SBSTA 16 (FCCC/SBSTA/2002/6, paragraphs 33(a)–(c)) initiated the discussions regarding definitions and modalities for including afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM in the first commitment period.  The discussions took into account the issues of non-permanence, additionality, leakage, uncertainties and socio-economic and environmental impacts, including impacts on biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and were guided by the principles stated in the preamble to decision 16/CMP.1.  COP 9 adopted a decision on “Modalities and procedures for afforestation and reforestation activities under the CDM” ( 19/CP.9).  The COP/MOP, at its first session, adopted the decision on this matter as 5/CMP.1.

SBSTA 20 (FCCC/SBSTA/2004/6, paragraphs 29–33) took note of a technical paper prepared by the secretariat (FCCC/TP/2004/2) on simplified modalities and procedures for small-scale afforestation and reforestation projects under the CDM.  On the basis of submissions by Parties contained in documents FCCC/SBSTA/2004/MISC.3 and FCCC/SBSTA/2004/MISC.4, and of inputs by Parties during the SBSTA, a draft text for a decision on simplified modalities and procedures for small-scale afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM and on measures to facilitate the implementation of these project activities was prepared.

SBSTA 21 (FCCC/SBSTA/2004/13, paragraphs 39–41) continued to consider this issue, including a proposal for a draft decision on simplified modalities and procedures for small-scale afforestation and reforestation project activities under the clean development mechanism and measures to facilitate their implementation (FCCC/SBSTA/2004/INF.12) and forwarded a draft decision on this matter for adoption at COP 10.

COP 10 adopted a decision on simplified modalities and procedures for small-scale afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM and measures to facilitate their implementation ( Decision 14/CP.10) which included a draft COP/MOP decision on this matter.  This decision defined small-scale afforestation or reforestation project activities as those that are expected to result in net anthropogenic GHG removals by sinks of less than 8 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide per year.  Excess removals are not eligible for the issuance of tCERs or lCERs.  These project activities should directly benefit low-income community and individuals.  The COP/MOP, at its first session, adopted the decision on this matter ( 6/CMP.1).

For more information and latest developments on afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM, please refer to the following link:  << http://cdm.unfccc.int/index.html >>.

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