At COP16 in 2010, Parties decided to establish the international consultation and analysis (ICA) process under the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), to analyse the biennial update reports (BURs) from developing country Parties.
The ICA process aims to increase the transparency of mitigation actions and their effects, in a manner that is non-intrusive, non-punitive and respectful of the national sovereignty. The discussion on the appropriateness of domestic policies and measures is not part of the process. The process also contributes towards capacity-building of developing country Parties, which is reflected in the improved reporting of subsequent BURs.
The ICA process consists of two steps, which are triggered by the submission of BURs:
A team of technical experts (TTE) conducts a technical analysis of the BURs submitted by developing country Parties, and any additional technical information that may be provided by the Party concerned. An increasing number of developing country Parties are submitting national inventory reports (NIR) as additional information, as well as submitting REDD+ as technical annex to the BURs.
The enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement builds on the existing transparency arrangements under the Convention including the ICA. The ICA process provides an essential learning opportunity for Parties and stakeholders to better prepare for the ETF.
For questions on the ICA process, please e-mail the secretariat at ICA@unfccc.int
