COP-9 : Conference in Milan

9th Conference of the Parties (COP-9)
9th Conference of the Parties (COP-9)
9th Conference of the Parties (COP-9)

COP-9 Conference in Milan: Key Outcomes and Stakeholder Engagement

The Ninth Conference of the Parties (COP-9) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Milan, Italy, from December 1 to December 12, 2003. This session, held alongside the nineteenth meetings of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), brought together more than 5,000 participants, including representatives from 166 countries, four observer states, over 300 intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and nearly 200 media outlets. The conference addressed a range of issues, including the inclusion of afforestation and reforestation under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), guidance on land use, and funding mechanisms for climate action.


Main Issues Addressed at COP-9

1. Afforestation and Reforestation in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

  • Forest-related Decisions:— COP-9 earned the nickname “forest COP” due to its emphasis on forest-related activities. It approved the inclusion of afforestation and reforestation activities under the CDM, a mechanism enabling developed countries to earn carbon credits through emissions reduction projects in developing countries.
  • Definitions and Modalities:— COP-9 provided specific definitions and rules for implementing these forestry projects, ensuring they align with the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol and contribute meaningfully to carbon sequestration.

2. Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) Guidelines

  • Good Practice Guidance:— The conference adopted new guidelines for managing LULUCF activities, which focus on how land and forests can either contribute to or mitigate climate change.
  • Importance of Carbon Sinks:— By establishing good practices for LULUCF, COP-9 acknowledged the role of forests and other land areas as “carbon sinks,” which absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to offset emissions.

3. Funding Mechanisms: SCCF and LDC Fund

  • Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF):— COP-9 discussed the operational details of the SCCF, designed to provide financial support for adaptation, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
  • Least Developed Countries (LDC) Fund:— The conference also addressed the LDC Fund, aimed at helping the world’s most vulnerable nations tackle climate-related challenges, including adaptation projects and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.

High-Level Discussions and Round Tables

  • Ministerial Round Tables:— COP-9 held three high-level ministerial round-table discussions on December 10-11, where government officials discussed the broader challenges and necessary actions for climate mitigation and adaptation. These sessions facilitated dialogue on key political and economic considerations, aiming to build consensus on critical climate issues.

Two Faces of the UNFCCC: Negotiators and Constituencies

1. Negotiation Efforts

  • Successes and Deadlocks:— COP-9 showcased both progress and stalled discussions. While agreements were reached on certain forestry initiatives, other issues faced prolonged negotiations, highlighting challenges in achieving universal consensus on complex climate policies.
  • CDM Sinks and the “Forest COP” Legacy:— The focus on including sinks in the CDM gave COP-9 its “forest COP” label, emphasizing its role in shaping international policy on forest conservation and carbon sequestration.

2. Engagement with Constituencies

  • NGOs and Business Groups:— Beyond formal negotiations, NGOs, business groups, and the academic community played an influential role at COP-9. These constituencies actively advocated for urgent climate action, raising awareness and influencing policy through events, side sessions, and publications.
  • Political Momentum for Climate Action:— Despite slow progress on some issues, the commitment of these constituencies underscored the growing momentum for climate action, as they promoted various climate initiatives and called for bolder commitments.

The Impact and Legacy of COP-9

COP-9 highlighted the complexity of global climate negotiations, with meaningful advances in forestry and LULUCF practices and financial support mechanisms like the SCCF and LDC Fund. However, it also underscored ongoing challenges in reaching consensus. The conference demonstrated the growing involvement and influence of non-state actors, reinforcing that, even in the face of political challenges, the global movement for climate action is robust and gaining strength.

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