This note contains sections on the proposed programme structure and its content, building on "lessons learned" (section III), uncertainties and contingencies (section IV) and preliminary resource estimates for the core budget (section V). It also briefly reviews resource needs for the trust funds for participation and for supplementary activities (sections VI and VII respectively).These sections are preceded by a proposal on the timetable and process for the consideration and adoption of the programme budget (section II). This proposal seeks to reconcile the formal requirement for the budget to be adopted by the COP, scheduled this year for December, with the need for the Parties to agree on the budget well before the end
of the year, so as to enable the secretariat to plan its work for 1998 and notify the Parties in good time of contributions due on 1 January 1998