The role of the UNFCCC and SBSTA

The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) is one of two permanent subsidiary bodies to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established by the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the Conference and Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto protocol (CMP). It supports the work of the COP and the CMP through the provision of timely information and advice on scientific technological matters as they relate to the Convention or the Kyoto Protocol.

SBSTA can act as a hub for agriculture and can handle the very unique aspects of agriculture in a way that cannot be handled elsewhere. SBSTA can also inform the various aspects of the UNFCCC so that agriculture is better incorporated into the various convention mechanisms.

Agriculture was discussed at the SBSTA meeting in June 2013, with parties agreeing on a text to be adopted. This text calls for submissions and workshops on agriculture. Key points of the text included:

• The SBSTA invited Parties and admitted observer organisations to submit to the secretariat by 2 September 2013 their views on the current state of scientific knowledge on how to enhance the adaptation of agriculture to climate change impacts while promoting rural development, sustainable development and productivity of agricultural systems and food security in all countries, particularly in developing countries.
• The SBSTA requested the secretariat to organise an in-session workshop at SBSTA 39 (November 2013). It further requested the secretariat to prepare a report on the workshop for consideration at SBSTA 40 (June 2014).