With the support of the CCICED Secretariat and Chief Advisors, the CCICED Secretary General submits the following plan outlining the Council’s principal activities in 2009, for the review and approval of the Bureau.
I. Policy Study Activities
1. Continuation of the work of previously-established Task Forces
With the approval of the Bureau Meeting in 2007, five Task Forces and one policy pilot project were established and commenced their work in 2008. Focusing on energy and the environment, they comprise the following:
1) Task Force on Economic Instruments for Energy Efficiency and the Environment (2008-2009)
2) Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Urban Development (2008-2009)
3) Task Force on Pathway to a Low Carbon Economy for China (2008-2009)
4) Task Force on Rural Development and its Energy, Environment and Climate Change Adaptation (2008-2009)
5) Task Force on Sustainable Use of Coal (2008-2009 (estimated))
6) Policy Pilot Project on Energy & Environment Management for Low-carbon Urban Development in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Autonomous Region (2008-2009).
These Task Forces and the Policy Pilot Project will continue their studies in 2009 and will submit their findings, recommendations, and final reports to the CCICED’s 2009 Annual General Meeting.
2. Establishment of new Task Forces
It is proposed that the following two Task Forces be established and commence their work in 2009:
1) Task Force on Ecosystem Service and Management Strategy(2009-2010, duration: 18 months)
2) Task Force on Sustainable Development Strategy for Oceans(2009-2010, duration: 18 months)
The two above Task Forces will submit their findings and final reports to the CCICED’s 2010 Annual General Meeting.
In addition, the Secretary General will, on the recommendation of the Chief Advisors and the Secretariat and based on requirements and opportunities such as an identified need to follow up the work of current task forces, establish special policy study projects as needed.
The Secretary General will also, based on input from Members and recommendations from the Chief Advisors and the Secretariat and for the approval of the Bureau Meeting in 2009, submit proposals for the Council’s work plans for 2010 and 2011, including proposals related to the scope of work of new task forces.
3. Other joint activities on policy studies
1) Joint Study Project on Environment and Development Policy in China and India
This project is jointly supported, organized, and implemented by CCICED and India Council for Sustainable Development (ICSD). Its objective is to review, analyze, and compare environment and development policies in China and India in order to focus the attention of Chinese and Indian policy makers as well as the international community on relevant common issues. Research was initiated in 2008 and the joint study report is planned for 2009.
2) “China Environment and Development Outlook” project
Chinese and International Council Members as well as other partners take the view that CCICED, as a high-profile international policy advisory body, should carry out a regular and comprehensive review and assessment of China’s policies on the environment and development for the use of Chinese and international policy makers. Following discussions with the Chinese and International Chief Advisors and Chinese and international partners, the Secretariat proposes the initiation and publication on a regular basis of the “China Environment and Development Outlook”. As a CCICED “flagship” publication, this Report will be published in both Chinese and English.
It is proposed that work on the first “China Environment and Development Outlook” commence in 2009 and be completed in 2011. The report will focus on a review and evaluation of policy development in key areas of environment and development in China and identify future challenges and policy priorities, as well as on the global implications of Chinese policies. It is proposed that Chinese and international experts be invited to form a team to produce the report.
In its policy study work in 2009 and 2010, it is anticipated that the Council will seek opportunities to provide inputs into the development of the 12th Five Year Plan.
II. CCICED Roundtable Meeting
With the support of both Chinese and international stakeholders, the First CCICED Roundtable Meeting was held in Beijing in April 2008 and was successful in disseminating the Council’s policy recommendations and fostering dialogue and cooperation on a range of policy issues.
It is proposed that the Second CCICED Roundtable Meeting be held in April or May of 2009 and focus on policy study findings and recommendations in the field of energy and environment. Central and provincial level policy makers and Chinese and International Council Members, as well as Chinese and international experts and scholars and representatives of private sector and enterprises will be invited to participate. If appropriate, the Roundtable Meeting will incorporate an Enterprise Forum. CCICED Secretariat and its International Support Office will be responsible for the preparation and organization of the Roundtable Meeting.
III. CCICED 2009 Annual General Meeting
It is proposed that the CCICED 2009 Annual General Meeting be held in Beijing on November 11-13, 2009. The Annual General Meeting will receive and consider reports on the findings of several Task Forces related to including energy, environment, and climate change and their policy recommendations to the Chinese Government. It is suggested that the Theme of the 2009 Annual General Meeting be “Energy, Environment and Development".
IV. Other Arrangements
The CCICED Secretariat will closely cooperate with Council Members, the Chief Advisors, and domestic and international partners to further strengthen the Council’s work, to expand networks for cooperation and consultation, and to further the long-term development of CCICED. It will also:
l Continue to strengthen communications and cooperation with policy makers at the local government level and facilitate their understanding of CCICED policy recommendations;
l Expand and intensify contacts with research institutes, industrial associations, and private sector representatives at home and abroad;
l Communicate closely and cooperate with Chinese and international partners and organize various activities, including policy workshops and activities related to different topics, in order to further expand the impact of the CCICED’s work;
l Pursue in cooperation with stakeholders the development and implementation of a long-term sustainability strategy for CCICED.
