Global Environment Facility

GEF/C.9/Inf.9
March 31, 1997

GEF Council
April 30 - May 1, 1997

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

SECTION I: LAKE VICTORIA SELECTIVE REVIEW SITE VISIT AND REVIEW MEETING

SECTION II: STAP TRANSPORT WORKSHOP

SECTION III: EIGHTH MEETING OF THE
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL (STAP)

Agenda Item 1: Opening of the Meeting
Agenda Item 2: Adoption of the Draft Provisional Agenda and Organization of Work
Agenda Item 3: Statement by the Deputy Executive Director
Agenda Item 4: Report by the GEF Secretariat, the Implementing Agencies and Subsidiary Bodies of the Conventions
Agenda Item 5: Report by the STAP Chairman and other Panel Members on Intercessional Activities
Agenda Item 6: The STAP Roster: Further Integration and Use of the Roster in the work of the GEF Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies
Agenda Item 7: Finalization of STAP Targeted Research Paper
Agenda Item 8: Consideration of STAP Work Programme for FY98 and budget
Agenda Item 9: Selective Review of GEF Projects
Agenda Item 10: Discussion on Outstanding Issues
in the Various Thematic Areas
Agenda Item 11: STAP Review of Medium-Sized Projects
Agenda Item 12: Preparations of the First GEF Assembly
Agenda Item 13: Report of GEF Editorial Committee
Agenda Item 14: Any Other Business
Agenda Item 15: Adoption of the report
Agenda Item 16: Closure of the Meeting

ANNEXES

Annex I: STAP Selective Review of the Lake Victoria Environmental Project - (detached for presentation to GEF Council as separate document)

Annex II: Report of Transport Workshop - (detached for presentation to GEF Council as separate document)

Annex III: Targeted Research - (detached for presentation to GEF Council as separate document)

Annex IV: STAP Work Programme FY98

Annex V: STAP Selective Reviews:
- Lake Victoria Environmental Management
- Project; Rajasthan Solar Thermal Electric Project;
- Alternative to Slash and Burn, Phase 1 - (detached for presentation to GEF Council as separate document)

Annex VI: STAP Work Programme FY97 (March - June, 1997)

INTRODUCTION

1. In accordance with its programme of work, the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) held its eighth session in Nairobi, Kenya, 17-19 March, 1997. The meeting was preceded by a site visit to Lake Victoria by STAP Review Team for the Selective Review of the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP), March 11-13, 1997; the Lake Victoria Review Meeting, March 14, 1997 and a STAP Workshop on Options for Mitigating GHGs Emission from the Transport Sector, March 14-15, 1997.

SECTION I: LAKE VICTORIA SELECTIVE REVIEW SITE VISIT AND REVIEW MEETING

2. The first site visit by the STAP Review Team to Lake Victoria took place on March 11-13, 1997. It commenced with a briefing by the representative of World Bank, the official representatives of the participating countries of Kenya and Tanzania and an informal presentation by a fisheries scientist from Uganda. The Review Team toured the lake and visited a number of sites including an industrial complex, a fish landing site and areas prone to soil erosion.

3. In addition, a Review Round-table discussion was convened at UNEP headquarters, Nairobi on March 14, 1997 to consider the STAP Review Team's initial findings. The meeting was addressed by Hon. Mathias Keah, Assistant Minister of Finance, Republic of Kenya. In attendance were representatives from the World Bank and UNEP; the National project co-ordinators from Kenya and Tanzania, experts from Kenya and Uganda and representatives of community groups and NGOs.

4. The report of STAP's Selective Review of the Lake Victoria Environmental Project adopted by the Panel at its eighth session is contained at Annex 1.

SECTION II: STAP WORKSHOP ON OPTIONS FOR MITIGATING GHGS EMISSION FROM THE TRANSPORT SECTOR

5. The STAP Working Group on Climate and Energy held a Workshop on the Transport Sector at UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi, 14-15 March, 1997. The meeting was opened by Hon. Ndolo Ayah, Minister of Transport and Communications, Republic of Kenya. The purpose of the workshop was to review the scientific and technical options in the transport sector in view of the rapidly growing greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from this sector, and provide recommendations for what the GEF could do to reduce this growth.

6. The Workshop brought together international energy/transport experts (from both developing and industrialized countries), some of whom presented case studies outlining key transportation issues in eight developing country cities plus case examples from Bangkok, Cairo, Addis Ababa and Teheran. These papers focused on actual experiences of past and ongoing efforts to implement both macro- and micro-level sustainable transport sector response options, and in some cases, the impact on GHGs and local pollutant emission levels. The case studies highlighted relevant socio-economic and institutional issues that are important to the transport sector, and identified key barriers to the implementation of response options. Papers were also presented on emerging technology options in the transport sector, focusing attention to zero or near-zero emission technologies for small road vehicles and buses including electric/battery and electric/fuel cell powered vehicles.

7. The report of the GEF/STAP Workshop adopted by the Panel at its eighth meeting is contained at Annex II.

SECTION III: EIGHTH MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL

Agenda item 1: Opening of the Meeting

8. The eighth meeting of STAP was held at UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya from March 17-19, 1997. It was opened by Prof. Pier Vellinga, Chair of STAP. He welcomed all participants and underscored the importance of 1997 not only to the STAP, but to the GEF as a whole; given it was the year of replenishment. He emphasized the need for STAP to conduct its work in such a manner so as to make a difference to the GEF in achieving the goals it has been established for.

Agenda Item 2: Adoption of the Draft Provisional Agenda and Organization of Work

Agenda and Organization of Work

9. The meeting adapted the draft provisional agenda and organization of work as contained in documents UNEP/GEF/STAP/8/1 and UNEP/GEF/STAP/8/1/Add.1 as amended.

Participation

10. The STAP members attending the meeting were Prof. Pier Vellinga, Dr. Helen Yap, Dr. Rokhayatou Daba Fall, Dr. Stein Hansen, Prof. Jyoti Parikh, Prof. Chihiro Watanabe, Dr. Robert Williams, Dr. Stephen Karekezi, Dr. Mohd Salleh, Prof. John Woods and Dr. Jorge Soberon.

11. Prof. Peter Schei, Co-chair of the SBSTTA, Convention for Biological Diversity; Dr. Gunilla Bjorklund, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Freshwater Assessment at the Stockholm Environment Institute; Mr. Mohamed El Ghaouth, Chairman of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation of Climate Change and Dr. Robert Ryan, Special Advisor, UNCCD also attended the meeting.

12. The representatives from the GEF Secretariat and Implementing Agencies who attended the meeting were Dr. Walter Lusigi, Dr. Kenneth King (GEF Secretariat); Dr. Robin Broadfield (World Bank); Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Dr. Pak Sum Low and Dr. Cyrie Sendashonga (UNEP); and Dr. Mark Griffith and Danae Issaias (STAP Secretariat).

Agenda Item 3: Statement by the Deputy Executive Director

13. The Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, Prof. Reuben Olembo, in his address made reference to the outputs delivered by STAP to the GEF Council during the current financial year. He also encouraged the Panel to continue to produce high quality work so as to contribute to the scientific and technical underpinning of GEF Operational Strategy and programmes.

14. The Deputy Executive Director of UNEP touched on a number of issues which he felt were important for STAP to consolidate on. These include:

1. The STAP Roster of Experts: He stressed the importance of including more experts from the developing countries and acknowledged the effort that was being made in this regard by the STAP Secretariat;
2. Mobilization of the Wider Scientific and Technical Community: STAP was reminded that implicit in its role and mandate is the notion of the mobilization of the wider scientific and technical community and underscored the necessity of their involvement in the work of the GEF. He also stressed that UNEP have some experience in this area and consideration should be given to how such experience could best be used for the benefit of the GEF;
3. Relationship with Subsidiary Bodies of the Convention: He stressed the importance of the relationship between STAP and the subsidiary bodies of the Conventions, the need for STAP to further emphasize this aspect of its work and to find ways and means of further strengthening this relationship;
4. Selective Reviews: The importance of this aspect of STAP's work was stressed particularly in the context of the need for lessons to be drawn from the current GEF operations which could enhance the next phase of the GEF as well as provide useful tools and methodologies for the future.

15. The Chairman of STAP in thanking the DED/UNEP for his kind statements about STAP's performance, indicated that though the STAP Secretariat was fully functional, the need exists for another professional to further strengthen the Secretariat. He also indicated that the present financial arrangements for STAP members need revision and more flexibility, as some members were presently contributing more work than they are being compensated for. The DED/UNEP undertook the responsibility to further discuss these issues with the STAP Chairman and the STAP Secretary.

Agenda Item 4: Report by the GEF Secretariat, the Implementing Agencies and Subsidiary Bodies of the Conventions

16. The representative of the GEF Secretariat informed the meeting of activities undertaken by the Secretariat during the last few months. These included the replenishment meeting held on March 12, 1997, the Secretariat's participation in the intercessional meeting of the CSD and preparation of Rio plus 5. Specific mention was also made of the continuing work on the GEF operational programmes, incremental cost analysis and monitoring and evaluation.

17. The representative of the World Bank reported on a number of issues including the streamlined documentation and processing arrangements for Bank projects, including those co-financed by the GEF; progress with the IFAD PDF B on land degradation; and upgrade of the GEF Project Development Workshop to incorporate the Operational Programme.

18. He indicated that STAP members had received examples of the Bank's new streamlined project documents in the Bank's submissions for the May Council Work Programme. The new document is modular and based on the Logical Framework Approach. A slightly modified version has been designed to incorporate GEF-specific information fields, such as global benefits and incremental costs. Project processing now involves only two major internal reviews, one of which is combined with the STAP Roster Technical Review. The meeting was informed that the IFAD Land Degradation PDF B has now been approved, and the work will be initiated with a GEF operations workshop and review of potential GEF-eligible activities in the IFAD project pipeline.

19. The Executive Co-ordinator of UNEP/GEF in his report to the Panel congratulated STAP for the work it has done so far for the current financial year and indicated that STAP was making an impact as evidenced by the Agenda items of the May Council Meeting to which STAP had contributed directly. Notable examples are the agenda items on Targeted Research and the follow-up to STAP Expert Group Workshop on Land Degradation.

20. The meeting was informed of the outcomes of 19th Session of UNEP Governing Council specific to GEF activities. Specific reference was made to the Nairobi Declaration and the resolution on UNEP's role as an Implementing Agency in the GEF; the Exhibition on STAP activities mounted by the STAP Secretariat/UNEP/GEF Co-ordination Office during the 19th Session of the UNEP/Governing Council; the distribution of the STAP Roster of Experts to all delegations attending the Governing Council in both hard copy and electronic format.

21. The Executive Co-ordinator also referred to the PDF B on the International Waters Assessment and thanked STAP for putting this issue on the GEF agenda as well as UNEP/GEF initiatives in land degradation as it relates to the other focal areas.

22. The Executive Co-ordinator presented UNEP's Global Environmental Outlook in relation to STAP trend review to the GEF Assembly.

23. Statements were also made by representatives from the subsidiary bodies of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) and the Convention of Biodiversity as well as the representative of the Convention to Combat Desertification. All the interventions touched on the need to continue to strengthen the reciprocal relationships between the STAP and the scientific bodies of the conventions.

24. With respect to FCCC the meeting was informed of progress made thus far on the review process for Annex 1 Parties National Communications and the implementation constraints with respect to the National Communications of Non-Annex 1 Parties. Reference was also made to the Berlin Mandate and the possibility of commencing work of a Protocol to the Convention during 1997.

25. The representation of the scientific body of CBD updated the meeting on preparations for the next session of SBSTTA in September, 1997 and its theme, namely "Freshwater Ecosystems". He also gave a short report from the Expert Meeting on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity in Jakarta, 7-10 March, 1997, where the focus was on five priority areas: integrated coastal zone management; sustainable use questions; marine protected areas; mariculture; and alien species. He also reported on some of the new topics for COP IV to be held in Bratislava in May, 1998.

26. Specific reference was made by the representative from CCD on the Work Programme of the Science Committee to the Convention. These included a survey of all the various entities that are involved in desertification, benchmarks and indicators, developing a research agenda, inventory of techniques, particularly traditional methods and the strengthening of relations with other scientific bodies including STAP.

Agenda Item 5: Report by the STAP Chairman and other Panel Members on Intercessional Activities

27. The Chairman reported on his participation in the GEF Project Implementation Review Meeting, February 11-12, 1997, Washington, D.C.; and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Technological `Advice to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, February 27-28, 1997, Bonn, Germany as well as the plans for the National Academy of Sciences GEF Initiative on Mobilization of the Wider Scientific Community in GEF activities.

28. The major conclusions on the various activities attended by the Chairman which have implication for STAP work are as follows:

GEF Project Implementation Review Meeting

1. Implementing Agencies are indeed working together in complementary way where UNEP does the global and regional research and data management projects, UNDP develops projects where environment and development issues are simultaneously addressed and the World Bank picks up the largest investment projects;
2. The importance of global and regional projects for laying the ground for international co-operation and doing the ground work for project development;
3. The importance of stakeholder involvement in the design and in the implementation of projects, but also the importance of ensuring a transparent and authoritative decision making at the phase of final project design and approval;
4. The lesson that in biodiversity projects more attention should go to opportunity cost analysis; and
5. Sustainability of projects should be built in the design much more explicitly.

Subsidiary Body for the Scientific and Technological Advice

1. Indeed, "modes of technology transfer" is a good topic for STAP to address for the forthcoming year, with a focus on the scientific and technical aspects;
2. Adaption and adaption technologies is a topic stressed by many developing country delegations, this reinforces the requests of the GEF Council to STAP to address this topic; and
3. The SBSTA wants to strengthen the relationship between SBSTA and STAP. The SBSTA chairman proposed that a report of STAP on its activities could become a regular agenda item at SBSTA meetings, similar to the regular report by the IPCC.

29. The Vice-Chairperson of STAP reported on her participation in the Steering Committee of the International Waters Assessment, February 24-27, 1997. She informed the meeting of the proposed Expert Group Meetings to be convened as part of the activities for the PDF B on the International Water Assessment to be held in April and May, 1997 respectively. The former will address a number of issues including general global concerns; water scarcity, habitat and community modification, sustainable use of living resources and pollution whereas the later expert group will focus on the geographical scope of the various activities which will build on UNEP's regional seas programme and the large marine ecosystems and their associated catchments. Specific reference was made by the representative of the scientific body of CBD about the relationship between the issues to be addressed by the Expert Group and those that are contained in the Jakarta Mandate.

30. Dr. R.D. Fall reported on her participation in the Tenth Session of the INCD for the Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries Experiencing Serious and/or Desertification, particularly Africa. The other STAP members at the meeting gave a brief overview of their own activities which had implications for STAP.

31. The Chairman advised STAP members that whenever they are approached to undertake activities which might raise the conflict of interest question, both himself and the STAP Secretariat should be informed before the finalization of any arrangements.

Agenda Item 6: The STAP Roster: Further Integration and Use of the Roster in the work of the GEF Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies

32. The STAP Secretariat informed the Panel on the distribution of Version 1 of the STAP Roster of Experts and its continuous updating. The Roster was being widely distributed in a number of formats including hard copy, diskette and the Internet through World Wide Web. Specific reference was made to the distribution of the Roster to all delegations attending the G.C.19 UNEP Governing Council.

33. With respect to the updating of the Roster, the meeting was informed that the Secretariat is in the process of receiving nominations for inclusion in Version 2 of the Roster, particularly from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. To date 150 nominations had been received, these had undergone the initial screening by the Secretariat and the final selection would be completed by the Panel at the Ninth meeting in June,1997. It was drawn to the attention of the Secretariat that at present the Web version of the Roster is not in a database format, the Secretariat advised that it would address this problem to ensure that all the necessary modifications would made to include this feature.

34. The STAP Secretary informed the Panel that the procedure for the review of the STAP Roster of Experts by Panel members needs streamlining. He also raised the issue of a more effective use of the STAP Roster of Experts in GEF work. He indicated that this could be done within the wider discussion on the mobilization of the wider scientific community in GEF work.

35. The issue of the proliferation of Rosters of Experts was also raised. The meeting was informed of efforts by CBD SBSTTA in developing three Rosters for Marine, Forestry and Biodiversity Experts. It was suggested that country focal points on convention matters could coordinate nominations. The meeting was also informed that the CCD Roster benefited from the design and format of the STAP Roster of Experts when designing its own roster.

36. The Chairman asked the Secretariat to present to the next meeting of STAP a document with suggestions on the use of the Roster and on ways of communicating with Experts to keep them informed on GEF activities.

37. On the issue of quality Control, the meeting was informed that only questionnaires for the period April- August,1996 had so far been received by the Secretariat and that a more prompt and systematic approach would have to be adopted by the Implementing Agencies if the Annual Evaluation was to be successful. It was also suggested that Panel members should submit their comments at the same time as they reviewed project proposals in order to avoid duplication of efforts. The World Bank and UNEP representatives confirmed that all additional reviews would sent to the STAP Secretariat shortly so as to ensure that the STAP Chairman would have the results before the May Council Meeting.

Agenda Item 7: Finalization of STAP Targeted Research Paper

38. The Panel reviewed and discussed the paper entitled "Principles for GEF Financing of Targeted Research" prepared by the Chairman on the basis of comments received from members of the GEF Council. At the meeting the comments from the Implementing Agencies, the Convention Bodies and the GEF Secretariat were discussed. It was agreed these comments would accommodated and the Chairman was mandated to finalize the paper accordingly. The paper is contained in Annex III.

Agenda Item 8: Consideration of STAP Work Programme for FY98 and budget

39. The Panel considered the STAP budget for FY98 and STAP Work Programme contained in document UNEP/STAP/8/11. The Work Programme was finalized on the basis of inputs from STAP members. This is appended at Annex IV.

Agenda Item 9: Selective Review of GEF Projects

40. The Team Leaders of the three Selective Reviews undertaken by STAP todate, namely Rajhastan Solar Thermal Energy Project, India; the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP) and the Alternatives to Slash and Burn (ASB) Phase 1, presented their reports to the Panel.

41. The feedback received on all the Selective Reviews from the Implementing Agencies and the stakeholders where the projects are being implemented demonstrated that the selective review mechanism is considered as being very important in GEF work. The reports of the above-mentioned selective reviews are contained in Annex V.

42. The STAP Chairman raised the issue of the need to carefully rationalize the activities of STAP with respect to the Selective Review of projects and the analysis from a scientific and technical viewpoint of the GEF portfolio as to avoid overlap with the work of the Monitoring and Evaluation Activities.

Agenda Item 10: Discussion on Outstanding Issues in the various Thematic Areas

43. To assist the Meeting in the consideration the agenda item, the Secretariat prepared documents UNEP/GEF/STAP/8/8.

44. The meeting reviewed the STAP Work Programme for the remainder of FY97 and the Ad-hoc Working Group Co-ordinators/Task Team Leaders reported on the status of these activities.

Land Degradation

1. Scientific and technical analysis of the outputs of the STAP Expert Group Workshop on Land Degradation. This document was completed and submitted to the GEF Secretariat as an input into the Secretariat's paper to Council entitled "Recommendations Concerning Follow-up Actions to the Report of the STAP Workshop on Land Degradation"; and
2. Incremental Costs and Global Benefits. The plans for the session on Incremental Costs and Global Benefits in the area of Land Degradation to jbe convened were presented and adopted by the Panel. It was agreed that this will be convened on June 17, 1997 immediately before the Ninth Meeting of STAP and STAP Workshop on Clean Coal.

International Waters

1. Progress and further elaboration of the International Waters Strategy. It was agreed that the ongoing work by STAP on the regional approach and its implications for the GEF will be put on hold in the light of the preparations of the Global International Waters Assessment;
2. Global International Waters Assessment: It was agreed that STAP will continue to actively participate in the Steering Committee for the Global International Waters Assessment; and
3. Progress on the Study on Best Practice with Regard to the Application of Science and Scientific tools in GEF projects. The Chairman of the Working Group was asked to submit the report for review at the Ninth Meeting of STAP to be convened in June, 1997.

Climate/Energy

1. STAP/GEF Assessment of urban transport related GHGs Mitigation Options: The report of this workshop which was held on March 14-15, 1997, Nairobi, Kenya, prior to the Eighth Meeting of STAP was presented and approved by the Panel. The Report of the Meeting is contained in Appendix II. The meeting was also informed that the Working Group was in the process of finalizing two reports: one on Transport Sector Management and the other on Advanced Technologies. Both of the reports will be submitted to the GEF Council at its November, 1997 meeting;
2. Report on Adaptation Stage 1 Activities and Priorities. It was agreed that a preliminary report on this issue will be submitted for consideration by the GEF Council during the May, 1997 meeting. The final document will be presented at the November, 1997 Council Meeting; and
3. Clean Coal Workshop: It was agreed that the Clean Coal Workshop will be convened on June 16-17, 1997 prior to the Ninth meeting of STAP to be held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The meeting was informed that the workshop will focus on two major sets of issues, namely, improvements in performance in structural reforms in the industry, with an emphasis on case studies, and on technological innovations.

Biodiversity

1. STAP Expert Group Workshop on Sustainable Use: It was also agreed STAP members will continue to work on the preparations for this meeting, namely, the preparation of papers on the economics of sustainable use, the anthropological aspects of sustainable use as well as the ecological aspects possibly focusing on a number of case studies. In parallel papers with case studies examples would be prepared for the various ecosystems operational programmes (i.e coastal and marine, drylands, mountains and forests). The second draft of these papers will be available for review by the Panel at the Ninth Meeting of STAP to be held in Amsterdam in June, 1997.

45. The STAP Work Programme for the remainder of FY97 is contained in Annex VI. According to projections, STAP will complete all the outputs requested by the GEF Council, GEF Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies for FY97.

46. The representative from the GEF Secretariat introduced the document prepared by the GEF Secretariat with inputs from STAP entitled "Recommendations Concerning Follow-up Action to the Report of STAP Workshop on Land Degradation". This was followed by a substantive discussion on the content of the report. The GEF Secretariat will finalize the paper on the basis of this discussion and inputs from the implementing agencies. The paper will be considered by the Council at its May meeting.

Agenda Item 11: STAP Review of Medium-Sized Projects

47. The Chairman informed the Panel of the Council's decisions with respect to the review of medium-sized projects as outlined in UNEP/GEF/STAP/8/9. After some discussion, the Panel agreed to undertake a cluster analysis of medium-sized projects. A first series of medium-sized will be considered by the STAP meeting in September.

Agenda Item 12: Preparations for the First GEF Assembly

Expert Panels

48. The Chairman explained the rationale for convening such expert groups to coincide with the GEF Assembly which was consistent with the GEF Secretariat suggestions contained in its original proposal on the Assembly.

49. The Panel mandated the Chairman and the Secretariat to continue to discuss this issue with the GEF Council and GEF Secretariat and advise them at the Ninth Meeting of STAP. In addition, the Secretariat was mandated to prepare a paper on a possible approach based upon the discussion.

Triennial Reports

50. The Panel considered the proposal for the triennial report contained in UNEP/STAP/10/Add2. After much discussion the following preliminary structure of the Triennial Reports was agreed upon.

1. Findings of STAP with respect to the broad scientific and technical issues that emerged during the preceding phase of the GEF and on emerging issues and gaps;
2. What has STAP and the other partners in the GEF done to bring this new science into the GEF programmes and projects;
3. A review of specific contributions of STAP in the GEF context; and
4. Advice on opportunities for STAP in the next phase of the GEF.

51. The Secretariat was requested to elaborate this structure for consideration of the Panel at its Ninth Meeting of STAP in June, 1997 with priority for paragraph 48(b)(iii).

Agenda Item 13: Report of GEF Editorial Board

52. The representative from the GEF Secretariat who is also the Chairman of the Editorial Board gave a brief overview of the purpose and structure of the GEF Editorial Board. He informed the meeting that two documents have already been selected for consideration in the first series. The second series will include a number of STAP products, namely:- the Executive Summary of the Reports on Renewable Energy for Developing Countries and Ecosystems Paper. The third series will contain additional STAP products including workshop summary reports.

Agenda Item 14: Any Other Business

53. A number of issues were considered under this agenda item, namely:

1. Venue for Eleventh Meeting of STAP: Dr. Jyoti Parikh offered her Institute as the venue for the Eleventh STAP Meeting to be held in 1998. This offer was particularly welcomed in like of the fact that the First GEF Assembly will be held in India. As a consequence the Eleventh STAP Meeting will be held immediately prior to the GEF Assembly to facilitate the participation of STAP members in the GEF Assembly;
2. Resignation from STAP: The Chairman of STAP informed the Panel of Dr. Maria Allegretti's decision to resign from STAP with immediate effect. The Chairman took the opportunity to thank Dr. Allegretti in absentia for her contribution to STAP over the past two years and wished her on, STAP's behalf, the very best in her future endeavors;
3. National Academy of Science Initiative: The Chairman updated the Panel with respect to the NAS Initiative. The meeting agreed that STAP should participate in the proposed workshop. To facilitate STAP's participation in the meeting a task team under the chairmanship of the STAP Chair was established. The task team was mandated with formulating STAP's input for the meeting building upon a draft prepared by the Secretariat.

54. The STAP Secretariat was requested under the chairmanship of the STAP Chairman to liaise with the NAS in order to facilitate arrangements for the Workshop on Mobilization of the Wider Scientific Community in GEF Activities as well as assist in the selection of participants.

Agenda Item 15: Adoption of the report

55. The meeting adopted the report and the STAP Secretary was entrusted to incorporate the comments made.

Agenda Item 16: Closure of the Meeting

56. The meeting was closed at 17.20 hrs on March 19, 1997. In accordance with the STAP Programme of Work for FY97, the ninth meeting of STAP will take place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, June 18-20, 1997. It will be preceded by the Brainstorming Session on Incremental Costs and Global Benefits in the area of Land Degradation on June 17, 1997 and the Workshop on Clean Coal on June 16-17, 1997.