1. Latest development in the UNFCCC process &
possible synergies between UNFCCC and WHC
Rocio Lichte
Programme Officer
UNFCCC secretariat
Working Group Meeting
World Heritage and Climate Change,
Paris
5-6 February 2007

2. New evidence of climate change IPCC Fourth Assessment report (WG1) SPM , Paris, February 2, 2007
Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level, including
mountain glaciers & snow cover declined
Losses in ice sheets of Greenland & Antartica
Global average sea level rose (faster over )
Permafrost top layer:increase in temperature
Drying at Sahel and Mediterranean
More intense droughts
Frequency of precipitation events increased
Increase in tropical cyclone activity ….
SBSTA and SBI consider different aspects of adaptation in their work on more than 10 areas, including: Article 4.8, NAI National Communications, NAPAs of LDCs, Technology transfer,Financial mechanism of he Convention, SBSTA wor on adaptation etc.Capacity building, etc.
In recent years (and in particular since COP7 in 2001), interest in adaptation in the UNFCC has grown considerably, . These at least in part followed by the the IPCC TAR, in which confirmed that that adaptation is needed for all countries along with mitigation to address the climate change impacts and developing countries most vulnerable.
COP7 in Marrakesh established three new funds on adaptation,
initiated the process of development national adaptation programmes of action in LDCs (NAPAs), and adopted decision with specific areas for support for adaptation.
2002 These followed by The Delhi Ministerial Declaration (2003) which reaffirmed that adaptation is important to all countries.
2003 SBSTA initiated its work on scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects on adaptation to share practical experiences, and addressing opptunitities and solutions on these issues.
2004 in Buenos Aires adopted BAPWARA
2005 Montreal: Adaptation to the impacts of climate change was an important focus. Major achievements in this area are:
Adoption of a five-year work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. was adopted to develop the technical basis for increasing the resilience to the potential impacts of climate change. Special adaptation funding arrangements to assist developing countries were also advanced.

3. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – some key elements relevant to WHC concerns
Objective
achieve stabilization of GHG concentrations in the atmosphere ..to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system..within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change
General approach
Mitigation: Actions to control, reduce or or prevent GHG emissions, hence reduce climate change
Limiting or reducing GHG emissions by sources
Preserving and enhancing sinks and reservoirs of GHGs
Adaptation: Actions to help countries and ecosystems to cope with the conditions of a changing climate, moderate harm of climate change
Parties to cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the impacts of climate change (integrated plans for coastal zone management, water resources & agriculture, protection and rehabilitation of areas, integrating climate change risks into development planning etc..)
SBSTA and SBI consider different aspects of adaptation in their work on more than 10 areas, including: Article 4.8, NAI National Communications, NAPAs of LDCs, Technology transfer,Financial mechanism of he Convention, SBSTA wor on adaptation etc.Capacity building, etc.
In recent years (and in particular since COP7 in 2001), interest in adaptation in the UNFCC has grown considerably, . These at least in part followed by the the IPCC TAR, in which confirmed that that adaptation is needed for all countries along with mitigation to address the climate change impacts and developing countries most vulnerable.
COP7 in Marrakesh established three new funds on adaptation,
initiated the process of development national adaptation programmes of action in LDCs (NAPAs), and adopted decision with specific areas for support for adaptation.
2002 These followed by The Delhi Ministerial Declaration (2003) which reaffirmed that adaptation is important to all countries.
2003 SBSTA initiated its work on scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects on adaptation to share practical experiences, and addressing opptunitities and solutions on these issues.
2004 in Buenos Aires adopted BAPWARA
2005 Montreal: Adaptation to the impacts of climate change was an important focus. Major achievements in this area are:
Adoption of a five-year work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. was adopted to develop the technical basis for increasing the resilience to the potential impacts of climate change. Special adaptation funding arrangements to assist developing countries were also advanced.

4. UNFCCC key elements MITIGATION
Measures to reduce GHGs in relevant sectors: energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry, waste management
Series of workshops on the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of mitigation (May 2006 – Dec 2007under SBSTA) to exchange information & experience on practical opportunities to facilitate implementation of the Convention
Kyoto Protocol (KP):
Overall emission reduction by 5 per cent (between by Annex I Parties)
Legally binding reduction targets for industrialized countries that are Parties to the KP
Provides for flexible mechanisms to lower the overall costs of achieving reduction targets & contribute to sustainable development in developing countries
Stringent process of reporting and review
SBSTA and SBI consider different aspects of adaptation in their work on more than 10 areas, including: Article 4.8, NAI National Communications, NAPAs of LDCs, Technology transfer,Financial mechanism of he Convention, SBSTA wor on adaptation etc.Capacity building, etc.
In recent years (and in particular since COP7 in 2001), interest in adaptation in the UNFCC has grown considerably, . These at least in part followed by the the IPCC TAR, in which confirmed that that adaptation is needed for all countries along with mitigation to address the climate change impacts and developing countries most vulnerable.
COP7 in Marrakesh established three new funds on adaptation,
initiated the process of development national adaptation programmes of action in LDCs (NAPAs), and adopted decision with specific areas for support for adaptation.
2002 These followed by The Delhi Ministerial Declaration (2003) which reaffirmed that adaptation is important to all countries.
2003 SBSTA initiated its work on scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects on adaptation to share practical experiences, and addressing opptunitities and solutions on these issues.
2004 in Buenos Aires adopted BAPWARA
2005 Montreal: Adaptation to the impacts of climate change was an important focus. Major achievements in this area are:
Adoption of a five-year work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. was adopted to develop the technical basis for increasing the resilience to the potential impacts of climate change. Special adaptation funding arrangements to assist developing countries were also advanced.

5. UNFCCC key elements Adaptation – an evolving focus
Increased attention and priority in recent years:
2001 (COP7)
Identification of 18 areas of assistance on adaptation (5/CP.7)
3 new funds
Process of development of National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) in LDCs
2002 (COP 8)
Delhi Ministerial Declaration – adaptation is important for all Parties.
2004: Buenos Aires Programme of Work on Adaptation and Response Measures (Decision 1/CP.10) :
Request to develop SBSTA 5 year programme of work
5 Regional workshops reflecting national priorities
2005 Montreal (COP 11) and 2006 Nairobi (COP 12): Adoption of SBSTA five-year programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change
Nairobi work programme
SBSTA and SBI consider different aspects of adaptation in their work on more than 10 areas, including: Article 4.8, NAI National Communications, NAPAs of LDCs, Technology transfer,Financial mechanism of he Convention, SBSTA wor on adaptation etc.Capacity building, etc.
In recent years (and in particular since COP7 in 2001), interest in adaptation in the UNFCC has grown considerably, . These at least in part followed by the the IPCC TAR, in which confirmed that that adaptation is needed for all countries along with mitigation to address the climate change impacts and developing countries most vulnerable.
COP7 in Marrakesh established three new funds on adaptation,
initiated the process of development national adaptation programmes of action in LDCs (NAPAs), and adopted decision with specific areas for support for adaptation.
2002 These followed by The Delhi Ministerial Declaration (2003) which reaffirmed that adaptation is important to all countries.
2003 SBSTA initiated its work on scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects on adaptation to share practical experiences, and addressing opptunitities and solutions on these issues.
2004 in Buenos Aires adopted BAPWARA
2005 Montreal: Adaptation to the impacts of climate change was an important focus. Major achievements in this area are:
Adoption of a five-year work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. was adopted to develop the technical basis for increasing the resilience to the potential impacts of climate change. Special adaptation funding arrangements to assist developing countries were also advanced.

6. Nairobi work programme
Objective is to assist Parties (in particular developing countries, including LDCs and SIDS) to:
To improve their understanding and assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation,
To make informed decisions on practical adaptation actions & measures
Expected outcomes
Enhanced capacity at all levels to further understand V&A and to select effective and high priority adaptation actions
Enhanced knowledge on practical adaptation activities;
Improved information and advice to the COP
Enhanced cooperation among Parties, relevant organizations, business, civil society, and decision makers
Enhanced integration of adaptation with sustainable development
The adoption of the programme is considered to be a major outcome of Montreal on adaptation
What was adopted in Montréal? 5 year programme of work which defines:
Objective
to assist all Parties… to improve their understanding and assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, and to make informed decisions on practical adaptation actions
Very general Expected outcomes
Enhanced capacity, cooperation and integration
Improved information and advice to COP
Scope
2 themes: impacts and vulnerability
10 action oriented sub-themes
Cross-cutting aspects: and methods integration to SD
List of modalities
Process for implementation
Start immediately with implementation of initial activities
Review the Programme at SBSTA28 (June 2008) based on their results and IPCC AR4
So in facts the COP aadopoted a framework for action – specific activities were supposed to be in SBSTA conclussion

7. Nairobi Work Programme
Areas of work
Methods and tools
Data and observations
Climate modeling and downscaling
Climate related risks and extreme events
Socio-economic information
Adaptation planning and practices
Research & technologies for adaptation
Economic diversification
The adoption of the programme is considered to be a major outcome of Montreal on adaptation
What was adopted in Montréal? 5 year programme of work which defines:
Objective
to assist all Parties… to improve their understanding and assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, and to make informed decisions on practical adaptation actions
Very general Expected outcomes
Enhanced capacity, cooperation and integration
Improved information and advice to COP
Scope
2 themes: impacts and vulnerability
10 action oriented sub-themes
Cross-cutting aspects: and methods integration to SD
List of modalities
Process for implementation
Start immediately with implementation of initial activities
Review the Programme at SBSTA28 (June 2008) based on their results and IPCC AR4
So in facts the COP aadopoted a framework for action – specific activities were supposed to be in SBSTA conclussion

8. Nairobi Work Programme
Expectations and challenges
Explicit recognition of the importance & needs for actions to enhance the technical & methodological basis for adaptation, and for fostering and cooperation and joint work;
will promote implementation of practical adaptation actions on a more sound basis, including mainstreaming of adaptation with national development plans
The NWP is planned to engage a broad range of organizations in its implementation in a structured way, including undertaking of their own activities & stimulate activities on adaptation at different levels

9. Nairobi Work Programme Involvement of relevant organizations in its implementation
Participation of organizations,institutions etc is a key element in the implementation of the NWP:
Relevant organizations are invited to take part in the activities of the NWP, use the the NWP, its activities & outcomes to help incorporate adaptation into their own activities
Several organizations/entities have expressed willingness to contribute to the NWP and have provided concept papers or plans on how they intend to participate in the NWP.
The UNFCCC secretariat will also engage a wide range of organizations in the implementation of the NWP around each of its main activities (workshops, expert meetings, submissions).

10. Nairobi Work Programme Possible ways to participate
Use the main areas of work the NWP to help choose the most useful activities for increasing adaptation in relation to the work & priorities of your organization
make use of the outputs of the NWP, e.g. as source of information, when agreeing on the direction of future work;
Contribute to the UNFCCC secretariat’s activities by submitting relevant information under the main areas of work;
Promote / fund research that supports the objectives of the work programme.

11. Nairobi Work Programme Possible ways to participate (cont.)
Possible first steps (examples):
Climate related risks and extreme events – submit views & information on experiences, abilities, gaps, needs, constraints
by 23 February 2007
Adaptation planning and practices: Structured submissions on adaptation approaches, strategies, practices and technologies for adaptation at the regional, national and local levels in different sectors, experiences, needs and concerns.
by 15 May 2007
(UNFCCC Parties & relevant organizations; submissions to UNFCCC secretariat)

12. Development of NAPAs in least developed countries
Other on-going processes, activities and products related to adaptation under the UNFCCC
- Compendium on methods & tools to evaluate impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate change
provides information about existing methodologies and toolkits for assessment and planning for adaptation and ways to obtaining them
Reporting on expected impacts of climate change and related adaptation activities in the National communications (following agreed guidelines)
Development of NAPAs in least developed countries
Regional workshops to be completed by May 2007 – next steps to be identified in May

13. Possible ways for cooperation and synergies between UNFCCC and WHC
At national level
Liaison and coordination with climate change NFPs on climate change activities that are of interest to WHC
Use of reporting channels under the UNFCCC (National communications, NAPAs for LDCs) to raise awareness of the concerns of WHC vis-à-vis the impacts of climate change
Use of existing products, guidelines etc might facilitate integration of WHC concern into the broad climate change context
Make use of high attention given to adaptation in the context of the NWP to foster adaptation activities on the ground (national & local level) …

14. Possible ways for cooperation and synergies between UNFCCC and WHC
At international level:
Sharing of relevant information through secretariats
Participation in UNFCCC process (e.g. side events to raise awareness & information sharing)
Active participation in & contribution to the NWP – identify objectives/main areas of work within WHC that are synergetic with those of the NWP
E.g. by
a) participating in specific activities (submission, papers, workshops)
b) MOST IMPORTANT – raising awareness and altering work in response to attaining the goals and outcomes of the NWP. …

15. THANK YOU
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Bonn, Germany (
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