ENB @ UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies: 4 June

UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies SBI-10 and SBSTA-10
MARITIM HOTEL, BONN, GERMANY
31 May - 11 June 1999
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LULUCF negotiations stumble over sequencing of work programme
Negotiations on the Land use change, land use and forestry issue made little progress on Friday afternoon as participants largely failed in their attempts to distinguish those areas of work they can proceed with ahead of a special report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and those which must await the IPCC's specialized advice. There was some difference of opinion between the European Union and others on the extent to which decisions on the sequencing and content of the work programme on policies and procedures must await the IPCC report.

Negotiators held their first discussions on 'Draft Conclusions' on methodological issues related to LULUCF (decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5(a) ). They also considered a table of questions on policy and procedural issues proposed for consideration before COP-6. The questions deal with clarification of definitions, eligibility of additional activities, rules governing the use of approved activities and inventory and reporting guidelines.

The prospect of a convergence of views emerged with the introduction, by Australia, of a draft 'process flow chart', setting out proposals for a schedule, which includes plans for a SBSTA Expert Workshop on the Draft IPCC Special Report. The IPCC has indicated that this could take place on the eve of COP-5. Informal discussions continued in the corridors and during the UNFCCC Executive Secretary's wine reception in the evening.

SBSTA agrees terms of reference for Expert Workshop on adverse effects arising from the implementation of measures to address climate change
SBSTA-10 agreed terms of reference for an 'Expert Workshop' in September following informal consultations co-ordinated by Mohammad Reza Salamat (Iran) on behalf of the SBSTA and SBI Chairs. The mandate for the Workshop originated in COP-4 decision (5/CP.4) to advance work on Convention Articles 4.8 and 4.9 and Kyoto decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14. The outcome of the Workshop will be considered at SBSTA-11 and provide methodological input to facilitate further consideration of Convention Articles 4.8 and 4.9. SBSTA Chair Kok Kee Chow (Malaysia) said that implementation of the Convention Articles is an integral part of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action.

The terms of reference indicate that the four-day Expert Workshop, expected to take place in Bonn during the second half of September this year, will deal with: i. The identification of factors that will help determine the adverse effects of climate change and the impacts of implementation of response measures; ii. Identification of information available and information gaps, including the specific needs and concerns of developing country Parties; iii. The specific needs of the least developed countries; iv. And Issues raised in national submissions.

During the informal consultations, involving friends of the SBSTA and SBI Chairs, from the G-77/China, JUSSCANZ, country Parties with economies in transition and the European Community, OPEC countries worked hard to secure an acceptable schedule for day three of the Workshop. Day three will deal with: minimizing adverse effects of the implementation of response measures on: a. international trade, and social, environmental and economic impacts on developing country Parties identified in Article 4.8 and 4.9 of the Convention; and b. countries whose economies are highly dependent on income generated from the production, processing and export, and/or on consumption of fossil fuels and associated energy-intensive products.

Photos and RealAudio from 4 June
SBSTA Plenary: transfer of technology and adverse effects
	On technology transfer, Jeff Seabright (USA) endorsed the plan for the consultation process and announced that the US Government will provide US$150,000.
Germany, of behalf of EU, recalled a COP-4 decision underlining the importance of the framework for meaningful and effective actions to enhance implementation of Article 4.5 of the Convention on technology transfer. He announced that the Netherlands will contribute US$50,000 to a regional workshop in Africa. He also announced contributions from the French and German governments.
Mohammad Reza Salamat (Iran) reported on informal consultations with friends of the subsidiary body chairs on the terms of reference for an Expert Workshop on adverse effects arising from measures to address climate change.	Kok Kee Chow, SBSTA Chair, comments on the subsidiary body's agreement on the terms of reference for an Expert Workshop on adverse effects arising from measures to address climate change.
Joint Working Group on compliance
	Harald Dovland (Norway, on the left) , Co-chair of the Joint Working Group, outlines the agenda for the session
South Africa, on behalf of the G77/China, said that the Group was not yet ready to participate fully in negotiation.	Japan suggest the inclusion of a cooling off period
Germany invited participants to the former German Parliament building on Monday evening. On behalf of the EU, he proposed that the compliance regime should apply to all obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
	Canada called for a regime tailored to the Kyoto Protocol, as it differs from other multilateral environmental agreements.
New Zealand introduced a discussion on domestic compliance regimes.
The US proposed a model for a compliance regime	Germany also proposed design elements
	Iran noted that Protocol Article 18 (non-compliance) does not specify any particular articles, but applies to the entire Protocol. He called on the COP to create a specific body for non-compliance and said an expert review team does not have the authority or capacity to determine non- compliance.
Australia said a distinction between binding and non-binding aspects would be necessary for practical reasons and stressed the usefulness of peer reviews, rather than a punitive regime, to enforce obligations.
Special events
	John Palmisano, Enron International, spoke on reducing risk in early CDM project development.

	Above and below: Conference participants enjoy the Executive Secretary's reception. On the left, a contingent from the Pacific region enjoy the break from the negotiations.

Miscellanous photos
	Victoria Kellett and Tina Winqvist staffing the International Institute for Sustainable Development's information stand in Bonn.
Preeti Soni from the Tata Energy Research Institute, New Delhi, chats with Peter Doran, ENB.
	Delegates confer after the meeting of the Africa Group.
Conference participants in discussion in the lobby of the Maritim.
	Bob Watson, IPCC Chair, in the corridors with members of the Umbrella Group after a meeting on land use, land-use change and forestry.
Greenpeace Legislative Director Gary Cook hard at work at the Greenpeace information stand.

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