ENB:12:39
[Next] .
[Previous] .
[Contents]
REPORT OF THE MEETINGS OF THE SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE:: 9-18 DECEMBER 1996
The subsidiary bodies of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change met in Geneva from 9-18 December 1996. The fifth session of the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM-5) met from 9-13 December, the fourth session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA-4) and the third session of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13 (AG13-3) met from 16-18 December 1996. The fourth session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI-4) met from 10-11 December 1996. Informal roundtables were convened on 9 December, to discuss proposals from Parties, and on 17 December, to discuss Activities Implemented Jointly (AIJ).
AGBM-5 considered proposals from 14 Parties or groups of Parties regarding the strengthening the commitments in Articles 4.2(a) and (b), advancing the implementation of Article 4.1 and possible elements of a protocol or other legal instrument. Delegates expressed a wide range of views on polices and measures (P&Ms) and quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives (QELROS) and on the form and scope of a possible protocol. AGBM-5 adopted conclusions requesting the Secretariat to produce a “framework compilation” of proposals for further consideration.
SBSTA-4 discussed a number of issues including: cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); the longer-term programme of work; possible revisions to guidelines for non-Annex I countries’ communications; national communications from Annex I Parties; activities implemented jointly (AIJ); and technology transfer. Discussions were complex and often difficult, but SBSTA-4 confirmed future cooperation with the IPCC, agreed to apply the revised IPCC 1996 guidelines for national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and agreed to further work on revisions to the Uniform Reporting Format and methodogical issues pertaining to AIJ.
SBI-4 finalized agreement on the Annex to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the Council of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). AG13-3 considered responses to a questionnaire relating to a multilateral consultative process (MCP). While delegates did not agree to any conclusions, they further elaborated their positions on a possible MCP and agreed to continue consideration at their next meeting in February.