1. UNFCCC Workshop on the Preparation of National Communications from non-Annex I Parties National Circumstances Manila, The Philippines 26 – 30 April 2004
Graham Sem
Programme Officer
Non-Annex I Programme
UNFCCC secretariat

2. National Circumstances
Reporting
Development priorities, objectives and circumstances
Formats, summaries, maps, tables, charts
Institutional arrangements
Reference material and sources of information

3. Communication of information related to
Reporting (1)
Article 12
Communication of information related to
Implementation
National inventory of emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all GHGs not controlled by Montreal Protocol
A general description of steps taken or envisaged by Parties to implement the Convention
Any other information the the Party considers relevant to the achievement of the objectives of the Convention

4. Development priorities, objectives and circumstances (2)
Paragraph 3: Non-Annex I Parties should provide a description
Of their national and regional development priorities,
objectives and circumstances, on the basis of which they will
address climate change and its adverse impacts. This description
may include information on features of their geography,
climate and economy which may affect their ability to deal with
mitigating and adapting to climate change, as well as information
regarding their specific needs and concerns arising from the
adverse effects of climate change and/or the impact of the
implementation of response measures, as contained in Article
4, paragraphs 8 and, as appropriate, in Article 4, paragraphs, 9
and 10, of the Convention.

5. Development priorities, objectives and circumstances (2)
National/regional priorities are critical for understanding vulnerability and the capacity to adapt to or cope with climate change impacts and, the options for addressing GHG emissions and removals
Information should be linked to those that will/are be presented in other chapters of the communication and to those presented for CBD (NBSAP), UNCCD (NAPs) and other Conventions
Characteristics of geography, population, economy, education, etc
Any information in response to Article 4.8 (vulnerable country), 4.9 (LDC) and 4.10 (oil dependent)

6. Use of tables, charts and maps (3)
Paragraph 4: Non-Annex I Parties are encouraged to provide
a summary of relevant information regarding their national
circumstances, as appropriate, in tabular form.
Information on the socio-economic and environmental conditions in the form of summary tables, charts and maps
Illustrations enhance the presentation of information

7. Institutional arrangements (4)
Paragraph 5: Non-Annex I Parties may provide a
description of existing institutional arrangements relevant
to the preparation of their national communications on a
continuous basis.
Distribution of responsibilities within various government agencies, universities, research institutions, etc
National climate change committees or other relevant coordinating bodies/units
Stakeholder participation and involvement
Technical/expert groups or teams (inventory, V&A, mitigation, etc)

8. Reference material and sources of information (5)
Country information – government agencies, research institutions, universities, NGOs, local communities, etc
Information, data held in regional and international organizations, institutions, universities, etc
Specific information from specific sources (e.g. economic statistics from the responsible agency)
Web links with URL addresses (in user manual)