Canada is encouraged by the progress made over the last two weeks at the 5th Conference of the Parties (CoP5) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany. Five thousand participants from more than 160 countries gathered to discuss what actions countries are taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Framework Convention and Kyoto Protocol.

Canada participated in technical discussions aimed at establishing guidelines and rules for achieving the Kyoto Protocol, which was agreed to in December 1997. The Protocol set targets for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the period 2008 to 2012. Canada's target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6% below 1990 levels.

Substantial progress was made at CoP5 on all aspects of the Convention and Protocol. Developments on several issues important to Canada were:

• On the Kyoto Mechanisms, namely International Emissions Trading, Joint Implementation and the Clean Development Mechanism, the basis of a negotiating text was established. These mechanisms will be valuable in enhancing opportunities for joint action among developed countries and between the developed and the developing world. The Kyoto Mechanisms are intended to allow flexible, cost effective means to achieve emission reduction targets. They also provide investment opportunities for Canadian businesses at home and abroad.
• Progress achieved on the compliance system for the Kyoto Protocol will accelerate negotiations over the next year. An effective compliance regime will be critical to the integrity of the agreement.
• In the area of land use, land use change and forestry, or "sinks", Canada was instrumental in helping countries begin the elaboration of criteria for including additional activities, such as the management of soils under the Protocol. This issue is of particular importance to the agricultural and forestry communities in rural Canada.

Progress was also made on key issues for developing countries such as capacity building, adaptation and technology transfer. Canada continued its leadership role with Francophone countries to enhance their capacity to address climate change.

Canada announced a $100,000 contribution to help the UNFCCC continue a consultative process on technology transfer for developing countries. Canada was also encouraged by Khazakstan's proposal to strengthen its participation in emissions reduction efforts and Argentina's clarification of its voluntary commitment.

The technical negotiating session in Bonn builds on the 1998 Buenos Aires meeting (CoP4) which established a plan of action. The plan of action set a timeline to resolve key issues on implementing the Kyoto Protocol at the next Conference of the Parties (CoP6), which will take place in The Hague, Netherlands in November 2000.

In addition, Canada's unique delegation was recognized for having representatives from First Nations, municipalities, industry, environmental groups and youth organizations. Quebec and Alberta sent senior officials to the conference and the Honourable Gary Mar, Alberta's Environment Minister attended the Ministerial segment.

The meeting included a three-day Ministerial session where a schedule to intensify the negotiating process leading to CoP6 was established. The meeting in The Hague is intended to make the decisions required for countries to bring the Kyoto Protocol into force as early as possible. Ministers emphasized that political will is essential and agreed to enhance their personal participation over the coming year to keep the negotiations on track.

All countries reported on their domestic progress and outlined a variety of activities taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Canada distributed a copy of "Taking on the Challenge", an information package describing Canada's domestic actions to date.

The international priority now is to build on the momentum achieved in Bonn, intensify the pace of work and make decisions at CoP6 that lead to the early entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. This message was underlined by many countries.

Canada will continue to play an active role on climate change at home and abroad. This is an issue that will affect the quality of life for Canadians for generations to come.

Related documents:

• Canada Country Statement [speech, 02 Nov 1999]
• Canada's Perspective on Climate Change website [information collection]