22 March 2011: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published the scenario notes for the 16th session (FCCC/KP/AWG/2011/2) of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP 16) and the 14th session (FCCC/AWGLCA/2011/2) of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA 14).

These sessions will be held in two parts: in Bangkok, Thailand from 5-8 April 2011; and in Bonn, Germany, from 6-17 June 2011. For the AWG-KP, the scenario note indicates that the Chair believes that it would be beneficial for parties at the session to engage in an open, inclusive and transparent discussion on general policy issues before deliberating on the more technical issues. Parties are invited to reflect on the implications of the decisions adopted in Cancun for the work of the AWG-KP during 2011. The Chair also indicates that he intends to follow the practice of Cancun of establishing a single contact group, to be chaired by him.

For the AWG-LCA, the scenario note highlights that the decision reached in Cancun creates an extensive programme of work, not only for the AWG-LCA but also for the Conventions’ subsidiary bodies and for new bodies established in Cancun. Noting new challenges faced by the AWG-LCA in carrying out its work in 2011, the AWG-LCA Chair observes that in order to achieve successful results in Durban, it will be essential to maintain the constructive spirit that prevailed in Cancun and to maintain the political momentum. The Chair indicates that, in the light of the extensive workload ahead, he will aim to organize the work of the AWG-LCA in a flexible way that allows for it to be adjusted according to needs and progress made in a transparent and inclusive manner. [Publication: AWG-KP 16 Scenario Note] [Publication: AWG-LCA 14 Scenario Note ]