1. Considerations in Development of the SBSTA Five Year Programme of Work on Adaptation
Thank Mr. Chairman. Canada appreciates this opportunity to share our views on the possible structure of SBSTAs 5 year Programme of Work on the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate change.
Presentation by
Canada

2. Objectives
to promote and disseminate tools, approaches, guidelines and methodologies for assessing vulnerability and developing adaptation strategies
to facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation into relevant programs and policies across multiple levels of government, including development policies and funding instruments
to enhance dialogue between parties focusing on practical approaches and applications, with emphasis on lessons learned and best practices
We recognize the need for the SBSTA Work Program to have clearly defined objectives and outcomes. This workshop and subsequent discussions are needed to define those objectives and outcomes.
Canada recognizes that all countries will experience economic, social and environmental impacts as a result of climate change, and that all will have to undertake adaptation actions to reduce negative impacts.
We feel the objectives of the work program should recognize the need for shared understanding of the knowledge and tools required to make appropriate adaptation decisions, and also that it should help facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation into the broad range of programs and policies that are climate sensitive, including but certainly not restricted, to development policies.
Finally, we feel that the focus should be placed upon practical approaches and applications, with an emphasis on lessons learned and best practices.

3. Underlying Considerations
Climate change adaptation science and policy responses, are a new and rapidly growing area of study
uncertainty will always be significant, but can be addressed through risk management approaches
a great deal of work is being done both inside and outside the UNFCCC process that needs to inform this work program needs and be built upon
completion of IPCC AR4 in 2007, will provide important input into the work program.
As we undertake this program of work there are several factors that we need to keep in mind.
First, while adaptation has been happening since time began, climate change adaptation as a science discipline is a relatively new, and very active, field of study that builds on the knowledge of many other disciplines. Hence we will continue to be informed by new findings, methods and approaches throughout the 5 year period.
Second is the issue of uncertainty, often cited with respect to climate scenarios, but just as applicable to the others factors that influence vulnerability. Uncertainty will always be inherent in climate change, it is not different than any other field when projecting to the future, and can be dealt with through risk management. Bottom-up approaches to assessing vulnerability demonstrate that precise projections of future climate are not needed to take action on adaptation.
Third is recognition of the great deal of work being undertaken on adaptation both inside and outside of the UNFCCC. Within the Framework Convention, we must be aware of the activities and findings of the EGTT, the LEG, the CGE, and others. There is no need for the SBSTA to duplicate any work being undertaken elsewhere, but rather should look to build upon it.
Finally, the release of the IPCCs Fourth Assessment Report in 2007, with increased focus on current climate sensitivities and adaptation, will represent a milestone in our understanding of vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, and we will want to incorporate the findings of that report in our work program.

4. Structure
utilize a range of modalities, incorporating expert opinion of the scientific community and experience of practitioners
define goals, structure, timeframes and initial steps, but retain flexibility to respond to new directions given the rapidly expanding knowledge base
use the release of the IPCC AR4 as a review point of work program (SBSTA 28 or 29)
We believe the Programme of Work will need to utilize a range of modalities, including workshops, background papers, and more innovative approaches. It is essential that these activities engage the scientific community, policy makers, and practitioners.
We believe its important to define up front the goals, structure and timeframes for the work program, but that it is also important to retain flexibility with respect to detailed activities. We have outlined some possible initial steps in our submission.
We believe that the release of the Fourth Assessment Report in fall 2007 provides a valuable opportunity to review progress and future directions of the work program.

5. Themes
Sectoral Approach – lends itself to practical approaches and applications, understanding of barriers (possible basis for milestones and products)
Priority sectors:
water resources
food supply
human health
coastal zones
infrastructure
Key cross-cutting themes (possible background papers):
risk assessment / risk management tools
understanding and assessing adaptive capacity
Canada recognizes that taking a sectoral approach to the work program will lend itself well to the practical applications we are seeking. Methods, modeling, measures and actions would be addressed in the context of each sector. We present here an initial list of sectors that are particularly sensitive to climate change, and represent priorities for both Canada and many other regions of the world. Within each of these sectors we would place emphasis on approaches that promote integration of climate change adaptation into broader decision-making processes. We think that addressing these sectors could define both milestones in the work program and potential products.
Canada also believes that there is value in stepping back and looking for commonalities between these various sectors. One of these could be related to tools and approaches. As noted previously, we think that risk assessment and risk management are key themes for climate change adaptation, and that there is a great deal to be learned from other disciplines, including natural hazards.
Another cross-cutting theme is the understanding and assessment of adaptive capacity. The fact is that most of our analysis of vulnerability to date is based on exposure and sensitivity to climate change, while our understanding of adaptive capacity, and the many factors that determine adaptive capacity, remains rudimentary. Improving our ability to assess adaptive capacity will allow us to make much more effective investments in adaptation.

6. Keys to Success clearly defined objectives and outcomes
focus on practical approaches and applications
sharing of lessons learned and best practices
engaging other groups and processes dealing with adaptation, both inside and outside of the UNFCCC
flexibility to respond to emerging issues, new research results
engaging practitioners and policy makers who make adaptation happen
In summary, Canada sees several keys to making the new work program successful.
The first is to clearly define objectives and outcomes, a process we have already started. We think the focus needs to continue to be placed on practical approaches and applications, benefiting from past experiences.
The work on adaptation being undertaken elsewhere within the UNFCCC, and the great volume of work being done outside of the UNFCCC makes it essential to engage these others institutions and processes. At the same time the work program should be sufficiently flexible to respond to emerging issues and new science results.
Finally, it is important for the work program to engage practioners, including policy makers, that are responsible for making adaptation work on the ground, and ensure that the results of this work program are relevant to them.
Thank you