. The SBSTA considered the methodological topics that may warrant special consideration as set out in FCCC/SBSTA/1996/16 and Add.1. and decided that, in addition to improving methods for greenhouse gas inventories, the following topics should initially be given a particular priority in the context of the needs of the Convention (without indicating a view on the relative ranking or the forum for conducting the work), namely:

Methods for assessing mitigation measures and policies

Methods for assessing adaptation options

Methods for projecting emissions

Methods for evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness and effects of specific policies and measures to limit or enhance removals of greenhouse gases

Methods to assess mitigation and adaptation technologies

Methods to assess the impacts of climate change

Methods for socio-economic cost benefit analyses of adaptation options and mitigation measures and policies

41. In considering the longer-term programme of work, the SBSTA noted the near-term methodological issues identified in FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.1 and 2 and FCCC/SBSTA/1996/19 and the need to integrate these issues into such a programme.

42. The SBSTA welcomed the efforts of the secretariat to encourage coordination of relevant methodological activities among international organizations, bodies of the

United Nations and related conventions and requested the secretariat to further explore ways to enhance this coordination, for example, on the monitoring of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere with the World Meteorological Organization, and to advise the SBSTA on these activities.

43. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to prepare an initial draft of a work plan, as required by decision 4/CP.1, to assist the SBSTA in its future deliberations, bearing in mind the activities under way in other international organizations and bodies.

44. The SBSTA invited the Joint Working Group of officers of the IPCC and the Convention (JWG) to advise on an appropriate division of methodological tasks between the IPCC and the bodies of the Convention, particularly on methods for emission inventories, assessing impacts of climate change and assessing mitigation and adaptation options, taking account of the need for sustainable financing of these tasks and of work under way by other international organizations (see FCCC/SBSTA/1996/16/Add.1). The SBSTA decided to review, at its fifth session, the advice of the JWG and, on that basis, decide what should be done by the Convention bodies and, as appropriate, express its views to the IPCC.

45. The SBSTA noted that the development, testing and diffusion of methods will require additional financial support. It agreed that several options should be pursued including:

(a) Encouraging governments to provide greater support to national, regional and international organizations and institutions;

(b) Considering possibilities for Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding; and

(c) Providing for additions to the secretariat budget and/or contributions to the Supplementary Fund for the period 1998-1999.

It agreed to review, at its fifth session, the methodological component of the secretariat's outline of the Convention budget for the biennium 1998-1999, in the light of, inter alia, the advice of the JWG, the needs of other international organizations, and advise the

Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) thereon.

46. The SBSTA invited the SBI to consider whether the COP could highlight the importance of securing adequate financial support from the GEF for the methodological work needed by the Convention, ensuring that such work corresponds to the programme priorities established by the COP and the resultant operational programmes of the GEF and that it is done in a cost-effective and non-duplicative manner.

47. The SBSTA noted that many methodological topics are complex issues that could benefit from the advice of experts. As in the case of technology and technology transfer, the SBSTA requested the secretariat to draw on nominees with expertise in these fields from Parties to provide advice on methodological issues and to consider, inter alia, the use of round tables, briefings and other means to facilitate understanding of methodological issues by Parties, particularly developing country Parties.

48. The SBSTA agreed to keep under review, at a minimum, once a year, the progress of work on methodological issues and its financing and, in support of this review, requested that one of its officers, or a delegate designated by the Chairman, would convene informal

open-ended consultations on these questions, in conjunction with its sessions.

by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

49. At its 3rd and 5th meetings, on 17 and 18 December, respectively, the SBSTA considered the sub-item on possible revisions to the guidelines for the preparation of communications by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention, in the context of methodological issues. It had before it two documents prepared by the secretariat, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.1 and 2. The SBSTA also had available two documents containing comments provided by the Parties on the subject, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.5 and Add.1.

50. Statements were made by representatives of 12 Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member States, and one on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

51. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December, having considered a proposal made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions.

52. The SBSTA, at its fourth session, considered the methodological issues including those raised in secretariat documents FCCC/SBSTA/9/Add.1 and 2. It was of the view that the guidelines for the preparation of communications by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention, as contained in the annex to decision 9/CP.2, already request the relevant information related to the issues, and decided not to revise the guidelines at this session. It decided to return to these issues, as well as related matters, as necessary at future sessions. The SBSTA noted that the issues, when their technical aspects are clarified, could be important to address in the context both of the Ad Hoc Group on Berlin Mandate (AGBM) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI).

53. The SBSTA stressed the necessity of reporting inventories in mass units without adjustments according to paragraph 12 of the annex to decision 9/CP.2. Adjustments are regarded as important information in relation to the monitoring of emission trends and the performance of policies and measures, and should be reported separately.

54. The SBSTA noted that the issue of using global warming potentials (GWP) was adequately addressed in the above-mentioned documents, as requested in paragraph 5 of the annex to decision 9/CP.2.

55. The SBSTA noted that there are three separate issues related to international bunker fuels: adequate and consistent inventories, allocation of emissions and control options. Appropriate allocation of responsibility for emissions from international bunker fuels would be connected to inventory and control issues. The SBSTA noted that eight options for allocation of bunker fuels were suggested in document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.1, and considered that options 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 should be the basis for its further work on the issue. With respect to option 1, it should be considered to recognize the responsibilities of the international community to address issues related to international bunker fuels. The SBSTA took note of the work of the International Civil Aviation Organizaion (ICAO), as well as the work of the Annex I expert group on policies and measures to address these emissions. The SBSTA noted the role of ICAO and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in addressing the control of international bunker fuel emissions, and the opportunity for Parties to work through these bodies. The SBSTA encouraged Parties to report emissions from international aviation and marine bunker fuels as two separate entries in their national communications, in accordance with the revised 1996 IPCC guidelines.

56. The SBSTA noted the ongoing IPCC activities to improve the methodologies and reporting of the emissions and removals from the land-use change and forestry sector.

57. The SBSTA recalled paragraph 51 of the guidelines for national communications from Annex I Parties (see decision 9/CP.1). The SBSTA noted two types of issues related to the electricity trade: first, the issue of year by year variability depending on factors such as precipitation and availability of hydropower; and secondly, the allocation of emissions related to electricity trade.

58. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to compile and synthesize for the sixth session of the SBSTA 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.

59. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to prepare a scoping paper on the technical and policy issues related to the different aspects of emissions adjustments and trade. Parties are invited to submit information related to this issue by 15 April 1997, for the benefit of the secretariat.

INCLUDED IN ANNEX I TO THE CONVENTION

60. At its 4th and 5th meetings, on 17 and 18 December, respectively, the SBSTA considered the item on national communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention.

61. At the 4th meeting, on 17 December, the secretariat provided a report on the progress achieved in the process of reviewing communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention.

62. A statement was made by a representative of a Party.

63. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December, having considered a proposal made by the Chairman, the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions.

64. The SBSTA took note of the oral report of the secretariat on the progress made in the process of review of the first national communications from Annex I Parties.

65. The SBSTA urged the Annex I Parties which have not yet submitted their first national communication to do so as soon as possible, and encouraged Parties to submit second national communications and inventory data on time.

66. The SBSTA expressed its gratitude to the Parties and intergovernmental organizations which made available their experts for participation in in-depth reviews and encouraged Parties that have not yet nominated experts to do so.

67. At its 2nd, 3rd and 5th meetings, on 16, 17 and 18 December, respectively, the SBSTA considered the item on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase. It had before it four documents prepared by the secretariat, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/15, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/17 and Corr.1, and FCCC/SBSTA/1996/19.

68. Statements were made by representatives of 26 Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, one speaking on behalf of the African Group, and another speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member States.

69. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December, a report by the co-chairs of the round table on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase was made by the one of the co-chairs

(see also paragraph 15 above).

70. A representative of the International Energy Agency made a statement.

71. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December, having considered a proposal made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations in a contact group, the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions.

72. The SBSTA invited Parties, taking note of the fact that activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase are conducted on a voluntary basis, to designate the relevant governmental authority or ministry authorized to accept, approve or endorse projects of activities implemented jointly and to report them to the Conference of the Parties through the secretariat.

73. The SBSTA took note with interest of the report of the co-chairs of the round table on activities implemented jointly held during this session.

74. The SBSTA considered the proposed uniform reporting format contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/15, annexes I and II, and requested the secretariat to prepare a revision of this format reflecting sections agreed by the contact group and leaving unchanged sections that could not be addressed. Parties were invited to submit views on the unresolved issues related to the proposed uniform reporting format, namely sections F to H of the aforementioned annexes, and on methodological issues, by 15 January 1997. A contact group will be convened during or on the margins of the fifth session to continue the consideration of the uniform reporting format and of the list of methodological issues.

75. The SBSTA took note of the update on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase.

76. The SBSTA invited Parties participating in the pilot phase of activities implemented jointly to note that the deadline for the submission of reports to be taken into account in the synthesis report for the third session of the Conference of the Parties is 30 June 1997.

77. At its 4th and 5th meetings, on 17 and 18 December, respectively, the SBSTA considered the item on development and transfer of technologies.

78. At the 4th meeting, on 17 December, the secretariat provided a report on the progress achieved on the various issues related to the development and transfer of technologies.

79. Statements were made by representatives of five Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and another speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

80. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December, having considered a proposal made by the Chairman, the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions.

81. The SBSTA took note with appreciation of progress made by the secretariat on activities related to the development and transfer of technologies, and requested the secretariat to intensify work on these issues.

82. The SBSTA agreed to hold a substantive discussion of these issues at its next session. In this connection, it looked forward to considering the report on technology needs of Parties to be prepared by the secretariat.

83. It recalled the request by the Conference of the Parties at its second session in its decision 7/CP.2 to non-Annex I Parties to communicate initial information to the Convention secretariat not later than 1 December 1996 regarding technologies and know-how required to address climate change and its adverse effects. In view of the fact that so far only one non-Annex I Party had submitted initial information, the SBSTA decided to extend the deadline for submission to 31 January 1997.

84. At its 5th meeting, on 18 December 1996, the Chairman presented the draft report on the session (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/L.2). The SBSTA considered and adopted the draft report. It also requested the Chairman, with the assistance of the secretariat, to complete the report taking into account the discussions that had taken place during the session and the need for editorial adjustments.

85. A statement was made by a representative of a Party, speaking on behalf of the

Group of 77 and China. This representative expressed concern over the recommendation by the Bureau of the COP to schedule the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties for 1999; he referred to Article 7.4 of the Convention, which states that ordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties shall be held every year. He also referred to Article 4.2(d) on the review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) and (b), which stipulates that a second review of sub-paragraphs 4.2(a) and (b) shall take place not later than 31 December 1998.

86. The Executive Secretary made a statement in which he invited Parties included in Annex II to the Convention to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for Participation in the UNFCCC Process to enable the funding of the participation of one delegate from each eligible Party in the next round of meetings. With respect to the scheduling of the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties in early 1999, he noted that this could be considered by the SBI at its fifth session. He also noted that Article 7.4 gives the Conference of the Parties flexibility to decide to schedule its sessions other than once a year, and that the second review referred to in Article 4.2(d) could already take place at the third session of the Conference of the Parties.

87. The Chairman, after thanking all participants for their constructive cooperation, declared the fourth session of the SBSTA closed.

The following documents were before the SBSTA at its fourth session:

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/14 Provisional agenda and annotations

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/15 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase. Uniform reporting format

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/16 Methodological issues. Longer-term programme of work

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/16/Add.1 Methodological issues. Longer-term programme of work. Project descriptions

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/17 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase.

and Corr.1 Update on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/18 Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Progress report

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/18/Add.1 Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Progress report. Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/19 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase. Initial list of methodological issues

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.5 Methodological issues. Comments from Parties

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.5/Add.1 Methodological issues. Comments from a Party

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/L.2 Draft report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on the work of its fourth session

FCCC/SB/1996/MISC.4 Provisional list of participants

FCCC/1996/INF.4 Calendar of UNFCCC meetings

FCCC/1996/INF.5 List of participants

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.1 Communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention: guidelines, schedule and process for consideration. Possible revisions to the guidelines for the preparation of national communications by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention: methodological issues

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.2 Communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention: guidelines, schedule and process for consideration. Detailed information on electricity trade and international bunker fuels

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/8 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on the work of its second session, held at Geneva from 27 February to

4 March 1996

FCCC/SBSTA/1996/13 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on the work of its third session, held at Geneva from 9 to 16 July 1996

A/AC.237/NC/1-14 Executive summaries of communications

and FCCC/NC/1-19 from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

FCCC/IDR.1/(...) Reports on in-depth reviews of communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

FCCC/CP/1996/12 Commitments in Article 4. Second compilation and synthesis of first national communications from Annex I Parties: executive summary

FCCC/CP/1996/12/Add.1 Commitments in Article 4. Second compilation and synthesis of first national communications from Annex I Parties: report by the secretariat

FCCC/CP/1996/12/Add.2 Commitments in Article 4. Second compilation and synthesis of first national communications from Annex I Parties: tables of inventories of anthropogenic emissions and removals and projections for 2000

FCCC/CP/1996/15 Report of the Conference of the Parties on its second session, held at Geneva from 8 to 19 July 1996.

Part One: Proceedings

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: Action taken by the Conference of the Parties at its second session