After 2 years, the ETF/CGE support unit organized the first in-person hands-on training workshop on transitioning to the ETF and tracking progress in implementing and achieving NDCs for the Caribbean region
The ETF/CGE support unit organized, after 2 years, the first in-person regional hands-on training workshop on transitioning to the enhanced transparency framework (ETF), the tracking of progress in implementing and achieving nationally determined contributions (NDCs) on 9-10 May 2022, in St George’s, Grenada, in collaboration with the Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub and with the contribution of the World Resources Institute (WRI).
The workshop aimed at enhancing the technical capacities of national experts of the Caribbean region who are involved in preparing NDCs, tracking the progress of implementation and achievement of NDCs as well as preparing NCs/BURs and BTRs.
Specifically, participants were able to familiarize themselves with the Glasgow outcomes of COP 26; the tables, formats and outlines adopted at COP 26, and analytical approaches to track the progress of implementation and achievement of NDCs, as well as key components for establishing strong and sustainable institutional arrangements. The workshop identified key areas of improvement and fostered peer-learning and exchange of experiences as well as lessons learned through the discussion sessions and case presentations delivered by the countries in the region.
Altogether, a total of 20 participants from eleven countries attended the training workshop in person. Another 4 participants from two countries joined remotely. In addition, eleven partner organizations participated remotely to outline the support opportunities available through them thereby facilitating bring the support opportunities closer to the ground. Opening remarks were conveyed by Jigme, Manager Transparency Division and Mr. Wiley Barbour, Programme Director, Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub.
The secretariat introduced the Glasgow outcomes in relation to ETF, the BTR outline and common tabular formats to track progress of the implementation and achievement of NDCs, and institutional arrangements to support implementation of the existing measurement, reporting and verification arrangements under the Convention and the ETF. During the workshop, the participants actively engaged in different hands-on exercises and discussions.
Representatives from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominican Republic presented the ongoing efforts in their countries on getting ready to implement the ETF and identifying areas of improvement and status of their ETF preparations. They provided an overview of ongoing or planned capacity-building projects and shared their experience with the international consultation and analysis process under the existing MRV arrangements. They also briefly provided insights on the national benefits of having transparency arrangements in place, such as providing evidence-based data and information to help designing and tracking climate change action, creating synergies and identifying capacity building needs. Several participants shared lessons learned in establishing and enhancing transparency arrangements, including importance of coordination, being strategic, stakeholder engagement and outreach at an early stage, mainstreaming data collection for creating synergies and efficient use of resources, enhancing national capacity, as well as appointment of in-country facilitators to manage coordination, communication and engagement.
The workshop also included two sessions on “accounting and reporting for GHG reduction goals” and “estimating mitigation outcomes of policies and actions to track progress of NDCs” based on the GHG Protocol Standards.
An exchange session was held with the collaborating organizations introducing the available support opportunities to assist the region countries in their efforts regarding the preparation of BTRs and enhancing technical capacities to implement the ETF, as well as how this support can be accessed. Participants actively listened to the representatives of Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Center, FAO, Global Green Growth Institute, Initiative for Climate Action Transparency, Organization of African, the Caribbean and the Pacific States, NDC Partnership, PATPA and Climate Analytics, and had the chance to ask questions for further clarification on the available tools and support opportunities offered.
At the closure of the workshop, participants provided very positive feedback, expressing their appreciation for organizing such a relevant and timely workshop and expressed further interest and enthusiasm for follow-up workshops. The suggested topics for future workshops included best practices on institutional arrangements, in-depth case studies on applying common reporting tables, GHG inventories, adaptation monitoring and evaluation, and reporting on FTC support needed and received. They also suggested to continue organizing in-person training workshops with more examples on choosing indicators, more case studies from the countries as well as more icebreaker polls. The participants also expressed their gratitude for the hospitality of the Government of Grenada.
The CGE/ETF support unit of the Transparency Division is planning to organize similar training workshops aimed at other (sub)regions to enhance understanding of provisions on tracking progress of NDCs, the BTR outline and its CTFs, as well as to foster peer-learning and exchange of experiences, lessons learned and best practices.