Closing of forty-first session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 41)

Statement by Nepal on behalf of the Least Developed Countries Group

Lima, Peru

Chair and distinguished delegates, Nepal has the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 48 Least Developed Countries. I would like to associate my statement to the statement made by Bolivia on behalf of G77 and China.

As LDCs are already the victims of climate change impacts, we cannot afford to take further risk. As evidenced by the IPCC AR5, the LDCs are proposing that the threshold for limiting the average temperature rise to below 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels is essential to limit “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”.

The LDC Group notes that the Structured Expert Dialogue demonstrated the technical feasibility of achieving the 1.5°C target. Based on the findings of the Structured Expert Dialogue, we are requesting immediate reductions in global emissions of greenhouse gases, and immediate investment in technologies which would create negative emission trajectories. We suggest the IPCC takes into account this level in its next report.

The LDC Group believes that after the adoption of the Warsaw Framework on REDD+, it is now time for provision of support to enable countries to enter into full implementation of REDD+ activities.

We believe that safeguards contained in the Cancun decision are simple, country driven and yet broad enough to generate necessary information according to national circumstance and respective capacities. Additionally the experience gained through the readiness phase is adequate for now to support countries in implementing REDD+ activities.

LDCs believe that additional guidance on REDD+ safeguards information system (SIS) is not necessary unless there are concrete REDD+ activities on the ground. The LDC Group express its dissatisfaction for not reaching a conclusion on this matter.

The LDC Group underscores the need, as soon as possible, to address drivers of deforestation and non-carbon benefits in a manner that improves the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities and supports the sustainable development objectives and goals of developing countries.

On matters related to Loss and Damage, the group appreciates the work of the Interim Executive Committee. With regards to the composition of the Executive Committee, the group expresses its appreciation for some flexibility shown by partners. We expect a fruitful decision on this important agenda item at this session, here in Lima.

We welcome the activities being undertaken by the Adaptation committee to further enhance its activities. We also acknowledge the work of the Nairobi Work Programme in generating scientific knowledge and its dissemination.

The LDC Group welcomes the conclusions regarding review guidelines related to biennial reports, national communications and greenhouse gas inventories.

Chair, we thank you for the work you conducted during this session.