Regional Collaboration Centres Support to CDM Stakeholders and DNAs ahead of COP 26

At the recent 110^th Meeting of the Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board (EB 110) globally Designated National Authorities (DNAs) interacted with the Board on the registration modalities under the temporary measures outlined in the EB 108 Report. Since the 108^th EB Meeting, UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs) have supported DNAs from host countries to enhance understanding in key areas on the future of the CDM, in the lead up to COP 26 in Glasgow in November.

The 110^th EB Meeting offered an opportunity for the Executive Board to interact with DNA Forum co-chairs, Mr. David Hynes of the UK and Mr. Kudakwashe Manyanga of Zimbabwe, via video conference. The Board took note of the Forum's inputs, among others appreciation of efforts made by the Regional Collaboration Centers in keeping the DNAs abreast of the latest development of the CDM and request for continued provision of updated information to DNAs on the centers' activities.

Supporting DNAs and CDM Stakeholders to transit into the post-2020 climate change regime

During the COVID-19 pandemic in-person meetings and workshops of RCCs and DNAs were not possible. Upon request, the six RCCs effectively engaged with the local stakeholders in supporting countries to strengthen public participation in the CDM. The assistance provided related to technical and procedural matters along the CDM project cycle, responding to questions about registration of project activities and programmes of activities (PoAs), handling Prior Consideration Forms for CDM projects as well as liaising with project participants on the future of the CDM.

Additionally, the UNFCCC/IGES Regional Collaboration Centre in Bangkok (RCC Bangkok) and the UNFCCC/WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre in Dubai (RCC Dubai) launched a Virtual Workshop Series to help DNAs transit into the post-2020 climate change regime.

The first Virtual Workshop focused on the role of  DNAs in the Modalities of Communication and  Letters of Approval, which ensure all emission reduction projects are authorized by host countries.

The second Virtual Workshop covered Standardized Baselines (SBLs) and their applications for climate change mitigation projects and frameworks. SBLs can be used for power grid emission factors, introduction of electric vehicles and standardization of wastewater treatment project activities. There are other examples of SBLs used for projects that promote climate-friendly cooking and by climate finance facilities to scale up solar energy investments. RCCs also continue to support countries looking to develop these sector-specific baseline emission factors.  

The third Virtual Workshop focused on Domestic and International Carbon Markets to enhance the understanding of the benefits of carbon pricing. The CiACA initiative, for example,supports countries exploring and developing carbon pricing instruments as part of their National Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Some projects by RCC Bangkok include: 

A study on the Introduction of Carbon Pricing Instruments and exploration of a domestic Emissions Trading System in Pakistan.

• A study on Cooperative MRV as a Foundation for a Potential Regional Carbon Market in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries
• The Regional Dialogues on Carbon Pricing (REdiCAP) in ASEAN and Central Asia countries

The fourth Virtual Workshop focused on Sustainable Development Assessment of Climate Actions. The workshop featured examples in host countries to assess CDM project contributions to sustainable development. These include:

Institutional arrangements including the establishment of national CDM Steering Committee Board

• Legal arrangements wherein project developers sign an agreement to share Certified Emission Reduction proceeds with the government for the sustainable development of local communities
• Proven co-benefits derived by developing a Sustainable Development Benefit Description as a documentary requirement for project approval 

These Virtual Workshops created a platform for the DNAs to share their experience, which helped to maintain Parties’ interest in the CDM. This Virtual Workshop Series supplemented the annual DNA Forums and was designed to increase engagement with several stakeholders.

Aligning with global discussions - DNA meetings in 2021

The efforts by RCCs’ efforts to keep the DNAs updated on the latest CDM developments in the CDM will continue. Building on this work, the UN Climate Change Secretariat will organize the Regional DNA Forum meetings as affiliated events of the Regional Climate Weeks in 2021.

The 2021 edition of the Regional DNA Forum will be focused on the current situation of the CDM, expectations for COP26, and experiences and opportunities available in all RCCs. RCC Panama and RCC St. George’s organized their working sessions entitled “Opportunities for registered CDM activities” during the LAC regional climate week on 14 May 2021. RCC Bangkok and RCC Dubai will organize their working session at the Asia Pacific Climate Week on 7 July 2021. These meetings will then culminate in a global gathering of national representatives working on CDM, to take place the week preceding COP26.