At its forty-second session, the SBSTA considered the following:

• The need for further guidance on ensuring transparency, consistency, comprehensiveness and effectiveness when informing how all the safeguards referred to in appendix I to decision 1/CP.16 are being addressed and respected (decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 6);
• The development of methodological guidance on non-market-based approaches to support the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70 (REDD-plus) (decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 39);
• The consideration of methodological issues related to non-carbon benefits resulting from the implementation of activities relating to REDD-plus (decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 40).

In its consideration of the need for further guidance on informing how all the safeguards have been addressed and respected, the SBSTA welcomed the summaries of information being provided by developing country Parties.

The SBSTA agreed to recommend draft decisions on the three matters noted above for the adoption by the COP at its twenty-first session (FCCC/SBSTA/2015/L.5 and Add.1-3). The full text of the conclusions adopted by the SBSTA and the draft decisions (under agenda item 4) can be found here.

The SBSTA completed its consideration of all the three matters noted above. At the closing plenary, the SBSTA Chair declared the conclusion of the SBSTA work on this agenda item and that this agenda item can now be considered closed.

At its forty-first session, the SBSTA considered:

• The need for further guidance on the issues referred to in decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 6 (issues relating to safeguards); and
• The development of methodological guidance on non-market-based approaches.

For the consideration of the SBSTA at this session:

• Developing country Parties submitted their views on experiences and lessons learned from their development of systems for providing information on how all the safeguards are being addressed and respected and the challenges they face in developing such systems. These views are contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2014/MISC.6 and Add.1.
• Parties and admitted observer organizations submitted their views on the type of information from systems for providing information on how the safeguards are being addressed and respected that would be helpful and that may be provided by developing country Parties. The views of Parties are contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2014/MISC.7 and Add.1.

SBSTA 41 was unable to reach agreement on the above matters. It agreed to consider this agenda item at SBSTA 42 in accordance with rule 16 of the draft rules of procedure being applied.

At its fortieth session, the SBSTA continued its consideration of:

• Methodological guidance for non-market-based approaches;
• Issues referred to in decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 40 (methodological issues related to non-carbon benefits resulting from the implementation of REDD-plus).

SBSTA 38 invited Parties and admitted observer organizations to submit to the secretariat, by 26 March 2014, their views on these matters (refer to FCCC/SBSTA/2013/3). These views are compiled in documents FCCC/SBSTA/2014/MISC.3, Add.1, Add.2 and Add.3 and FCCC/SBSTA/2014/MISC.4 and Add.1.

The SBSTA agreed to continue its consideration of the development of methodological guidance on non-market-based approaches at SBSTA 41. The SBSTA agreed to continue its consideration of methodological issues related to non-carbon benefits at SBSTA 42 (June 2015)

(Refer to FCCC/SBSTA/2014/L.8 for conclusions)

The secretariat organized an in-session expert meeting at SBSTA 40 on matters relating to non-market-based approaches on 6 June 2014.  A report on the meeting was prepared for SBSTA's consideration at its forty-first session.

In-session expert meeting website

On the basis of the draft texts contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2013/3/Add.2, SBSTA 39 completed its work on:

• Methodological guidance for measuring, reporting and verifying, as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix II, paragraph (c);

• Guidance for the technical assessment of the proposed forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, as requested in decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 15.

COP 19 adopted five decisions on methodological guidance as part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus:

• Decision 11/CP.19, entitled Modalities for national forest monitoring systems

• Decision 12/CP.19, entitled The timing and the frequency of presentations of the summary of information on how all the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are being addressed and respected

• Decision 13/CP.19, entitled Guidelines and procedures for the technical assessment of submissions from Parties on proposed forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels

• Decision 14/CP.19, entitled Modalities for measuring, reporting and verifying

• Decision 15/CP.19, entitled Addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

SBSTA 38 continued its consideration of methodological guidance for activities relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.

At this session, the SBSTA completed its work on several matters related to the work programme referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix II and to decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 5. It decided to recommend draft decisions on the following matters for adoption by the COP at its nineteenth session:

• Modalities for national monitoring systems;

• The timing and the frequency of presentations of the summary of information on how all the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are being addressed and respected;

• Addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation.

(Refer to FCCC/SBSTA/2013/3/Add.1 for the draft decisions)

Measuring, reporting and verifying

It continued its work on a draft text on modalities for measuring, reporting and verifying. As referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix II, paragraph (c), on the basis of the addendum to the SBSTA 37 report (FCCC/SBSTA/2012/5/Add.1), which contains elements for a possible draft decision on these matters. (Refer to FCCC/SBSTA/2013/3/Add.2)

Forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels

It initiated work on guidance for the technical assessment of the proposed forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, as requested in decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 15. It considered a draft text containing elements for a possible draft decision on guidelines and procedures for the technical assessment of submissions from Parties on proposed forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels. (Refer to FCCC/SBSTA/2013/3/Add.2)

Safeguards

The SBSTA, in recalling the guidance in decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 2, encouraged developing country Parties to:

• Continue building experiences and best practices as part of improving their systems for providing information on how all the safeguards were being addressed and respected;

• Share these experiences and lessons learned with other Parties.

The SBSTA also encouraged developing country Parties and observer organizations to share, via the Web Platform on the UNFCCC website, their experiences and lessons learned from the development of systems for providing information on how all the safeguards are being addressed and respected and the challenges they face in developing such systems.

Drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

On addressing drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, the SBSTA:

• Noted that actions to address drivers should also consider the guidance in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I;

• Recognized the importance of cross-sector coordination in the context of the development of national strategies or action plans;

• Recognized that international cooperation can contribute to addressing drivers.

Non-market-based approaches

The SBSTA noted that non-market-based approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, as referred to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 67, are important to support the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70.

The SBSTA further noted the need for clarity on types of non-market-based approaches related to the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, and whether further methodological work could be needed.

Non-carbon benefits

On non-carbon benefits, the SBSTA agreed that:

• It is important to take into account these benefits when implementing the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

• Clarity is needed on the types of such benefits and associated methodological issues.

It also took note of on-going work on non-carbon benefits under other international organizations and conventions.

The SBSTA, at its thirty-seventh session, continued its consideration of methodological guidance relating to modalities for a national forest monitoring system as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71(c), and for measuring, reporting and verifying as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix II, paragraph (c), using the draft text contained in annex I to document FCCC/SBSTA/2012/2 as a basis for its consideration. The SBSTA did not complete its work on these matters and agreed to continue this work at its thirty-eighth session, with the aim of completing this work at its thirty-ninth session and preparing any recommendations for a draft decision on these matters for consideration and adoption by the COP at its nineteenth session. (Refer to FCCC/SBSTA/2012/5 and Add.1)

The SBSTA encouraged Parties, relevant international organizations and stakeholders to share information, via the REDD web platform, on how developing countries are addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and on the experiences gained in addressing such drivers in the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70.

Refer to the adopted conclusions of this session: FCCC/SBSTA/2012/5 and Add.1

At its thirty-sixth session, the SBSTA continued its consideration of methdological guidance relating to modalities for a national forest monitoring system as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71(c) and for measuring, reporting and verifying as referred to in the same decision, appendix II, paragraph (c), taking into account the issues identified in this decision, appendix II and the views submitted by Parties (FCCC/SBSTA/2012/MISC.1 and Add.1). It elaborated elements for a possible draft decision on these matters as contained in the annex to the conclusions for this session (FCCC/SBSTA/2012/2, annex).

The SBSTA also initiated consideration of issues relating to drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, taking into account decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 72 and appendix II, paragraph (a) and the views of Parties and admitted observer organizations. It agreed to continue this work at its next session.

The SBSTA recognized that:
-Further work on methodological guidance may be needed pending the outcome of the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention;
-Parties aiming to undertake the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, could consider the adaptation needs of the country concerned.

The SBSTA continued its consideration of the methodological guidance for activities relating to reducing emissions from  deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries, taking into account issues identified in appendix II to decision 1/CP.16 and relevant issues, and the elements identified in the annex to the conclusions of SBSTA34 (FCCC/SBSTA/2011/2, paragraph 30 and annex II).

The SBSTA took note of the views submitted by Parties (FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.7, Add.1, Add. 2 and Add. 3) and accredited observers on a range of methodological issues referred to above and those identified in the annex to the conclusions. It also took note of the report on the expert meeting on guidance on systems for providing information on how safeguards for REDD-plus activities are addressed and respected and the report on the expert meeting on forest reference emission levels and forest reference levels for implementation of REDD-plus activities.

The SBSTA recommended a draft decision on guidance on systems for providing information on how safeguards are addressed and respected and modalities relating to forest reference emission levels and forest reference levels as referred to in decision 1/CP.16 for adoption by the COP at its seventeenth session. This decision was adopted by the COP.

The SBSTA considered views on methodological guidance for activities relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries, taking into account issues identified in appendix II to decision 1/CP.16 and relevant issues (FCCC/SBSTA/2011/2). Parties identified a range of issues, including guidance on systems for providing information on how safeguards referred to in appendix I to decision 1/CP.16  are addressed and respected, modalities relating to forest reference emission levels and forest reference levels, and modalities for measuring, reporting and verifying as referred to in appendix II to decision 1/CP.16. 

The SBSTA invited Parties and accredited observers to submit to the secretariat their views on the issues noted above. General guidance for submissions and future work on these issues (refer to annex of the conclusions) was provided. The views by Parties are contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.7, Add.1, Add. 2 and Add. 3.

The secretariat organized two SBSTA-mandated meetings of technical experts relating to safeguards and forest reference emission levels and forest reference levels.  The reports on the outcomes of these meetings can be found in documents FCCC/SBSTA/2011/INF.17 and FCCC/SBSTA/2011/INF.18

The SBSTA, at its thirty-second session, took note of the following oral reports by its Chair on:

• Ways of facilitating the coordination of the activities relating to decision decision 2/CP.13;

• The outcomes of the informal meeting of experts on enhancing coordination of capacity-building activities in relation to using the most recent IPCC guidance and guidelines, as adopted or encouraged by the COP, as appropriate, as a basis for estimating anthropogenic forest-related greenhouse gas emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks and forest area changes, which was held in Bonn, Germany, from 25 to 26 May 2010.

The SBSTA, taking into consideration the outcomes and recommendations resulting from the informal meeting of experts, requested the secretariat:

1. To increase the number of experts trained in the use of the IPCC guidance and guidelines referred to in decision 4/CP.15, paragraph 1 (c), by organizing and facilitating activities such as training of trainers workshops, and to work with the IPCC on promoting the use of the IPCC Emission Factor Database, and report on its progress to the SBSTA at its thirty-fourth session;

2. To enhance sharing of information, experiences and lessons learned on the use of the IPCC guidance and guidelines on the UNFCCC website through an interactive discussion forum to be set up on the web platform.

The SBSTA again reminded and encouraged Parties, relevant organizations and stakeholders to continue sharing information on activities relating to decisions 2/CP.13 and 4/CP.15 via the web platform.

The conclusions for this agenda item are contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2010/6 (paragraphs 33-41).

The SBSTA, at its thirty-first session, considered and agreed on a draft decision on Methodological guidance for activities relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. The COP adopted this decision (4/CP.15) at its fifteenth session.

The conclusions for this agenda item are contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2009/8 (paragraphs 27-34).

SBSTA 30 continued its programme of work on methodological issues, as contained in decision 2/CP.13, paragraphs 7 (a) and 11.  At this session, the SBSTA considered the text of a draft decision on methodological guidance (contained in the annex to the conclusions), taking into account the following, inter alia:

1. The outcomes of the expert meeting on methodological issues relating to reference emission levels and reference levels that was held in Bonn, Germany, from 23 to 24 March 2009;   

2. The information contained in the technical paper entitled. Cost of implementing methodologies and monitoring systems relating to estimates of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, the assessment of carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions from changes in forest cover, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

The SBSTA continued its work on this matter at its thirty-first session, on the basis of the draft text contained in the annex. 

The SBSTA also:

1. Took note of the submission of views by Parties on needs for technical and institutional capacity-building and cooperation (contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2009/MISC.2, Add.1 and Add.2) and on issues relating to indigenous peoples and local communities for the development and application of methodologies (contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2009/MISC.1, Add.1 and Add.2);

2. Recognized that in order to generate accurate and precise data and information for establishing reference emission levels and reference levels as contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2008/13, paragraph 40, and for establishing and operating monitoring systems, there are research priorities and capacity-building needs, such as those identified in the outcomes of the expert meeting and the views submitted by Parties referred to above;

3. Noted that it may need to consider further guidance on methodological issues in accordance with any relevant decisions adopted by the COP at its fifteenth session.

The Chair provided oral reports to the SBSTA and the AWG-LCA (at its sixth session) respectively, on the following matters:

1. Preliminary information on ways of facilitating the coordination of activities relating to decision 2/CP.13; and

2. Results of consultations and progress made at the thirtieth session of the SBSTA and the outcomes of the expert meeting.

The SBSTA requested its chair to continue exploring ways of facilitating the coordination of activities in (a) above and to report back at its thirty-first session.

The conclusions for this agenda item are contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2009/3 (paragraphs 31-42).

SBSTA 29 (FCCC/SBSTA/2008/13, paragraphs 35-48 and annex II), on the basis of work on methodological issues set out in decision 2/CP.13, recommended the following methodological guidance:

1. The use of the Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines For National Greenhouse Inventories and encouraging the use of the Good Practice Guidance For Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry, as appropriate, as a basis for estimating anthropogenic forest-related emissions by sources and removals by sinks;

2. The need to establish robust and transparent national forest monitoring systems, following consideration of their requirements;

3. If appropriate, the need to establish robust and transparent sub-national forest monitoring systems, following consideration of their requirements;

4. The encouragement of national forest monitoring systems that allow transparent and independent review of their results;

5. The consideration of national circumstances and respective capabilities and capacities.  

The SBSTA also noted the importance of several elements in relation to its programme of work initiated under decision 2/CP.13 including promoting readiness, further mobilization of resources, promoting the full and effective participation of indigenous people and local communities, exploring co-benefits and sharing lessons learned and experiences.  

The SBSTA also requested its Chair:

1. To explore ways of facilitating the coordination of activities relating to decision 2/CP.13; and

2. To inform the AWG-LCA, at its sixth session, of the results of consultations and progress made at SBSTA30 and outcomes from the expert meeting.

The SBSTA concluded that in addition to work identified in these conclusions, guidance from the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) in relation to decision 1/CP.13, paragraph 1 (b) (iii), would facilitate further progress on methodological issues.

The SBSTA decided to continue its programme of work on methodological issues at its thirtieth session.  See conclusions of SBSTA 30. 

As part of the programme of work on methodological issues by the SBSTA, Parties submitted their views on how to address outstanding methodological issues (e.g. assessments of changes in forest cover and associated carbon stocks, reference emissions levels, implications of national and subnational approaches, options for assessing the effectiveness of actions relating to ongoing efforts, capacity building, technical assistance and transfer of technology, demonstration activities and mobilization of resources to support efforts, etc.).  These views by Parties are contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2008/MISC.4, Add.1, Add.2 and Add.3.  

SBSTA 28 (FCCC/SBSTA/2008/6, paragraphs 92-96) took note of these views by Parties and initiated consideration of how to address outstanding methodological issues.  It identified the main methodological issues that could be included in its report to the COP, at its fourteenth session (in annex III of the SBSTA report). 

SBSTA28 was followed by a workshop on methodological issues, held on June 25 to 27, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan.  The report on the workshop containing a summary of the discussions, including main outcomes, on the outstanding methodological issues is contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2008/11.

SBSTA 27 (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/16, paragraphs 25-29)  continued its work on this matter on the basis of the draft text for a COP decision.  As part of this work, the SBSTA also considered the views submitted by Parties on issues related to further steps under the Convention related to reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries: approaches to stimulate action (contained in FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.14 and Add.1, Add.2 and Add.3).

At the end of the session, the SBSTA was able to complete its work on the draft decision except for the final two paragraphs related to further consideration of policy approaches and positive incentives relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/L.23/Add.1/Rev.1).  Agreement on these two paragraphs depended  on the reflection of these issues in the decision on long-term cooperative action on climate change under the Convention (Bali Action Plan).  Once the Bali Action Plan (decision 1/CP.13) was adopted, the COP also adopted a decision on reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries: approaches to stimulate action (decision 2/CP.13). 

The COP, in its decision 2/CP.13, requested the SBSTA to undertake a programme of work on methodological issues related to a range of policy approaches and positive incentives for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. 

Following the outcome of the second workshop on reducing emissions from deforestation, several Parties, during the opening plenary of SBSTA 26, requested the Chair of the SBSTA to provide a draft text for a decision on reducing emissions from deforestation as a basis for discussions at this session.  Unable to complete its work at this session, the SBSTA agreed to continue its work on the basis of the draft text (contained in annex III to the report of SBSTA 26, FCCC/SBSTA/2007/4) at its twenty-seventh session.

At SBSTA 25 (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/11, paragraphs 85-92), Parties decided the scope of the second workshop that was to be held before the twenty-sixth session of the SBSTA (May 2007).  The SBSTA decided to continue discussing the range of topics considered at the first workshop, including the submissions by Parties and accredited observers from this session, at the second workshop, that focused on: the discussions of ongoing and potential policy approaches and positive incentives, and technical and methodological requirements related to their implementation; assessment of results and their reliability; and improving the understanding of reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries.

To facilitate discussions at the second workshop, Parties and accredited observers submitted their views on the scope of the second workshop, referred to above.  In addition, Parties considered, as appropriate, relevant provisions of other conventions (CBD, UNCCD, Ramsar) and the work of multilateral organizations (UNFF, ITTO and the WTO).  The information in the submissions was made available to facilitate discussions at the second workshop and were compiled for consideration by the SBSTA at its twenty-sixth session (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.2 and Add.1).

The COP 11 agenda saw the introduction of this agenda item on reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries and approaches to stimulate action. The governments of Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica through their submission FCCC/CP/2005/MISC.1, requested for this issue to be taken up on the agenda. This proposal received wide support from Parties and there was general agreement as to the importance of the issue related to the huge emissions from deforestation, particularly in developing countries, albeit a complex one. The COP established a contact group on this item in order to draft conclusions on how to initiate a process to address the issue of reducing emissions from deforestation (FCCC/CP/2005/5, paragraphs 76-84). Parties agreed to initiate consideration of this matter beginning at the twenty-fourth SBSTA session (May 2006).  Consideration of the agenda item would take into account the views of Parties on issues related to reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries, focused on relevant scientific, technical and methodological issues, and the exchange of relevant information and experiences, including policy approaches and positive incentives.  Parties also provided recommendations on any further process to consider the issues.

The COP also requested the SBSTA to report on these issues raised by Parties in their submissions and that they would be discussed at the next sessions, including any recommendations, at its twenty-seventh session.

At SBSTA 24 (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/5, paragraphs 50-55), Parties initiated consideration of the information related to this item contained in the submissions from Parties (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/MISC.5 and Add.1) and in the submissions by accredited observers posted on the UNFCCC website. Parties, in their submissions, noted the need to address reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries as part of mitigation efforts to achieve the ultimate objective of the Convention.

Parties also accomplished an important task by agreeing on the scope of the first workshop on this item. The workshop was held from 30 August -1 September 2006 in Rome, Italy.  It provided further opportunities for Parties to share experiences and consider relevant aspects related to reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries. At the workshop, participants discussed specific topics under two main aspects:

(a) Scientific, socio-economic, technical, and methodological issues, including the role of forests, in particular tropical forests, in the global carbon cycle; definitional issues, including those relating to links between deforestation and degradation; data availability and quality; scale; rates and drivers of deforestation; estimation of changes in carbon stocks and forest cover; and related uncertainties; and

(b) Policy approaches and positive incentives to reduce emissions from deforestation in developing countries, including causes; short- and long-term effectiveness with respect to emission reductions; the displacement of emissions; bilateral and multilateral cooperation; activities of other relevant international bodies; enhancing sustainable forest management; capacity-building; and financial mechanisms and other alternatives – basing discussions on experiences and lessons learned (paragraph 52 (a)-(b)).

(c) Identification of possible links between relevant scientific, socio-economic, technical and methodological issues and policy approaches and positive incentives that may arise from the consideration of the topics in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above.

The SBSTA requested the secretariat to ensure that representatives from relevant intergovernmental organizations are invited to the workshop.  The SBSTA also requested the secretariat to invite to the workshop representatives of relevant non-governmental organizations, and relevant experts.

To facilitate discussions at the workshop, a background paper on the topics related to these two main aspects was prepared, with a synthesis of relevant information in national communications and the submissions by Parties and accredited observers on this item.

The SBSTA will report at its twenty-seventh session on these issues raised by Parties in their submissions that were discussed at the previous sessions, including any recommendations.