The FCCC Technical Workshop on Mechanisms began on 9 April 1999 at La Redoute in Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany. The workshop is designed to advance the discussion on technological and methodological aspects of issues referred to in paragraph 1 of Decision 7/CP.4 (Work programme on mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol). Under this decision, the Conference of the Parties, decided on a work programme on mechanisms, including the list of elements in an annex to the decision. The programme will "be undertaken with priority given to the clean development mechanism, and with a view to taking decisions on all the mechanisms under Articles 6, 12 and 17 of the Kyoto Protocol at its sixth session, including, where appropriate, recommendations to the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol at its first session" on:

Core topics at the workshop will include reference case/baseline methodologies, additionality, verification and reporting in relation to the clean development mechanism (CDM) and Article 6 projects. Further issues to be addressed will be the validation and funding of projects under the CDM and the adaptation component.

FRIDAY UPDATE

The meeting began with opening remarks from the Chair of SBSTA and the FCCC Executive Secretary

Chow Kok Kee, SBSTA Chair, highlighted two related milestones recently achieved by Parties: the setting of timeframes for agreeing on a framework for rules related to Protocol Articles 6 (joint implementation), 12 (clean development mechanism) and 17 (emissions trading); and the underscoring of the need for capacity building that will help advance the implementation of technology transfer, AIJ and other issues. He stressed the urgency for building capacity and noted that this workshop was the first instance where Parties, IGOs and NGOs can gauge their work on mechanism since COP-4. He said the workshop would be very technical, with expert presentations and time for questions, answers and exchange of views. RealAudio excerpts from the Chairman's speech

FCCC Executive Secretary Michael Zammit Cutajar, said the key word for the workshop is "technical" and the meeting would test the capacity of the Parties to engage in technical work while keeping political issues "on the backburner." This need is growing throughout the FCCC process and the full Convention bodies may be too unwieldy for such work. He noted that "technical" does not necessarily mean complex and stressed that mechanisms must work in the real world, not just on the drawing board of climate change specialists. He cautioned that striving too hard for perfection ran the risk of diminishing the process and called for credible but simple solutions. RealAudio of Mr. Zammit Cutajar's speech

The discussion sessions began with expert presentations followed by a period for questions and answers.

ARTICLE 12: CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM

Overview

Reference case/baseline methodologies (Article 12.5 (b) and (c)) and Additionality (Article 12.5 (c))

Assistance in meeting the costs of adaptation

Assistance in arranging funding (12.6)

Validation, Verification and Certification (12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.9)

ARTICLE 6 PROJECTS: JOINT IMPLEMENTATION

Overview

Reference case/baseline methodologies and additionality (6.1 (b)) and Verification and Reporting – technical and process issues (6.2)

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

On Saturday, 9 April, participants will continue their discussions on Article 6 projects and begin discussions on Article 17 (emissions trading).

Mohammad Salamat, Vice-Chair of SBI (left) and Chow Kok Kee, Chair of SBSTA (right). RealAudio excerpts from the Chairman Chow's welcoming speech
	Eric Haites, Margaree Consultants Inc. RealAudio of Mr. Haites's overview of issues on the CDM (added 14/4/99)
Robert O. Williams, UNIDO RealAudio of Mr. William's presentation
	Farhana Yamin, FIELD RealAudio of Ms. Yamin's presentation
Dieter Strack
Dieter Strack
	Youba Sokona, ENDA, and Ken Newcombe, World Bank, via satellite link-up.
Einer Telnes, Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
	Jane Ellis, OECD
Lubomer Nondek
	Matthew Mendis, AED (via video link)