CDKN invites interested organisations to submit an Expression of Interest to develop a Loss and Damage work programme with the Government of Bangladesh for presentation at UNFCCC CoP18 in 2012.

Background to the work programme

Following a proposal put forward by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in 2008, the issue of 'Loss and Damage' was included on the agenda of United Nations climate negotiations. Although the concept of Loss and Damage has been accepted, its exact definition is still being contested by parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Decision 1/CP.16 of the Cancun Agreement calls for a Work Programme to consider approaches to address Loss and Damage associated with climate change impacts in developing countries. The commitment relates to countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, and aims to enhance their adaptive capacity. The UNFCCC's Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) is mandated to develop the Work Programme by agreeing specific activities.

Meanwhile, during the UNFCCC intersessional meetings held in Bonn from 6-18 June 2011, the SBI appointed two co-chairs, one from Bangladesh, to progress the negotiation on Loss and Damage. In this session, the SBI reaffirmed the need to strengthen international cooperation and expertise to understand and reduce climate-related Loss and Damage. This includes impacts related to extreme weather events such as storms, and slow onset events such as sea level rise.

The first UN discussions around the AOSIS proposal made it clear that views between developed and developing countries still do not align; difficult choices will have to be made if they are to reach agreement. Questions that loom large include: should mainly compensation-based or mainly insurance-based approaches be used? Should private losses be included? How can practical issues (such as moral hazard) be best addressed in a climate context?

Bangladesh, along with other country parties and the SBI recognise that there is a serious lack of information on Loss and Damage, particularly among the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). LDCs would be well served by having a unified and agreed negotiating position on Loss and Damage; to this end, the Government of Bangladesh intends to lead LDC parties in working together to develop mutual understanding on the issue and develop a Work Programme for submission to the SBI. This is an opportunity for the LDCs to address the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable households in the Work Programme. Issues such as awareness, transparency and democratic oversight will form essential parts of any Loss and Damage mechanism that genuinely benefits the poor.

Objectives of the contract

CDKN is seeking suppliers to work with the Government of Bangladesh to develop a Work Programme on Loss and Damage - from an LDC perspective - to be presented at COP18 in 2012. The specific objectives of the contract are:

• To assist the Government of Bangladesh to understand Loss and Damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change.
• To build the capacity of the Bangladesh Ministries and negotiators to make a leading contribution for the LDC group in the UNFCCC process by submitting a Work Programme to CoP18 in 2012.
• To build capacity simultaneously within the Government of Bangladesh to respond and develop policy positions nationally.

To submit an Expression of Interest

Please find links below to the necessary documents which provide more information, a terms of reference and instructions for how to express interest in this important programme.

Expression of interest - Work Programme on Loss and Damage

CDKN Non-Disclosure Agreement

CDKN Terms and Conditions of contract

Contact details: Charlotte Finlay, CDKN Procurement Africa and Asia
cdknetwork.procurement@uk.pwc.com

Please note the deadline for Expressions of Interest in this project is 14th September 2011.

Picture: Neil Palmer (CIAT) via Flickr