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The 2019 CGE Regional hands-on training workshops on institutionalization of data management for the national greenhouse gas inventory

The workshop for Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

17/10/2019 16:14

Justice Khumela

17/10/2019 16:14

17.10.2019

The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) conducted three regional hands-on training workshops in 2019 on institutionalization of data management for the national greenhouse gas inventory. The workshops were conducted for three regions: Africa; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe.

The aim of the workshops was to enhance the technical capacity of national experts involved in the preparation of national communications, biennial update reports and national greenhouse gas inventories to institutionalize data management in their national institutional arrangements.

The workshops covered a wide variety of issues and problem areas to data that are among the most persistent challenges faced by developing countries in their implementation of the existing measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) arrangements under the Convention and preparation for the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. Data issues manifest in various ways – lack of availability of data that are consistent with the reporting guidelines, inaccessible data, lack of adequate data collection and management process and/or system.

The workshops also introduced for the first time a pre-workshop webinar and homework exercise that allowed participants to already have basic knowledge of the topic prior to the workshop. In addition, the workshop provided an opportunity for experts to work on simulated cases, which equipped the participants with hands-on experience on handling cases.

Another key aspect of the workshops was creating a platform for collaboration and interacting with their peers, CGE members and other experts. This includes sharing of views, lessons learned and experience relating to institutional arrangements for data collection and data management processes, including commonly used techniques, approaches and tools. The participants also expressed interest in enhancing regional collaboration on the institutionalization of data for GHG inventories on the basis of similarities in national circumstances in the region, noting the potential for sharing best practices, resources and expertise with a view to overcoming common challenges.

In general, the workshops were successful in:

(a) Familiarizing national experts with the process and methods for institutionalization of data management for the national GHG inventory;

(b) Providing a platform for national experts from the same region to share experience and lessons learned;

(d) Providing a platform for the CGE to interact with national experts and gain insight into relevant lessons learned, experience, constraints and challenges.

Some participants expressed their intention to use the training materials as a basis for training other national experts, enhancing existing institutional arrangements, furthering their knowledge of GHG inventory preparation and improving their terms of reference for hired experts and consultants.

Participants expressed interest in learning more about enhancing existing institutional arrangements to improve the collection, management and reporting of GHG inventory data, including incorporating GHG inventory component into the existing data collection and management systems and processes in sectors so that proper data for the inventory can be generated in a timely manner.

The workshops were attended by 106 experts from 91 developing country Parties. The CGE members from the respective regions also participated in these workshops, which allowed them to gain first-hand knowledge on the technical capacity of the national experts.

More information about the CGE can be found here: https://unfccc.int/CGE

Details about the workshop are available here: http://bit.ly/2nBlFoe

2019 Regional Dialogues

The Asia-Pacific Regional NDC Dialogue which took place at the Asia-Pacific Climate Week in Bangkok.

17/10/2019 14:36

Justice Khumela

17/10/2019 14:36

17.10.2019

A forum for peer-to-peer exchange on nationally determined contributions (NDC)

UN Climate Change in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners have overseen three Regional Dialogues this year: Africa; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Asia-Pacific.

The Regional Dialogues are a series of regional workshops which were launched in 2014 to provide a forum for peer-to-peer exchange on the design of intended NDCs, before transitioning to address issues of the nationally determined contributions (NDC) preparation and implementation.

The goal of the dialogues is to increase momentum for more ambitious and accelerated climate action and for enhanced NDCs. In doing so, the events serve as a contribution to the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit which took place in September 2019 and for COP 25.

This year, the Regional Dialogues’ objectives were enhancing capacities to prepare to update their NDCs; to identify solutions to specific challenges countries are facing in implementing and enhancing their NDCs; to provide a forum for peer-to-peer learning and exchange of national experiences related to NDC implementation and enhancement; and to provide a platform for linking national/regional interests with the international NDC process, and for strengthening existing and/or establishing new partnerships and commitments for ambitious climate action that help meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda.

Africa Regional NDC Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, 18-19 March

The first Regional Dialogue of the year took place in Accra, Ghana from 18 to 19 March with 89 participants from 47 countries and 69 participants from partners and donors attending.

Latin America and Caribbean Regional NDC Dialogue in Salvador, Brazil, 19-20 August

The Regional Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean took place from 19 to 20 August in Salvador, Brazil with 77 participants from 25 countries and 71 participants from partners and donors.

Asia-Pacific Regional NDC Dialogue in Bangkok, Thailand, 2-3 September

The Asia-Pacific Regional NDC Dialogue was the last dialogue of the 2019 series and took place during the Asia-Pacific Climate Week in Bangkok, Thailand from 2 to 3 September.

115 participants from 37 countries and 64 participants from partners and donors attended the two-day dialogue.

The 2019 CGE hands-on training workshops on institutionalization of data management for the national GHG inventory for the African region

The second training workshop in the series was organized for the African region, from 16 to 18 September, in Algiers, Algeria, with support from the Algerian Government and UNDP country office in Algeria. The training workshop gathered 47 national experts who are involved in the preparation of national GHG inventory from 37 countries in the region and technical resource persons from the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute.

02/10/2019 10:57

Justice Khumela

02/10/2019 10:57

02.10.2019

Building a sustainable national MRV system and moving towards the enhanced transparency framework.

Issues related to data are among the most persistent challenges faced by developing countries in their implementation of the existing measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) arrangements under the Convention and preparation for the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. Data issues manifest in various ways – lack of availability of data that are consistent with the reporting guidelines, inaccessible data, lack of adequate data collection and management process and/or system.

To help developing countries tackle data issues and enhance MRV efforts at the national level, the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) decided to focus its technical assistance and capacity-building activities for 2019 on data issues and organize a series of regional hands-on training workshops on institutionalization of data management for the national GHG inventory.

The training workshop addressed key elements required to ensure the sustainability of GHG inventory process, including system design, governance, quality data, documentation and archiving and stakeholder engagement. Designed as part of a 4-phase programme (pre-workshop webinar – homework – hands-on training workshop – post-workshop webinar), the training workshop provided opportunities for national experts to learn, test and practice a handful of techniques, approaches and tools.

The participants engaged in the hands-on exercises and group discussions with great passion and eager to deepen their knowledge and skills and prompted the exchange of experiences and lessons learned including concrete proposals that they could further take up to improve the national GHG inventory management system. The training workshop ended on a note of general satisfaction.

The last training workshop in the 2019 series is planned for the Asia-Pacific and Eastern European regions from 7 to 9 October 2019, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

For more details on CGE training workshops 2019, see here.

For more information on CGE and its work plan for 2019, see here.

Enhancing the Technical Assistance and Support for The Existing MRV Arrangements and The Enhanced Transparency Framework

With the adoption of the Paris Agreement the and the Katowice Climate Package, the efforts of parties to further enhance the transparency of climate action and support will be increased significantly. This will be achieved through the enhanced transparency framework (ETF), established under the Paris Agreement, that builds on and enhanced the existing measurement, reporting and verification arrangements (MRV) under the Convention As a result, there is a wide acknowledgement by the global community that developing countries will require increased financial, technical and capacity-building support.

08/07/2019 15:51

Laure Fouchecourt

08/07/2019 15:51

08.07.2019

Speakers from left to right: Henning Wuster (ICAT), Milena Gonzalez vasquez (GEF), Minyoung Kim (UNFCCC-GIR-CASTT), William Agyemang-Bonsu (UNFCCC Secretariat), John Christensen (UNEP DTU Partnership).

With the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the Katowice Climate Package, the efforts of Parties to further enhance the transpanrency of climate action and support will be increased significantly. This will be achieved through the enhanced transparency framework (ETF), established under the Paris Agreement, that builds on and enhanced the existing measurement, reporting and verification arrangements (MRV) under the Convention As a result, there is a wide acknowledgement by the global community that developing countries will require increased financial, technical and capacity-building support.

A side-event, in the form of a panel discussion, showcasing the support (financial, technical, and capacity-building) provided to developing countries for participation in the existing MRV arrangements under the Convention and the ETF under the Paris Agreement, was held on Monday 24 June on the margins of June 2019 Climate Change Conference (SB50) in Bonn.

The panel discussion, moderated by the UNFCCC secretariat, included a panel of experts involved actively in supporting developing countries in this area. The experts provided their perspective of how countries can use the ETF as part of their efforts to implement and further develop their NDCs. They also shared key lessons learned and best practices in ensuring that the support provided contributes to the sustainability of the national MRV arrangements and helps countries as they move towards implementing the ETF.

Ms. Milena Gonzalez Vasquez (Global Environment Facility) presented the financial and technical support opportunities made available through the GEF, including the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency – a funding window established in response to the request from COP 21 and plans for support for preparation of biennial transparency reports. She highlighted that developing countries could submit projects that help strengthen and prioritize their capacity to implement the enhanced transparency framework. The CBIT database contains a publicly list of projects submitted to date. As of June 2019, 48 projects received US$74 million of CBIT funds, with 17 projects in the implementation phase.

Mr. Stanford Mwakasonda provided further details on the on-the-ground support provided through the GEF-funded Global Support Programme. The programme, implemented jointly by UN Environment and UNDP, provides support to developing countries to meet their national communications and biennial update reports reporting needs. He emphasized that it is important for countries to establish a legal framework (an overarching climate change policy, strategy or act) that provides the basis for legally defining the role of stakeholders such as universities and national statistics offices can play in the national MRV system.

Ms. Minyoung Kim of the Greenhouse Gas inventory & Research Center of Korea (UNFCCC-GIR CASTT) described the specific support measure offered, in partnership with UNFCCC, to developing countries to build their expertise in establishing or improving their national GHG inventories. She explained that the training programme covers aspects such as the reporting and technical analysis process under the UNFCCC, GHG inventory compilation including sectoral GHG estimation methodologies and development of country-specific GHG emission factors

Mr. Henning Wuester described the country-tailored tools and support made available to policy-makers and national experts by the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT)to assess the impacts of their climate policies and actions; to develop effective and ambitious climate policies; and to mobilize investment. He provided examples of the support initiatives they have undertaken for developing countries in the past for developing reporting capacity such as the development of sustainable land and land use indicators for the land use sector.

Mr. John Christensen highlighted the range of tools (legal, institutional, procedural and capacity-building) made available by the UNEP DTU Partnership to support developing countries build a national system for implementing the enhanced transparency framework.

The panellists explained that their webpages contain information on how to access their support offering and highlighted that tools and guidance documents are freely available on their websites.

Follow our Facebook page Mitigation & Transparency Exchange for more insights and snapshots.

CGE Side Event Responding To Needs To Implement The Enhanced Transparency Framework

The Consultative Group of Expert (CGE), on the margins of the June 2019 Climate Change Conference (SB50) in Bonn, Germany, organized a side-event to present its 2019 CGE work plan and also highlight how it is responding to the needs arising from the enhanced transparency framework.

08/07/2019 15:42

Laure Fouchecourt

08/07/2019 15:42

08.07.2019

The group invited few countries to present their experiences and lessons learned in the process of preparing their national communications (NC) and/or biennial update reports (BURs), and how they are building on from those experiences and lessons learned to prepare for the enhanced transparency framework (ETF).

The CGE Chair, Mr. Gervais Ludovic Istoua Madzou (Congo), presented the 2019 work plan of the CGE, which addresses the capacity-building needs of developing countries in a more targeted and strategic manner, in order to facilitate improved reporting of developing countries over time and support the implementation of the ETF under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement.

Since February 2019, as part of its work plan, the CGE has already launched several activities, such as a targeted survey to developing countries to better understand their needs for implementing the MRV arrangements and the ETF, a toolbox on institutional arrangements to support MRV/transparency of climate action and support, technical guide to prepare for the implementation of the ETF, and the regional hands-on training workshops on institutionalization data management for GHG inventories.

Bangladesh, Jamaica and South Africa shared their experiences and lessons learned on the existing MRV arrangements, and also provided an update on how efforts being undertaken nationally to prepare for the implementation of the ETF.

Jamaica has submitted its first Biennial Update Report (BUR) in 2016 which went through the technical analysis and Facilitative Sharing of Views (FSV) in the same year. It submitted its third National Communication (NC) in 2018 and , In the context of preparing these reports, two key challenges were highlighted, which were limited technical and human capacity to complete the reports, and inability to disburse resources in original project timeframe. In order to address these challenges, Jamaica received technical and financial support through the United National Development Programme and the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT). Despite these challenges, Jamaica plans to submit its secondBUR and fourth NC in 2020-2022. It also aims to put in place a robust national MRV system from 2021-2022.

Bangladesh submitted its third NC in 2018. The presentation highlighted some of the challenges and lessons learned from the process of preparing this report. Lack of reliable data and information consistent with the requirements of the IPCC 2006 guidelines, lack of institutional capacity and dependence on external experts, and issues to retain sectoral specialist that were trained in the process of preparing these reports were identified as some of the challenges it is facing currently. With a view to addressing these challenges, Bangladesh aims to establish data sharing arrangements at the national level, including a permanent structure at the department of environment which had the mandated to prepare the NCs and BURs. In order to prepare itself for the implementation of the ETF, Bangladesh will build on and enhance the existing institutional arrangement, and plans to use the guidelines and tools, which will be developed by CGE. Bangladesh called for an increased financial and technical support to institutionalize the proposed MRV arrangements, update its National Determined Contributions (NDCs), and prepare their first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR).

South Africa, one of the five countries that has submitted its third BUR, shared its experiences, challenges and lessons learned. With regard to challenges, the following were identified: limited number of and high turnover of key staff members, issues with data management, capacity constraints in using the national GHG inventory information management systems, lack of disaggregated data for the GHG reporting, and a non-centralized information system for climate finance. Efforts to address these challenges include: recruiting sector specialists to compile GHG inventory data, conducting capacity-building for key personnel, formalizing data collection processes, and developing a climate change tracking and evaluation system, which included tracking of climate finance. The presentation also highlighted how the National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulations, published in April 2017, formalized the institutional arrangements to ensure consistent and sustainable data input for the GHG inventory. In order to prepare for the ETF, South Africa will continue using the 2006 IPCC guideline, and will set up higher tier methodologies for key categories in country specific emission factor. South Africa also provided a preliminary list of actions that it aims to undertake in its effort to prepare for the implementation of the ETF.

Follow our Facebook page Mitigation & Transparency Exchange for more insights and snapshots.

Special Event On The Experiences From The MRV System To Implement The ETF Under The Paris Agreement was Held

In the framework of the 2019 Climate Change Conference (SB50) in Bonn, Germany, the secretariat held a special event on Wednesday 20 June, on the transparency framework showcasing the experience and lessons learned from the current measurement, reporting and verification system (MRV) to help implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement.

21/06/2019 11:52

Laure Fouchecourt

21/06/2019 11:52

21.06.2019

Check the video on the event here

Learn more here

Visit the Mitigation and Transparency Exchange Facebook Page here

Webinars organized by the CGE in 2016

20/05/2016 09:29

Roberto Felix

04/11/2019 09:21

20.05.2016

The CGE, has so far in 2016, conducted five thematic webinars, 3 on vulnerability and adaptation assessment, and 2 on mitigation assessment. These webinars are part of the groups its capacity-building initiatives. An additional four webinars are also being planned for 2016.

The topics for the vulnerability and adaptation assessment webinars focused on the framework for assessment, climate change scenarios, and water resources. The mitigation webinars focused on the key steps to conduct a mitigation assessment, and the key mitigation challenges and barriers faced in the sector of energy supply.

A total of 174 persons participated in the three vulnerability and adaptation assessment webinars and 80 participated in two mitigation assessment webinars. Participants included national government representatives, researchers, and technical specialists. The webinars allowed participants to learn and engage with experts remotely and to submit questions where experts provided detailed responses immediately. The presentations were also made available online to users.

In the last quarter of 2016, the CGE will organized webinars in in French and Spanish.

More details will be provided closer to the webinar dates!

First ever UNFCCC training on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for non-Annex I Parties: Africa Workshop

The UNFCCC Secretariat hosted The Africa Regional Workshop on the Building of Sustainable National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management Systems, and the Use of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories

20/05/2016 09:40

Roberto Felix

22/08/2016 11:31

20.05.2016

The UNFCCC Secretariat hosted The Africa Regional Workshop on the Building of Sustainable National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management Systems, and the Use of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories from 14 to 18 March in Maseru, Lesotho. The workshop was organized by the UNFCCC Secretariat in collaboration with the Technical Support Unit of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories and the Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention.

A total of 57 experts from 41 countries in the region attended the workshop. The participants primarily consisted of government officials involved in the preparation of national GHG inventories, including UNFCCC national focal points.

The workshop was the first of its kind from the UNFCCC Secretariat, offering training on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for non-Annex I Parties. The workshop was organized following the 42^nd Subsidiary Body for Implementation acknowledging the request from non-Annex I Parties for further technical support aimed at improving their domestic capacity to facilitate continuity in meeting reporting requirements through, among others, training on the use of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National GHG Inventories, as well as building of sustainable national GHG inventory management systems.

Therefore, the workshop emphasized both the importance of establishing a national inventory management system to support the regular development and submission of national GHG gas inventories, and provided hands-on training on the 2006 IPCC guidelines for national GHG inventories, including the IPCC inventory software.

The workshop consisted of six sessions. The first session included a keynote address by the Honorable Minister Selibe Mochoboroane, Minister of Energy and Meteorology (Lethotho), and the sharing of country experiences by representatives of Benin, South Africa, Swaziland, and Tunisia.

The second session focused on the key role of the national GHG inventory management system, including presentations and hands on materials to support the development of a national GHG inventory management system. This session concluded with a group discussion where participants shared their experiences in using the proposed templates.

Sessions three through five provided training on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, including general guidance, reporting, and sectoral guidance. Following an overview of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, including differences between the Revised 1996 and the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, participants were introduced to the IPCC inventory software and Emission Factor Database. The IPCC 2006 Guidelines were presented by sector —Energy, Industrial Processes and Product Use, Waste, and Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. For each sector, participants reviewed source/sink categories and methodologies, and completed a hands-on exercise using the IPCC inventory software. Participants then learned how to utilize the IPCC inventory software for compiling various components of a national GHG inventory.

The UNFCCC Secretariat is organizing similar workshops for the Latin America and Caribbean, and Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe regions, in June and September 2016, respectively.

Presentations from the workshop are available on the UNFCCC website: http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/meetings/items/655.php

Wrap-up of 14th Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia

25/08/2016 16:45

Joseph Peter Ndimu

25/08/2016 16:59

25.08.2016

The Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) convened, together with the Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism of Mongolia, the “14th Workshop on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories in Asia (WGIA14)” from 26 to 28 July 2016 in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar. The main purpose of the annual workshop was to develop and improve national GHG inventories in the Asian region and to enhance cooperative relationships as a means of achieving this.

93 participants attended WGIA14, including government and research institution representatives of thirteen countries (Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam), in addition to representatives of the Technical Support Unit of the IPCC Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and others.

Mutual learning sessions on GHG inventories were held during the workshop, and discussions took place on themes related to Biennial Update Reports (BURs) and to various activities with co-benefits for GHG inventories/mitigation and related support. In the mutual learning sessions, the following four GHG inventory sectors were taken up – Energy, Industrial Processes, Land Use, Land-Use Change and forestry (LULUCF) and Waste.

For each session, two countries engaged with each other by following up on the Q&A which had taken place over the course of two and a half months preceding the workshop. Experts and government officials in charge of the national inventory from the partnering countries met each other in person at the sessions, clarifying their questions and elaborating on their answers.

Through the mutual learning sessions, specific issues in the four inventory sectors were identified and some solutions were proposed. Common difficulties such as challenges in collecting activity data or achieving completeness in the coverage of sources/sinks, as well as institutional arrangement issues were acknowledged.

Following the mutual learning sessions, the following topics were taken up in the plenary sessions: 1) Updates on the National Communications and BURs from developing country Parties, 2) Institutional Arrangements for National GHG Inventories and BURs, 3) Good Practices in the International Consultation and Analysis (ICA) Process, and 4) Activities with co-benefits for GHG inventories/mitigation and related support.

Photo credit: Basharat Alam Shah

In Session 1), participants exchanged views on how to interpret UNFCCC decisions, and the practicalities of implementing them. It was acknowledged that the 2006 IPCC Guidelines reflect the latest scientific knowledge, but the transition to using them requires capacity building. In Session 2), the importance of coordinating between institutional arrangements for inventory preparation, mitigation planning and adaptation was highlighted. In Session 3), it was acknowledged that the ICA process contributes to enhancing transparency, and the capacity of countries to improve their GHG inventories, mitigation and emission reduction work, as well as to the next submission of BURs and Nationally Determined Contributions. In Session 4), participants reconfirmed the co-benefits between air pollution control, terrestrial monitoring and the enhancing of GHG inventories. Clarifications were also sought and provided for related support for the improvement of GHG inventories.

E-learning course on National Communications

29/08/2017 12:08

Bhava Dhungana

29/08/2017 13:41

29.08.2017

Register for the CGE e-learning courses by 1 September 2017! The Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from non-Annex I Parties (CGE) has developed online e-learning courses to assist the preparation of national communications. The e-courses are free of charge and are open to everyone. Participants have 3 months to complete the course and will receive a certificate upon completion. Please mail any questions to tisu@unfccc.int. Register for the e-courses here>> http://bit.ly/1Ex9GIC

CAPACITY-BUILDING INITIATIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY (CBIT)

As part of the Paris Agreement, Parties to the UNFCCC agreed to establish a Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of developing countries to meet the enhanced transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement.

06/12/2017 11:48

Marlan Pillay

01/11/2019 11:41

06.12.2017

In order to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of developing countries to meet the transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement, countries agreed to establish a Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT). The GEF was requested to support the establishment and operation of the CBIT, including through voluntary contributions to support developing countries during GEF-6 (2014- 2018) and future replenishment cycles.

The CBIT has three aims:

1. Strengthen national institutions for transparency-related activities in line with national priorities

2. Provide relevant tools, training and assistance for meeting the provisions stipulated in Article 13 of the Agreement Assist in the improvement of transparency over time

3. Assist in the improvement of transparency over time

More information on the CBIT can be found here:

· Video on the CBIT

· Information leaflet on CBIT

All developing country Parties have access to the CBIT upon request. A list of projects approved under the CBIT can be found here: Projects under CBIT

Achievements of the CGE and Success Stories of NCs and BURs from Developing Countries

06/12/2017 10:59

Marlan Pillay

06/12/2017 12:30

06.12.2017

The Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (CGE) organized a side-event on 9 November 2017 on the margins of COP 23 to showcase the key achievements of the group and success stories of developing countries on the preparation of the national communications (NCs) and biennial update reports (BURs). The panel of speakers consisted of Mr. Stephen King’uyu, the CGE member from Kenya, Ms. Emma Rachmawaty from Indonesia, and Ms. Mariana Kaspzyk from Uruguay. Mr. William Agyemang-Bonsu from the secretariat moderated the event.

Mr. King’uyu outlined the key objectives of the group, its strategic priorities, and its key activities in 2017. The key outputs of the CGE included updated training materials on:

Reporting of mitigation actions and their effects in BURs;

National greenhouse gas inventories;

Reporting information on finance, technology transfer and capacity-building needs and support received;

The CGE also prepared a “Technical Tool to Facilitate Parties Prepare for and Participate in The International Consultation and Analysis”;

Mr. King’uyu also informed that in addition to the updated training materials, the CGE had also conducted two regional hands-on training workshops on the preparation of mitigation action and reporting on them in national communications (NCs) and biennial update reports (BURs), and 7 webinars, which is complemented by the online e-learning courses on the topics of GHG inventories, mitigation assessment and vulnerability and adaptation assessment.

Two countries, Indonesia and Uruguay, presented their success stories regarding the preparation and submission of NCs and BURs.

Ms.Rachmawaty from Indonesia shared how the process of preparing the national reports are being improved based on the lessons learned and feedback from the participation in the facilitative sharing of views (FSV). She noted that work on NC and BURs could improve capacity of national and sub-national experts, promote stakeholder engagement and strengthen institutional arrangements. She highlighted a few challenges that needs to be overcome. These relate to data availability and collection, use of IPCC 2006 guidelines, assessing impacts of mitigation actions, and enhancing and maintaining on a continuous basis appropriate institutional arrangements. In terms of next steps, she highlight two concrete actions: incorporating baseline and target under its NDC into national development plan.

In addition to the views from Indonesia, Ms. Kasprzyk shared the success stories of Uruguay. Uruguay had first initiated the process of preparation of the NCs in 1994, and since then it has been maintained on a continuous basis. This resulted in having in place sound institutional arrangements with permanent team in the Climate Change Division supported by specific sectoral working groups. This, in turn, enable Uruguay to continuously and actively engage in the MRV process. Till date, Uruguay has already completed 4 rounds of NCs and the first BUR. The preparation of the fifth NC is underway and is about to submit second BUR. These reports were noted to be help at the national level, among other things, in raising awareness on climate change and also as a tool for policy-making.

This animation explains the benefits of the measurement, reporting and verification

The webcast of the side-event is available here (starting at 8:50)

The presentations are available here.

Understanding the MRV process under the UNFCCC

To foster transparency, trust and confidence and promote climate action Parties to the UNFCCC put in place arrangements for measurement, reporting and verification (MRV). The transparency mechanism under the UNFCCC process uses a language which is full of acronyms, and this video explains some of them.

29/08/2017 12:14

Bhava Dhungana

29/08/2017 12:18

29.08.2017

Find the video here

For more information viste the site here.

Supporting the Implementation of MRV and Transparency Framework

An event showcasing initiatives to support measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) and the transparency of action and support was held on November 13, 2017, during the twenty-third Conference of Parties.

06/12/2017 11:02

Marlan Pillay

06/12/2017 12:29

06.12.2017

The expert panel – the Global Environment Facility (GEF); the UNDP/UN Environment Global Support Programme (GSP); and the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT-UNEP-DTU) presented support initiatives focused on the enhancement of developing countries’ national capacity to effectively participate in the existing MRV arrangements under the Convention, as well as their preparations to implement the modalities, procedures and guidelines of the transparency framework under the Paris Agreement. A representative from the National Council for Climate Change and the Clean Development Mechanism of the Dominican Republic also provided their experience and lessons learned in mobilizing and accessing necessary support in a timely manner.

Photo: L-R: Karen Hedeman Lluberes (Dominican Republic); John Christensen (Director of UNEP DTU Partnership); Monica Echegoyen (ICAT Coordinator); Dominique Revet (UNFCCC secretariat); Damiano Borgogno (UNDP GSP); Milena Gonzalez Vasquez (the GEF).

The event was moderated by the UNFCCC secretariat. It was well-attended and generated interest and views from the audience during an interactive Question and Answer session.

Overall, the panel discussion reinforced the idea that effective participation in the current MRV arrangements under the Convention and transparency framework under the Paris Agreement requires long-term efforts for capacity-building support in developing countries and a systemic approach to build robust and sustainable national MRV systems. The panelists highlighted the need to ensure that the information prepared and submitted in national reports is relevant to national development process by informing relevant policies, plans and thus gaining political buy-in at national level. The degree to which support opportunities are effectively utilized can be enhanced by a high degree of political commitment from policy-makers and government officials.

The representatives of support providers outlined their initiatives available to developing countries to strengthen or establish national MRV systems. The financial, technical and capacity-building support has been provided in areas of, inter alia, developing legal frameworks and instruments; enhancing or consolidating existing institutional arrangements; improving data collection and management; and producing high quality national communications and biennial update reports (also known as BURs).

The Dominican Republic shared their experience and lessons learned in conducting a technical, institutional and legal analysis to examine the current situation and identify the gaps in regards to the main elements that make up a national MRV/Transparency System that is compatible with national data management practices as well as with reporting requirements to the UNFCCC. Their aim is to produce a mapping of existing relevant institutions that will play a role in the institutional arrangement to implement the MRV system; and to create a road map detailing the activities that need to be implemented for obtaining reliable and regular information on GHG emissions and reductions.

The interactive discussion with the audience led to an emphasis on the need for developing countries to encapsulate the knowledge and experience gained from the MRV process, as well as showcase their efforts and progress made.

The webcast of the side-event is available here.

The presentations are available here.

New guidance document for the peer review of GHG inventories

A new guidance document for the peer review of GHG inventories for Parties has been created by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, with the support of the Global Support Programme (GSP) for National Communications and Biennial Update Reports (GSP).

29/08/2017 11:52

Bhava Dhungana

29/08/2017 11:57

29.08.2017

The document aims to serve as a manual for experts to assess the GHG inventory and inventory development process. It describes how to perform a review of national GHG inventory management systems and national GHG inventories for non-Annex I Parties, taking into consideration and ensuring consistency with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines for national GHG inventories, and the Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (CGE) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) training materials, workbooks, templates on developing sustainable national GHG inventory systems. Parties to the UNFCCC submit information on the implementation of the Convention, including national actions to mitigate and adapt to the climate change as well as inventory of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Developing countries submit this information through national communications every four years and biennial update reports every two years. The greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories form the core of part of these reports.

Read more here.

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Opportunities to Boost NDCs Implementation

The NDC Regional Dialogue convenes countries from the same region to share their approaches and experiences with NDC planning and implementation activities. One of the objectives is to identify opportunities for translating NDCs into concrete actions (in particular in the energy sector) to contribute to NDC goals.

26/07/2018 17:11

Serkant Samurkas

26/07/2018 17:11

26.07.2018

Since 2015, the UNFCCC secretariat and UNDP organize NDC Regional Dialogues to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges in planning and implementing the National Determined Contributions (NDCs). The NDC Regional Dialogue convenes countries from the same region to share their approaches and experiences with NDC planning and implementation activities. These dialogues are also an opportunity to bring together governments from the regions with donors and support institutions.

Up until now, a total of 16 NDC Regional Dialogues have been held since 2015 in most regions of the world, including Latin America, Africa, Pacific, and Eurasia, reaching over 1500 participants from more than 150 governments. For 2016-2018, the objectives of the dialogues are:

- Exchange national experiences and views related to NDC implementation planning, including linkages to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and other planning processes, as well as opportunities to advance gender equality;

- Identify opportunities for translating NDCs into concrete actions (in particular in the energy sector) to contribute to NDC goals;

- Discuss finance considerations, including private-sector engagement, in the context of NDC implementation;

- Discuss future steps on NDCs in the context of the Talanoa Dialogue, raising ambition, and long-term development strategies.

The next regional NDC dialogue will take place in the first week of October in Bangkok, Thailand for the Asia region and the second week of October in Castries, St. Lucia for the Caribbean region.

During the latest round of dialogues, it became clear that governments around the world are facing similar challenges as regards NDC implementation under the Paris Agreement. For example, many countries are currently looking into how to best determining institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms, increasing stakeholder ownership and building capacity, as well as planning for implementation. With regards to funding the NDC implementation activities, government are working on costing out actions and developing funding strategies, including accessing finance sources and support for action. It appears that there is a clear need for related capacity building support for MRV systems and linking NDC implementation with National Communications (NCs), Biennial Update Reports (BURs), Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) reporting efforts.

About NDCs

NDCs are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and the achievement of these long-term goals. NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement (Article 4, paragraph 2) requires each Party to prepare, communicate and maintain successive NDCs that it intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions.

NDCs are then recorded in the NDC registry which is publicly available and maintained by the secretariat. Modalities and procedures for the operation and use of this public registry are currently being negotiated under the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), agenda item 6. Until the modalities and procedures of the public NDC registry are finalized, communicated NDCs are registered and available in the interim NDC registry.

Up to this date, there are 172 Parties that have submitted their first NDCs out of 178 Parties that have ratified the Paris Agreement. Under the provisions of the Paris Agreement, Parties will be expected to submit an updated NDC every five years, which will represent a progression beyond the country’s then current NDC to reflect its highest possible ambition.

For more information about NDC Regional Dialogues and other NDC related events, please click here.

Follow Mitigation & Transparency Exchange Facebook page for updates about NDCs.

Gaining further experience for implementation of the Paris Agreement

The third cycle of International Assessment and Review was launched in March 2018. Since 2014, the trust among all Parties has been built through the implementation of the monitoring reporting and verification system. Wealth of experience was gained by climate change experts and Parties by reviewing and multilaterally assessing national reports of developed Parties and by analysing and facilitatively sharing views on the national reports of developing Parties. The practice and lessons learned through these processes informs the development of the Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement.

21/03/2018 11:31

Bhava Dhungana

21/03/2018 11:31

21.03.2018

At the beginning of this year most developed countries submitted their third biennial reports and seventh national communications showcasing among other things:

· Actions related to climate change;

· Progress countries are making to achieve its target; and

· Support provided to developing countries.

Now it is time for expert review teams to review these reports and verify Parties’ progress made.

In order to get ready, the lead reviewers (LRs) of Biennial Reports and National Communications met in Bonn (28 February – 1 March 2018). The meeting aimed to facilitate the work of the LRs in fulfilling their task of ensuring consistency of reviews across Parties under review. 64 experts attended the meeting, 33 from non-Annex I Parties and 31 were from Annex I Parties. During the meeting experts shared their experiences when reviewing Parties and agreed on approaches for the upcoming reviews. LRs enjoyed a lot the practical exercises, which allow them to mock the review activities.

The submissions from 26 Parties will be reviewed in March–June 2018. The European Union and the Netherlands were the first two Parties to receive expert review teams followed by Germany and the Czech Republic. In the following months expert review teams will go to the capitals of Australia, Canada, France, Hungary and Japan to assess the reported information, meet with country experts and share experiences, success stories and challenges when implementing the commitment of the UNFCCC.

The reviews are followed by the Multilateral Assessment sessions, scheduled for SBI sessions in December 2018, June and December 2019.

10th round of technical analysis was convened in Bonn, Germany, from 5 to 9 March 2018.

13/03/2018 09:56

Bhava Dhungana

13/03/2018 09:56

13.03.2018

The tenth round of technical analysis was convened in Bonn, Germany, from 5 to 9 March 2018. Two teams of technical experts (TTE) conducted the technical analysis of five second BURs (Lebanon, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam) and one first BUR (Jordan). During the initial remarks, the secretariat reiterated the importance of the current MRV arrangements for developing countries, as a critical input to the ongoing negotiations on the Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines for the transparency framework under the Paris agreement. Further, based on the positive feedback received from Parties, the secretariat underscored the importance of the technical analysis process to Parties, in identifying their prioritized capacity-building needs and demonstrating to the world, the results achieved from their mitigation actions, hence the important role of experts in conducting technical analyses.

Over the next nine months, the TTEs, in consultation with the Parties, will prepare the summary reports for each of those Parties analysed. The information will capture the findings of the technical analysis, including capacity building needs, aimed at enhancing the capacity of Parties to facilitate transparent reporting of information reported in their BURs. Once published on the secretariat’s website, these summary reports will serve as input to the facilitative sharing of views process for these Parties.

Since the launch of the ICA process in 2015, Parties have submitted 54 reports, including 39 and 15 first and second BURs respectively. To date, the secretariat has composed 21 TTE, consisting of 138 experts, who have analysed 52 BURs. To date, 41 of the summary reports have been published on the UNFCCC website, additional information is available here:

http://unfccc.int/10054.php and http://unfccc.int/10367php.

Implementation of the existing MRV arrangements under the Convention: Achievements of the CGE, and lessons learned and experiences of developing countries

An event highlighting the achievements of the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE), and experiences and lessons learned by developing countries’ in the preparation of their national reports, national communication (NC) and biennial update report (BUR), was held on May 2, 2018, during the Bonn Climate Change Conference 2018.

24/05/2018 10:40

Serkant Samurkas

24/05/2018 10:40

24.05.2018

The CGE Chair, Mr. Thiago de Araujo Mendes, presented key achievements and activities of the CGE in assisting developing countries in implementing the existing measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) arrangements under the Convention from 2014 to 2017. The CGE, one of the oldest expert groups and key technical support element under the Convention, has updated 4 sets of training materials, developed a technical tool and training programme for experts to support the technical analysis of the BURs; organized 11 regional hands-on training workshops where a total of 443 national experts were trained; and held 16 webinars that reached 728 participants. The CGE also has its own digital platform to share every activity called CGE e-Network.

The Chair noted that there is still great need to enhance national capacities of developing countries to effectively participate in the existing MRV arrangements under the Convention and get ready for the enhanced transparency framework under the Paris Agreement, with a focus on putting in place sustainable institutional arrangements.

Representatives from Tuvalu, Georgia, Jordan, and Viet Nam shared their experiences and lessons learned in the preparation of their national reports. They also outlined some of the key next steps identified in the preparation of the next national reports.

(L-R) Ms. Jihye Choi and Mr. William Kojo Agyemang-Bonsu, UNFCCC secretariat; Mr. Thiago de Araujo Mendes, The CGE Chair; Ms. Litiana Talake, Tuvalu; Ms. Dina Kisbi, Jordan; Mr. Kakhaberi Mdivani, Georgia; Ms. Ngoc Tran, Viet Nam.

Ms. Litiana Talake, a representative from Tuvalu, presented that one of the key challenges identified in preparing NCs and BURs was a limited or lack of accurate and reliable data across all sectors. To overcome such challenge, Tuvalu developed a centralized information management system, and promoted information and knowledge sharing amongst stakeholders involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation. They intend to use their NC as the basis for policy development for climate change.

Mr. Kakhaberi Mdivani, a representative from Georgia, highlighted that the absence of legal framework for climate related data management and limited access to the data necessary for higher tier methods emerged as a key challenge for Georgia. As the next steps, Georgia is going to switch to the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for its BUR. Further, Georgia will strengthen dialogue with the team of technical experts (TTE) members since it was very helpful to share ideas as well as to have inputs from them that can help improve the quality of the subsequent reports.

Ms. Dina Kisbi, a representative from Jordan, provided an overview of the institutional arrangements for reporting, technical and capacity-building needs; and outcomes of the technical analysis of its BUR. In addition, she highlighted several new aspects that were introduced to prepare its first BUR. This included collaboration with non-governmental organizations and the switch to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. She highlighted that a national MRV system will be established to support reporting by 2020 and the country is in the process of preparing its next BUR and NC.

Ms. Ngoc Tran, a representative from Viet Nam, identified several challenges for Viet Nam in preparing its national reports, such as lack of understanding of reporting guidelines, standardized process for data collection and quality assurance, and technical capacity and coordination among institutions and experts involved. She highlighted the need to improve institutional arrangements including the set-up of domestic MRV system and noted the need for additional in-country training for preparing the report, and timely and sustainable financial and technical support.

During the ensuing discussion, participants addressed, among others: how to retain technical expertise gained from trainings in national institutions; the role of documentation; and the process of conducting quality control and quality assurance of the data collected. The interactive discussion with the audience led to an emphasis on the need for developing countries to put in place national system to implement MRV arrangements in a sustainable manner, and thereby to encapsulate and build upon the country knowledge and technical capacity.

If you missed the event, you can see the webcast in here.

The presentations are available here.

To check on what they have submitted, you can find it here: National Communications and Biennial Update Reports.

UN Climate Change Continues NDC Webinar Series in 2019

Save the date! Please join the UNFCCC NDC unit webinar Wednesday, 23 January at 14:30 CET (08:30 EST), “Updates from COP24 Negotiations relating to NDCs.”

21/01/2019 11:55

Serkant Samurkas

21/01/2019 11:55

21.01.2019

UN Climate Change News, 18 January 2019 - A central element for implementing the Paris Agreement on climate action are the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of each Party. NDCs are national climate plans highlighting climate actions, including climate related targets, policies and measures governments aims to implement in response to climate change and as a contribution to global climate action. Central to the NDCs is the concept of national determination.

The NDC webinar series was therefore created as a forum to discuss various aspects of the NDCs. They also allow interactive participation, by giving the opportunity to the audience to interact with the experts engaged as resource persons.

This year, the webinars will focus on the experiences and lessons learned from the Parties on planning and implementation of NDCs. The news and updates on negotiations about NDCs will also be shared during these webinars.

The first webinar in the series will highlight the key outcomes of the recent COP24 negotiations in Katowice, focusing on the information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding (iCTU) and accounting of NDCs and on the modalities procedures and guidelines for the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).

So; save the date, Wednesday 23 January at 14:30 CET (08:30 EST), “Updates from COP24 negotiations relating to NDCs and ETF.” We will be listening to the distinguished co-facilitators and have a chance to ask them questions.

More info about the webinar series can be found here >> https://bit.ly/2HcQFTR

CGE conducts regional hands-on training workshops on identifying adaptation actions and reporting them in national communications

The first CGE hands-on workshop was held in Lomé, Togo from 23-26 July, 2018.

08/11/2018 11:59

Serkant Samurkas

08/11/2018 11:59

08.11.2018

The Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (CGE) held three regional hands-on training workshops on identifying and reporting adaptation actions in 2018 for Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention. The first workshop, for the African region, was held in Lomé, Togo from 23 to 26 July, the second, for the Latin American and Caribbean region, was held in Asunción, Paraguay, from 17 to 20 September, and the third, for the Asia-Pacific and Eastern European regions, was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 8 to 11 October.

The workshops were designed based on the CGE’s assessment of the problems, constraints and lessons learned and best practices in the preparation of national communications (NCs) and biennial update reports (BURs), feedback from past workshop participants, and surveys conducted with the national focal points and NC and BUR coordinators. The CGE has identified that countries often lack rigorous and scientific assessment of vulnerability and adaptation (V&A), and thus the adaptation options/measures are generic. In most cases, countries face challenges in selecting appropriate and practical methodologies to their national circumstances and carrying out complete sectoral assessments. Furthermore, while a few countries have explored the possibility of conducting vulnerability and adaptation assessments in the context of preparation of NCs as an opportunity to integrate climate change responses into relevant national and sectoral policies, there is still a need to provide a broader picture of how the assessment of impacts and vulnerability to climate change can lead to adaptation options that can inform formulation of robust climate resilient sectoral policies, plans or programmes.

Workshop Objectives

The objectives of the workshops were to enhance the technical knowledge of national experts on the science, methods and tools necessary for conducting vulnerability and adaptation assessments, translating the assessment results into adaptation actions and reporting the actions in their national communications. The workshops were similar in design and structure and several sessions were conducted at each. The following topics were covered through presentations and interactive hands-on exercises: 1) Big picture: global landscape of climate change impacts and action, 2) General steps in V&A assessments and frameworks, 3) Sectoral V&A assessment, planning and implementation, 4) Translating sectoral V&A assessment results into national policies and plans, 5) Reporting to the Convention, 6) Establishing or enhancing national institutional arrangements and 7) Peer exchange.

For the session on sectoral V&A assessment, planning and implementation, the following four sectors were presented: (i) water; (ii) coastal; (iii) health; and (iv) agriculture. These sectors were chosen through a survey amongst national focal points, NC and BUR coordinators to identify the interest and need of the countries.

Each presentation was followed by question and answer sessions and breakout group exercises based on case studies. These exercises generated an exchange of views and lessons learned during the process and allowed participants to gain a skill set for identifying adaptation actions and reporting them in NC’s.

The workshops were designed to allow for flexibility on the level of detail. Before each regional workshop commenced, a pre-workshop survey was conducted to understand the level of experience of the participants and their expectations for the workshop, with the organizers using the findings to customize and adjust the level and approach of the sessions. During the four days, participants and resource persons reviewed these expectations to ensure that the participants’ needs were met.

Participants’ Assessment and Feedback

Overall, the participants of the regional hands-on training workshops appreciated the opportunity to work with a set of methods and tools necessary to conduct V&A assessments through hands-on exercises. After each of the regional workshops, a post-workshop survey was conducted to assess if the workshop met the objectives and expectations of the participants as well as allowing the CGE to adjust and improve the content and approach for the workshop. The assessment also allows the CGE to adjust and improve the content and approach for the workshop. The response rates for the workshops were 76 per cent for the African region, 63 per cent for the Latin America and Caribbean, and 81 per cent for Asia-Pacific and Eastern European regions.

Per the survey results, most surveyed participants found the quality of the regional hands-on training workshops to be either excellent (42%, on average) or good (54%, on average). Participants found the content of the workshop to be either very relevant (41-48% for each session) or relevant (40-47%) to their daily work

Workshops’ Success

In general, the workshops were successful in several areas including: 1) Familiarization of the entire cycle of planning and conducting a V&A assessment, identifying adaptation options, decision-making and planning and reporting adaptation actions in NCs, 2) Serving as a platform for sharing experience and lessons learned among national experts from the same region, 3) Promoting networking among national experts, 4) Clarifying the context and mandate for developing countries to report information on adaptation in their NCs, and 5) Providing a platform for the CGE to interact with national experts and gain first-hand insight into lessons learned and experience as well as constraints and challenges countries are facing.

Appreciation

The CGE, the secretariat and participants expressed their appreciation to the Governments of Nepal, Paraguay and Togo for hosting the workshops. The CGE also extended its appreciation to RCC Lomé and to the UNDP country offices in Paraguay and Nepal for organizing the logistical arrangements for these workshops. The CGE thanked the resource persons from Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA), Deltares, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II, the United Nations Development Programme National Adaptation Plan Global Support Programme and the World Health Organization.The CGE thanked those developed country Parties included in Annex II to the Convention and other developed country Parties that provided financial resources for the workshops.

The full report on the regional workshops is available here.

The CGE’s annual progress report to the Subsidiary Body for Implementation can be found here.

Work of the CGE in supporting developing countries prepare their national communications and biennial update reports

Representatives from Kenya, the CGE and Lebanon presented at the side-event.

08/01/2019 11:43

Serkant Samurkas

08/01/2019 11:43

08.01.2019

The Consultative Group of Experts organized a side-event to present its achievements, impact and lessons learned from supporting developing country Parties to prepare their national communications (NCs) and biennial update reports (BURs) on Monday 10 December 2018 at COP24 in Katowice, Poland. In addition, Kenya and Lebanon shared key findings and the process they followed to prepare their national reports.

The CGE outlined its accomplishments between 2014 – 2018 including: training over 2,000 experts through regional hands-on training workshops and webinars on different themes of NC and BURs and training another 385 experts for the technical analysis of BURs, and developing and disseminating online technical resources and other guidance toolkits. The CGE highlighted two important roles that it could play: act as a bridge between the intergovernmental process and the practitioner on the ground, and actively engage with experts from developing countries in the implementation of the existing measurement, reporting and verification arrangements. The CGE noted that there is a continued need and demand, with greater emphasis on putting in place sustainable institutional arrangements, to enhance the national capacities of developing country Parties to prepare their NCs and BURs.

Lebanon shared the key findings from their greenhouse gas inventory and their mitigation assessment. It also shared some of the key challenges in preparing its BUR – mostly resulting from a lack of proper institutional arrangements in place for data collection such as underdeveloped arrangements for monitoring and collection of data for the preparation of the national GHG inventory, and limited data on the progress of policy implementation. In addition, it was also noted there were challenges in reporting needs and support received due to different definitions and methodologies. Lessons learned from Lebanon included: (i) maintaining a continuous process for preparing such national reports; (ii) defining clear roles and responsibilities amongst teams; (iii) setting clear expectations of the end product; and (iv) developing a systematic data collection process. Lebanon encouraged the CGE to continue providing tools to capture support received for climate change and track impact of policies and strategies.

Kenya shared key findings from their second NCs and also the process of preparing their initial and second NCs. It was noted that institutional arrangements for reporting and data collection were a challenge, mainly due to the lack of awareness amongst the data providers. However, through Kenya’s national law on climate change, awareness has been raised in various ministries on climate change issues, which in turn has facilitated in the development of a system for reporting. Through this process, institutional arrangements for reporting are now becoming more permanent and various sectoral ministries are starting to provide information for the next NC and first BUR. This has resulted in a mainstreamed approach for developing climate change action plans amongst various ministries.

One of the key takeaway messages from the event was that with every cycle of the preparation of NCs and BURs can contribute towards a country’s effort to develop and maintain a long-term institutional arrangement for reporting. This can result in a high-quality data and analytical assessments on climate action, which in turn could feed into national planning processes with a data-backed and science-informed policies and plans.

Keep following our Facebook page Mitigation & Transparency Exchange for more insights and discussions into the work of the CGE.

COP24 Review of the terms of reference of the Consultative Group of Experts

14/01/2019 13:42

Serkant Samurkas

14/01/2019 13:42

14.01.2019

At COP24 in Katowice, Poland it was decided that the mandate of the Consultant Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention will be extended for eight years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2026 and will be renamed the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE). In addition to assisting developing country Parties fulfil their reporting requirements under the Convention, the CGE will also support the implementation of the enhanced transparency framework under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement. This includes facilitating the provision of technical advice and support to developing country Parties to prepare their biennial transparency reports and providing technical advice to the secretariat on the implementation of the training of technical expert review teams. The first meeting of the newly mandated CGE will take place on 21-22 February 2019 in Bonn, Germany where a work plan will be discussed and agreed upon.

Circular Economies 2.0: Experts Highlight Innovation and Best Practice

In conjunction with the Bonn Climate Change Conference 2018, experts from around the world gathered in Bonn to champion the benefits of circular economies at the Technical Expert Meetings on Mitigation (TEMs-M).

17/05/2018 13:23

Serkant Samurkas

17/05/2018 13:23

17.05.2018

In conjunction with the Bonn Climate Change Conference 2018, experts from around the world gathered in Bonn to champion the benefits of circular economies.

Having come a long way from its theoretical inception in the 1960s, circular economies are now being implemented with ever greater success by front-running government ministries, businesses, NGOs and international organisations.

Experts convened to share their innovative approaches, lessons learned and tangible benefits for the climate and sustainable development. Aligned with the year-long Talanoa Dialogue around ambition before and after 2020, the expert gathering helped to boost climate action before 2020 in concrete terms.

“This meeting plays a crucial role to boost climate action before 2020 by informing and inspiring countries about the currently available solutions and best practices on waste-to-energy and supply chain re-design”, said Mr. Emmanuel Dlamini, chair of the subsidiary body for implementation in his opening remarks.

He asked the experts and participants to ponder ways forward and necessary actions to be taken by countries, cities, businesses, and organizations to replicate and upscale identified innovative approaches.

A “circular economy” is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use and dispose). It aims to use resources as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them and recover and regenerate materials at the end.

Waste-to-energy and supply chain redesign solutions are integral parts to achieving circular economies and the associated triple benefits: economic, environmental and employment.

As part of the so-called Technical Expert Meetings on Mitigation (TEMs-M), experts eagerly engaged and showcased their achievements in implementing circular economies.

TEMs Mitigation: Session III – Replicating and upscaling innovations and best practices on waste-to-energy and circular economy, including elements of supply chain redesign.

Waste-to-energy: Best practices from the government and technological innovators

A number of experts presented innovative technologies for waste-to-energy solutions and associated challenges.

Mr. Le Viet Vinh from Viet Hien Coffee Processing Machinery, Vietnam explained the pyrolysis-flox technology, which is very useful and efficient for turning agricultural waste (such as rice husks, coffee husks, maize spindles, and cashew shells) into clean heat energy and biochar, a natural soil enhancer.

Mr. Heinz J. Sturm from International Clean Energy Partnership Foundation Climate Technology Center (ICEPS CTC) Bonn, presented an emerging hydrogen fuel cell technology, in which biomass waste can be used to generate hydrogen fuel for various uses.

Ms. María José Gonzalez from Biovalor Project, Uruguay gave an example from two pilot projects of how slaughterhouse’s waste from 500 cows is powering a biogas plant to meet the energy demand of the nearby community. However, technological innovation also comes with some barriers. “One of the barriers is that this kind of project has high investment risks for the size of our producers. Also, there is still a lack of knowledge about technologies,” she said.

Ms. Jenitha Badul, a representative from Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa explained that “…the initial investments for waste-to-energy solutions are quite high, but the return is fast. A balanced package of supportive legal framework, political leadership and an incubation fund for start-ups through public and private investment could spur such solutions.”

Re-designing supply chain to achieve circularity

Ms. Ines dos Santos Costa from Ministry of Environment Portugal told the gathering of the ministry’s important public outreach initiative on circular economies. “We are focusing on raising awareness to inspire the public and companies about the circularity. Our means are a website, roadshows and workshops to showcase the best examples of companies, products, and projects in implementing a circular economy. We also have a funding program to provide start-up investment and support”.

It is also fascinating to see what the private sector is doing for circular economies and how it is working with the governments for circular economy to be adopted in the supply chain. As cited by Mr. Stefan Henningsson from WWF Sweden, Agriprotein in South Africa is reusing organic waste protein to replace fish and soy meal in animal feedstock. In doing so, they reduced emissions by 23 million tons of CO₂ per year by 2014. This initiative prevents burden on marine life, land use, transport and landfill, and CO₂ are saved in feedstock sourcing. Another initiative comes from Bamboo Winding Pipelines in China where bamboo is used to replace nonrenewable material, such as steel, concrete, and plastic. Thus, 63 million tons of CO₂avoided.

Ms. Preeti Srivasta, Director Corporate Climate Action of Ecofys said, “Industries are creating circular economy initiatives right now. But the private sector by itself will not be able to make a systemic change for the circular economy. Therefore, it is important to start engage with the suppliers and redesigning the supply chain.”

Enhanced innovation and collaboration needed to upscale and replicate identified solutions

Sira Saccani from Climate-KIC suggested to harness the potential of digital innovation in fostering circular economy activities. She gave an example of Pendula Resource Management from Germany, in which they enable companies and recyclers to easily organize, track, and then review recycling operations online using real-time data and analytics.

Mr. Alois P. Mhlanga from United Nations Industrial Development Organization said “There is a huge potential for innovation and business models to be scaled up. It is critical to create easy access to financing for entrepreneurs and innovation start-ups, coupled with capacity building support.”

Minister Inia Seruiratu, the high-level champion said, “The multi-stakeholders’ cooperation is needed to unlock high mitigation potential opportunities, including sustainable development benefits. The enhanced partnership and engagement amongst policy makers, industries, cities, regional and local organizations, civil societies can create an inclusive business model for waste-to-energy and supply chain redesign.”

He also added that the Technical Expert Meetings are very important vehicles to take a deep dive into the specific policies and opportunities with high mitigation potential that are both actionable in the short-term and align with the long-term goals of Paris Agreement.

TEMs-M Background

This Technical Expert Meeting on Mitigation (TEMs-M) was led and organized by the UNFCCC secretariat, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

This event was held as part the technical examination process on mitigation (TEP-M), mandated by governments at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2013. In the mandate, governments set the aim of exploring high-potential mitigation policies, practices and technologies with significant sustainable development co-benefits that could increase the mitigation ambition of pre-2020 climate action. This process was further specified at COP 20.

Keep following our Facebook page Mitigation & Transparency Exchange for the insights and snapshots of the meetings.

If you missed the event, more information can be obtained here.

Enhancing the preparedness of developing countries to implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework

From left to right: Mr. Stanford Mwakasonda (UNDP/UNEP Joint GSP); Mr. Siddhartha Nauduri (GGGI); Mr. William Agyemang-Bonsu (UNFCCC secretariat); Ms. Milena Gonzalez Vasquez (GEF); Ms. Miriam Hinostroza (UNEP DTU) and Mr. Oscar Zarzo from GIZ.

19/12/2018 10:43

Serkant Samurkas

19/12/2018 10:43

19.12.2018

An event showcasing the various financial, technical, and capacity-building support initiatives offered by various agencies was held on 11 December 2018, during the 24^th session of the Conference of the Parties in Katowice, Poland. The panel comprised of representatives from UNEP-DTU, UNEP/UNDP GSP, GEF, GGGI and GIZ.

Presenters provided an overview of the scope and depth of support provided to developing countries for effective participation in the MRV arrangements under the Convention and in terms of preparedness for participation in the Enhanced Transparency Framework as per Article 13 of the Paris Agreement.

The GEF shared information on the programming status of the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT). So far 41 national projects and 4 global projects were approved to the total value of 63 million USD. Of these, 13 projects have begun implementation. The GEF also spoke about priorities and lessons identified by countries in their national projects to date. UNEP DTU shared their experience in developing the knowledge management platform “CBIT Global Coordination Platform,’’ supported by the GEF. UNEP DTU also shared their experience in managing the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) that provides the tools, support and capacity-building to developing countries to measure and assess the effects of their climate policies and actions.

The Global Support Programme (GSP) jointly implemented by UN Environment and UNDP and funded by the GEF, discussed the support provided to developing countries in preparation of National Communications (NCs), GHG inventories, Mitigation and Vulnerability & Adaptation analysis, and Biennial Update Reports (BURs). Their major support approaches include regional and national training workshops; preparation of guidance materials/publications; review of Terms of References, draft reports/components; national inventory reports, NCs, BURs, mitigation analysis, V&A assessment; assist in identifying international experts; conducting joint training regional workshops with other international or regional capacity building entities; and development of regional MRV Networks that facilitate South-South and bilateral technical cooperation.

The GIZ shared information on the projects they are working on worldwide on MRV / Transparency (29 global, regional and bilateral projects in 18 countries.) including sharing links to various product offerings (Trainings, guidance documents, studies; NDC Helpdesk; Good Practice Database).

GGGI’s shared their experience in setting up their MRV Program in March 2017 upon request from the Member and Partner countries for support to enhance transparency in tracking greenhouse gas emissions and climate efforts towards NDC implementation under the Paris Agreement. They provide technical support through all phases (planning, implementation and operation) for establishment of MRV system at country level.

The presenters shared similar sentiments to GIZ about the lessons learned from the provision of support and highlighted some key ones:

· Institutionalization of MRV systems are anchored in and mandated by legislation or agreements;

· Sustainable MRV systems need national ownership and additional national human and financial resources.

· It’s important to highlight the additional benefits of climate reporting to governments, such as improving national statistics, enhance cooperation with the private sector or improve access to climate finance;

· Complementarity of national and regional/global CB support is needed amongst the different support providers

The event highlighted that whilst there are many support initiatives accessible to developing countries, these countries also need to ready themselves in terms of defining the scope and objective of their national MRV system; ensuring that the MRV system is supported by legislation or agreements so that stakeholders have a clear understanding of their role and responsibility in participation in the MRV system; as well as enhancing the political willingness at senior government levels to support the MRV system.

Keep following our Facebook page Mitigation & Transparency Exchange for more insights and snapshots.

If you missed the event, the presentations can be obtained here and the webcast is available here.

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