Recalling the relevant provisions of the program for the further implementation of Agenda 21 on the transfer of environmentally sound technologies adopted by the

United Nations General Assembly at its nineteenth special session,

Noting the role of the public and private sectors in developing and disseminating environmentally sound and economically viable technologies related to the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change,

Recognizing the progress made by countries in fostering the institutional and regulatory environment necessary for the introduction of environmentally sound technologies and the need for continued efforts by Parties to remove existing market barriers to technology dissemination,

Recalling its decisions 13/CP.1 and 7/CP.2 on transfer of technology,

Having considered the progress reports presented by the Convention secretariat on the development and transfer of technology,(6)

1. Reaffirms its decisions 13/CP.1 and 7/CP.2 on transfer of technology;

2. Requests the Convention secretariat:

(a) To continue its work on the synthesis and dissemination of information on environmentally sound technologies and know-how conducive to mitigating, and adapting to, climate change; for example, by accelerating the development of methodologies for adaptation technologies, in particular decision tools to evaluate alternative adaptation strategies, bearing in mind the work program on methodological issues approved by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice at its sixth session;(7)

(b) To consult with the Global Environment Facility and other relevant international organizations, and solicit information on their capabilities and abilities to support the work of (an) international technology information centre(s), as well as national and regional centres, and to enhance support for national and regional centres, and to report to the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation on its findings;

(c) To consider specific case studies, as part of its work on terms of transfer of technologies, drawing on the experience of Parties, including demonstration projects, with the aim of evaluating barriers to the introduction and implementation of environmentally sound technologies and know-how, and of promoting their practical application;

3. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Implementation to consider options for funding (an) international technology information centre(s) and enhancing support for national or regional centres;

4. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice to forward any conclusions regarding technology information centres and enhancing support for national or regional centres to the Subsidiary Body for Implementation for consideration;

5. Urges Parties:

(a) To create an enabling environment to help further stimulate private-sector investment in, and transfer of, environmentally sound technologies; and

(b) To improve reporting in national communications on technology needs and technology transfer activities, as indicated in the reporting guidelines adopted by the Parties.

2nd plenary meeting
1 December 1997

6. FCCC/SB/1997/1, 3 and 4; and FCCC/SBSTA/1997/10.
7. FCCC/SBSTA/1997/6, section IV, A.