1 June 2009: The 30th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) under the UNFCCC, the sixth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) and the eighth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) began on 1 June 2009 in Bonn, Germany, and will conclude on 12 June.

The meetings bring together over 4,000 participants from 182 countries, including government delegates, representatives from business and industry, environmental organizations and research institutions.
The focus under the AWG-LCA is expected to be on the draft negotiating text prepared by AWG-LCA Chair Michael Zammit Cutajar (Malta), covering the key elements of the AWG-LCA’s work programme: mitigation; adaptation; finance; technology; and a shared vision on long-term cooperative action.
AWG-KP 8 is expected to consider two documents prepared by its new Chair, John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda), namely a proposal for amendments to the Kyoto Protocol under Article 3.9 (Annex I parties’ further commitments), and a text on other issues, such as land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) and the flexibility mechanisms. Delegates will also continue considering Annex I parties’ aggregate emission reductions in the post-2012 period.
The SBI will take up, inter alia, agenda items on technology transfer, capacity building, national communications and the financial mechanism. The SBSTA will consider agenda items including the Nairobi Work Programme, reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries (REDD), technology transfer and various methodological issues under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. [UNFCCC press release] [IISDRS Coverage]