CGE Training materials - Mitigation Assessment Module B Mitigation in the Context of National Communications

Module Objectives and Expectations Objective: Provide participants with an introduction to climate change mitigation in the context of the UNFCCC, including: National communications (NC) and mitigation Experiences and lessons learned with mitigation Recent developments related to mitigation Expectations: Participants will have a broad but sound understanding of key issues related to climate change mitigation in the context of the UNFCCC, in particular, on reporting requirements for non-Annex I Parties and recent developments in the area of mitigation that are relevant for non-Annex I Parties.

Module Outline National communications and the mitigation components Experiences and lessons learned with mitigation components Recent developments related to mitigation The objective of this session is to provide the participants with an overview of mitigation in the context of climate change, sustainable development and the UNFCCC. It introduces key concepts and sets the stage for the subsequent sessions. It is heavily oriented around scientific findings and general issues and trends, motivating participants on the rationale and urgency associated with global greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, the benefits of mitigation actions, and how they can fit with other national priorities.  

Module B1 National Communications and the Mitigation Components

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle climate change Recognizes that climate is affected by anthropogenic emissions of Greenhouse Gas Inventories (GHGs) Seeks “stabilization of GHG concentrations…at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system” (Article 2) Parties to the Convention: Are expected to “take precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent or minimize the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects” (Article 3) Have “common but differentiated responsibilities” based on their national circumstances Gather and share information on GHG emissions, national policies and best practices Launch national strategies for addressing GHG emissions and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and technological support to developing countries Cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the impacts of climate change. Text of the Convention: http://unfccc.int/key_documents/the_convention/items/2853.php

UNFCCC Parties Annex I: members of OECD in 1992 + economies in transition (EIT). Annex II: OECD members of Annex I. Required to provide financial resources to enable developing countries to undertake emissions reduction activities and to help them adapt to adverse effects of climate change. Must also "take all practicable steps" to promote development and transfer of environmentally friendly technologies to EITs and developing countries. Non-Annex I (NAI): mostly developing countries: Certain countries recognized as being especially vulnerable to climate change, including countries with low-lying coastal areas and those prone to desertification and drought. Others are more vulnerable to the potential economic impacts of climate change responses (e.g. fossil fuel exporting nations) The 48 least developed countries (LDCs) are given special consideration under the Convention on account of their limited capacity to respond to climate change and adapt to its adverse effects.

National Communications under the UNFCCC Article 4 Para.1 All Parties, taking into account their common but differentiated responsibilities and their specific national and regional development priorities, objectives and circumstances, shall: Develop, periodically update, publish and make available … national inventories of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, using comparable methodologies to be agreed upon by the Conference of the Parties Article 12 Para 1. …” each Party shall communicate …” A national inventory of anthropogenic emissions … (b) A general description of steps taken or envisaged by the Party to implement the Convention; and (c) Any other information that the Party considers relevant to the achievement of the objective of the Convention… Para.4 Developing country Parties may, on a voluntary basis, propose projects for financing…along with, if possible, an estimate of all incremental costs, of the reductions of emissions and increments of removals of greenhouse gases, as well as an estimate of the consequent benefits. Para. 5 Each [NAI] Party… shall make its initial communication within three years of the entry into force of the Convention for that Party, or of the availability of financial resources…. Parties that are least developed countries may make their initial communication at their discretion.. Para. 7….. …the Conference of the Parties shall arrange for the provision to developing country Parties of technical and financial support, on request, in compiling and communicating information under this Article…. Text of the Convention: http://unfccc.int/key_documents/the_convention/items/2853.php http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/items/2819.php All Parties must report on the steps they are taking or envisage undertaking to implement the Convention (Articles 4.1 and 12). In accordance with the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" enshrined in the Convention, the required contents of these national communications and the timetable for their submission is different for Annex I and non-Annex I Parties. Each non-Annex I Party shall submit its initial communication within three years of the entry into force of the Convention for that Party, or of the availability of financial resources (except for the least developed countries, who may do so at their discretion). Of the 153 non-Annex I Parties, 141 have submitted their initial national communications, 79 their second national communications, 3 parties their third and one their fourth national communications.  In addition, 92 non-Annex I Parties are presently engaged in the preparation of their second national communications. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Convention, provides financial assistance in accordance with guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to non-Annex I Parties through its implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank). Some bilateral agencies also provide financial and technical assistance to many non-Annex I Parties in preparing their national communications.  The COP, at its eleventh session, took decisions on submission of second, and where appropriate, third national communications from non-Annex I Parties (Decision 8/CP.11). The thirtieth session of the SBI also agreed on conclusions which could influence the way national communications are planned and implemented (see paragraph 7 of FCCC/SBI/2009/L.12). The SBI, at its thirty-second session, will discuss the further implementation of Article 12, paragraph 5, of the Convention. Guidelines for the preparation of initial national communications from non-Annex I Parties were adopted at COP 2 in Geneva in 1996.  COP 5 (Bonn, 1999) established a Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (CGE) in order to improve the process of preparation of national communications by non-Annex I Parties.  At COP 8 (New Delhi, 2002) Parties adopted the revised guidelines for the preparation of national communications from non-Annex I Parties and decided to continue the mandate of the CGE.  The preparation of second and, where appropriate third and initial national communications are based on these revised guidelines.  The secretariat has produced a user manual to facilitate the usage of the new guidelines, available in three UN languages ( English, French and Spanish), as well as a Resource Guide for preparing the national communications of non-Annex I Parties (please see the four Modules available at:   http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/09_resource_guide1.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_resource_guide2.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/09_resource_guide3.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_resource_guide4.pdf). The GEF has prepared operational procedures for the expedited financing of national communications from non-Annex I Parties to assist eligible countries to formulate and submit proposals based on COP 8 guidelines. Under these operational procedures, up to US$405,000 is made available to each non-Annex I Party for the preparation of its national communication. The GEF also provides an additional US$15,000 per country for stocktaking exercise and stakeholder consultations in preparation of the project proposals. Most initial national communications from non-Annex I Parties have been compiled and synthesized by the secretariat; but are not subject to in-depth review.  The secretariat has prepared six compilation and synthesis reports of initial national communications between 1999 and 2005, to take account of new submissions by Parties. One of the functions of the secretariat is to facilitate the provision of financial and technical assistance to non-Annex I Parties in preparing their national communications. This assistance includes facilitating the work of the CGE, the organization of workshops, collaboration with bilateral and multilateral support programmes, the dissemination of information through participation in regional workshops and expert group meetings, promoting information exchange and capacity-building. The secretariat provides regular reports to the SBI on these activities.  http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/items/2816.php NAI National Communications – Key Decisions

National Communications: Structure and Timetable Core elements for both Annex I and Non-Annex I: Information on emissions and removals of GHGs (reporting requirements differ) Details of activities a Party has undertaken to implement the Convention Usually contain information on: National circumstances Vulnerability assessment Financial resources and transfer of technology Education, training, and public awareness Timetable for submission: Annex I: Required to submit information on national inventories annually, and to submit national communications periodically (according to dates set by COP) Non-Annex I: Should be submitted every four years (no fixed dates), dependent on resources for assistance; LDCs optional. Source: http://unfccc.int/national_reports/items/1408.php

National Circumstances for NAI Parties NAI Parties should provide a description of national and regional development priorities, objectives and circumstances, on the basis of which they will address climate change and its adverse impacts. This may include information on geography, climate and economy which may affect their ability to deal with mitigating and adapting to climate change, as well as information regarding specific needs and concerns arising from the adverse effects of climate change and/or the impact of the implementation of response measures. NAI Parties are encouraged to provide a summary of relevant information regarding their national circumstances, as appropriate, in tabular form. NAI Parties may provide a description of existing institutional arrangements relevant to the preparation of their national communications on a continuous basis. Information on national circumstances provides the opportunity for detailing the national or regional development priorities, objectives and circumstances that serve as the basis for addressing issues relating to climate change. It is critical for understanding a country’s vulnerability, its capacity and its options for adapting to the adverse effects of climate change, as well as its options for addressing its GHG emissions within the broader context of sustainable development. All sections and subject areas should refer back to the national situation and development priorities. Parties could also include information on the linkages between the activities and policies relating to climate change and those of other Conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Combating Desertification. This section could contain the following information: • Geographical characteristics, including climate, forests, land use and other environmental characteristics • Population: growth rates, distribution, density and other vital statistics • Economy, including energy, transport, industry, mining, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, waste, health and services sector • Education, including scientific and technical research institutions • Any information considered relevant by the Party. A description of institutional arrangements relevant to the preparation of the national communications on a continuous basis could include the following elements: • Distribution of responsibilities within government departments, universities, research institutions, etc. • National Climate Change Committees or other relevant coordinating bodies • Involvement and participation of other stakeholders • Technical/expert groups or teams.

Guidelines for Preparation of National Communications The guidelines for the preparation of NCs from NAI Parties contained in annex to decision 17/CP.8 were adopted in 2002.   The objectives of the guidelines are: To assist NAI Parties in meeting their reporting requirements; To encourage the presentation of information in a consistent, transparent, comparable and flexible manner; To facilitate the presentation of information on support required for the preparation of national communications; To serve as policy guidance to the operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Convention, for the timely provision of financial support needed by NAI Parties in order to fulfill their reporting requirement; To ensure that the COP has sufficient information to carry out its responsibility for assessing the implementation of the Convention by Parties. Source: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/environment/envpdf/UNSD_UNEP_ECA%20Workshop/Session%2008-1%20Climate%20change%20%28UNFCCC%29.pdf http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/items/2819.php All Parties must report on the steps they are taking or envisage undertaking to implement the Convention (Articles 4.1 and 12). In accordance with the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" enshrined in the Convention, the required contents of these national communications and the timetable for their submission is different for Annex I and non-Annex I Parties. Each non-Annex I Party shall submit its initial communication within three years of the entry into force of the Convention for that Party, or of the availability of financial resources (except for the least developed countries, who may do so at their discretion). Of the 153 non-Annex I Parties, 141 have submitted their initial national communications, 79 their second national communications, three their third and one their fourth national communications.  In addition, 92 non-Annex I Parties are presently engaged in the preparation of their second national communications. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Convention, provides financial assistance in accordance with guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to non-Annex I Parties through its implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank). Some bilateral agencies also provide financial and technical assistance to many non-Annex I Parties in preparing their national communications.  The COP, at its eleventh session, took decisions on submission of second, and where appropriate, third national communications from non-Annex I Parties (Decision 8/CP.11). The thirtieth session of the SBI also agreed on conclusions which could influence the way national communications are planned and implemented (see paragraph 7 of FCCC/SBI/2009/L.12). The SBI, at its thirty-second session, will discuss the further implementation of Article 12, paragraph 5, of the Convention. Guidelines for the preparation of initial national communications from non-Annex I Parties were adopted at COP 2 in Geneva in 1996. COP 5 (Bonn, 1999) established a Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (CGE) in order to improve the process of preparation of national communications by non-Annex I Parties. At COP 8 (New Delhi, 2002) Parties adopted the revised guidelines for the preparation of national communications from non-Annex I Parties and decided to continue the mandate of the CGE. The preparation of second and, where appropriate third and initial national communications are based on these revised guidelines.  The secretariat has produced a user manual to facilitate the usage of the new guidelines, available in 3 UN languages ( English, French and Spanish), as well as a Resource Guide for preparing the national communications of non-Annex I Parties (please see the four Modules available at:   http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/09_resource_guide1.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_resource_guide2.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/09_resource_guide3.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_resource_guide4.pdf). The GEF has prepared operational procedures for the expedited financing of national communications from non-Annex I Parties to assist eligible countries to formulate and submit proposals based on COP 8 guidelines. Under these operational procedures, up to US$405,000 is made available to each non-Annex I Party for the preparation of its national communication. The GEF also provides an additional US$15,000 per country for stocktaking exercise and stakeholder consultations in preparation of the project proposals. Most Initial National communications from non-Annex I Parties have been compiled and synthesized by the secretariat; but are not subject to in-depth review.  The secretariat has prepared six compilation and synthesis reports of initial national communications between 1999 and 2005, to take account of new submissions by Parties. One of the functions of the secretariat is to facilitate the provision of financial and technical assistance to non-Annex I Parties in preparing their national communications. This assistance includes facilitating the work of the CGE, the organization of workshops, collaboration with bilateral and multilateral support programmes, the dissemination of information through participation in regional workshops and expert group meetings, promoting information exchange, and capacity-building. The secretariat provides regular reports to the SBI on these activities.  http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/items/2816.php NAI National Communications – Key Decisions

Benefits of the National Communications Process Provides information to the COP Serves as a tool for planning/ decision-making at national level Provides an opportunity to address climate change in a systematic manner by providing opportunities to explore possibilities for taking climate change considerations into account, to the extent feasible, in relevant social, economic and environmental policies and actions Provides information to donors about potential adaptation and mitigation projects Provides information (e.g. best practices, technology needs, etc.) to other stakeholders (possibilities to explore different networks and forms of cooperation) Builds capacity of national experts.

Status of National Communications National communications have become an important tool for bringing climate change concerns to the attention of policy makers at the national level. In the next phase of the Convention in which the focus is increasingly on implementation, national communications will become an important strategic tool to help countries align their interests and priorities to the overall goals of the Convention. Number of NCs submitted by NAI Parties as at 31 October 2012 79 3 As stated in Article 12, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the national communication shall include the following information: A national inventory of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removal by sinks of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, to the extent its capacities permit, using comparable methodologies to be promoted and agreed upon by the Conference of the Parties; (b) A general description of steps taken or envisaged by the non-Annex I Party to implement the Convention; (c) Any other information that the non-Annex I Party considers relevant to the achievement of the objective of the Convention and suitable for inclusion in its communication, including, if feasible, material relevant for calculations of global emission trends. 1

Mitigation in National Communications National Communications provide the opportunity to examine and present mitigation actions and scenarios to varying levels of depth, depending on national circumstances and interests. We will explore examples of mitigation assessments, methods and reporting in subsequent modules.

Module B2 Experience and Lessons Learned with Mitigation Components

Designing the Mitigation Assessment It is crucial to have a broad understanding of the context for the assessment: economic, social and political circumstances. This provides a basis for scoping the work and establishing appropriate detail required for assessment. Parties should consider how mitigation assessments can provide practical inputs to other national, regional and sectoral planning processes to enhance ownership of mitigation actions. Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of past mitigation work helps ensure that future national communications (NCs) are more relevant. Having focused discussions with key stakeholders beforehand can focus assessment and help in identifying most relevant potential mitigation options. Note: This section is based in part on slides provided by UNDP National Communications Support Programme (NCSP)

Implementing Mitigation Assessments (1) Inconsistent methods, definitions, assumptions and data make comparison of results across parties difficult. Inconsistent definitions of baselines adds to difficulties in comparing NCs (e.g. whether imminently planned efforts should be considered in the baseline) . Most countries are forced to put in significant effort to develop or update baseline analyses, even though the desired focus of their efforts is to assess mitigation options. Team continuity is a significant challenge for many Parties, often with new analytical teams being set up and then disbanded from one NC to the next. Reliance on outside contractors to meet NC obligations and poor documentation of data, methods, assumptions and results exacerbates this.

Implementing Mitigation Assessments (2) Use of inappropriately complex methods was a major hurdle for many Parties in initial NCs. In later NCs more appropriate methods have generally been adopted, but models remain relatively complex, making it hard for Parties to find suitable experts in country to conduct these assessments. NCs require a wide breadth of skills (engineers, economists, modellers, agriculture and forestry experts, inventory experts, etc.) making it challenging to assemble a team with sufficient expertise under limited budgets. NCs in most NAI countries are conducted as one-off projects: making it hard for countries to maintain and develop in-country expertise. Mitigation teams need to be closely connected to inventory teams. Baseline scenarios constructed for mitigation assessments should be built upon base year inventories of GHGs.

Implementing Mitigation Assessments (3) Data availability can severely hamper the depth and accuracy of assessments in many countries. Even relatively simple methods still require large amounts of data, much of which is hard to access or even proprietary. Not all data will be available, but gaps can be filled using international sources of data, expert judgment, or comparisons among countries with similar conditions. Data generally more readily available for assessing energy sector (vs. forestry, agriculture and land-use sectors). Key source analysis can help Parties decide how to allocate effort among sectors.

Implementing Mitigation Assessments (4) Development of baseline and mitigation scenarios do not need to be based on complex modelling, especially in countries with very low emissions and/or few relevant emission sources. Simple analyses have been able to produce credible and useful assessments, so long as the approach, assumptions and data used are appropriate and clearly explained. A random “shopping list” of mitigation options does not provide credible results and is not well suited for informing policy making. Options need to be coherently prioritized to make the NC more relevant for decision making. Social and economic consideration in mitigation analysis remain as one of the weak areas of NCs.

Communicating Results Failure to involve stakeholders during the NC process can lead to negative responses and a failure to take ownership of recommendations. Mitigation results are often communicated using very technical language, which prevents them reaching key stakeholders and policy makers. Greater efforts are needed, for instance through targeted communication and public awareness strategies, to influence decision-making processes more effectively. Presentation of mitigation measures purely from a GHG emission reduction perspective is often counter-productive. Parties need to demonstrate the benefits of mitigation action in the context of wider development priorities so they can assist government and other institutions in prioritizing development planning. Assessments that provide a clear understanding of the technologies needed and potential costs of mitigation measures are more useful for subsequent project proposal development.

Module B3 Recent Developments Related to Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions by Developing Countries

Key decisions 2010: COP 16 (Cancún): 2011: COP 17 (Durban): Developing countries agreed to undertake nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) Registry to record NAMAs, support available and to facilitate matching of support to NAMAs was set up Established international consultation and analysis for NAI Parties. 2011: COP 17 (Durban): -Operationalized registry - Adopted the guidelines established, for the preparation of biennial update reports (BURs) and elements of NAMAs to be entered into registry - Adopted modalities and procedures established for international consultation and analysis . http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/items/2819.php All Parties must report on the steps they are taking or envisage undertaking to implement the Convention (Articles 4.1 and 12). In accordance with the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" enshrined in the Convention, the required contents of these national communications and the timetable for their submission is different for Annex I and non-Annex I Parties. Each non-Annex I Party shall submit its initial communication within three years of the entry into force of the Convention for that Party, or of the availability of financial resources (except for the least developed countries, who may do so at their discretion). Of the 153 non-Annex I Parties, 141 have submitted their initial national communications, 79 their second national communications, three parties their third and one their fourth national communications. In addition, 92 non-Annex I Parties are presently engaged in the preparation of their second national communications. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Convention, provides financial assistance in accordance with guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to non-Annex I Parties through its implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank). Some bilateral agencies also provide financial and technical assistance to many non-Annex I Parties in preparing their national communications.  The COP, at its eleventh session, took decisions on submission of second, and where appropriate, third national communications from non-Annex I Parties (Decision 8/CP.11). The thirtieth session of the SBI also agreed on conclusions which could influence the way national communications are planned and implemented (see paragraph 7 of FCCC/SBI/2009/L.12). The SBI, at its thirty-second session, will discuss the further implementation of Article 12, paragraph 5, of the Convention. Guidelines for the preparation of initial national communications from non-Annex I Parties were adopted at COP 2 in Geneva in 1996. COP 5 (Bonn, 1999) established a Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (CGE) in order to improve the process of preparation of national communications by non-Annex I Parties.  At COP 8 (New Delhi, 2002) Parties adopted the revised guidelines for the preparation of national communications from non-Annex I Parties and decided to continue the mandate of the CGE. The preparation of second and, where appropriate third and initial national communications are based on these revised guidelines.  The secretariat has produced a user manual to facilitate the usage of the new guidelines, available in 3 UN languages ( English, French and Spanish), as well as a Resource Guide for preparing the national communications of non-Annex I Parties (please see the four Modules available at:   http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/09_resource_guide1.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_resource_guide2.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/09_resource_guide3.pdf, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_resource_guide4.pdf). The GEF has prepared operational procedures for the expedited financing of national communications from non-Annex I Parties to assist eligible countries to formulate and submit proposals based on COP 8 guidelines. Under these operational procedures, up to US$405,000 is made available to each non-Annex I Party for the preparation of its national communication. The GEF also provides an additional US$15,000 per country for stocktaking exercise and stakeholder consultations in preparation of the project proposals. Most initial national communications from non-Annex I Parties have been compiled and synthesized by the secretariat; but are not subject to in-depth review.  The secretariat has prepared six compilation and synthesis reports of initial national communications between 1999 and 2005, to take account of new submissions by Parties. One of the functions of the secretariat is to facilitate the provision of financial and technical assistance to non-Annex I Parties in preparing their national communications. This assistance includes facilitating the work of the CGE, the organization of workshops, collaboration with bilateral and multilateral support programmes, the dissemination of information through participation in regional workshops and expert group meetings, promoting information exchange, and capacity-building. The secretariat provides regular reports to the SBI on these activities.  http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/items/2816.php NAI National Communications – Key Decisions

Biennial Update Reports (1) Guidelines for preparation of biennial update reports (BURs) from NAI Parties: Adopted guidelines for the preparation of biennial update reports (contained in Annex III of 2/CP.17) COP recognized the important role of the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) in facilitating technical advice and support for the preparation and submission of the first BUR Submission of first BURs by December 2014 (flexibility for least developed countries (LDCs) and small Island developing states (SIDS) Frequency of submission of BURs: every two years (either as a summary of parts of their national communication in the year when national communication is submitted or as a stand-alone update report; flexibility for LDCs and SIDS) Urged NAI Parties to submit their request to the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) for support. Urged and requested the GEF to make support available to NAI Parties for preparation of BURs, as early as possible in 2012 and on the basis of agreed full cost.

Biennial Update Reports (2) The guidelines contain seven chapters covering: Objectives Scope National GHG inventory Mitigation actions Finance, technology and capacity-building needs and support received Submission Updating the guidelines.

International Consultation and Analysis (1) The ICA will: - Be conducted in a manner that is non-intrusive, non-punitive and respectful of national sovereignty; - Aim to increase transparency of mitigation actions and their effects. Two steps: - Technical analysis by a team of technical experts in consultation with the Party, resulting in a summary report - Facilitative sharing of views, which will have as input the BURs report and summary report.

International Consultation and Analysis (2) Modalities and guidelines for international consultation and analysis (paragraphs 56-62 of 2/CP.17) Adopted modalities and guidelines for international consultation and analysis (ICA) (contained in Annex IV of 2/CP.17) Decided on the timeframe for initiation of the first rounds of ICA (within six months of submission of first round of BURs by developing country Parties) and the frequency of participation in subsequent rounds of ICA (depending on the submission of subsequent BURs) Composition, modalities and procedures of the team of technical experts to be defined by COP 18 (invited submissions from Parties by 5 March 2012).

Diversity of NAMAs In-session workshop during SB36, to further the understanding of diversity of NAMAs and associated information, including sharing of experiences on the formulation of LEDS. Development of general guidelines for domestic MRV of domestically supported NAMAs.

Registry (1) The COP requested the secretariat to develop a prototype by the May session with the view to finalizing it by COP 18 Invitation to developing countries to submit information on individual NAMAs seeking international support and also information on other individual NAMAs for their recognition Invitation to Parties and entities to submit, subsequent to matching of action with support, information on both internationally supported mitigation actions and associated support.

Registry (2) Developing countries to submit the following information on NAMAs seeking support: A description of the mitigation action and national implementing entity, including contact information; The expected time frame for the implementation of the mitigation action The estimated full cost of the preparation, estimated full cost and/or incremental cost of implementation of the mitigation action; The amount and type of support (finance, technology and capacity-building) required to prepare and/or implement the mitigation action; The estimated emission reductions; Other indicators of implementation; Other relevant information, including the co-benefits for local sustainable development, if information thereon exists.

Registry (3) Matching of actions with support: Registry will facilitate the matching of actions seeking international support with support available by providing and directing information to Parties COP requested the secretariat, subject to the availability of resources: To provide assistance to developing country Parties requesting information on available sources of support in the registry; To provide information on the operation of the registry to the COP annually, in order to inform the discussions on the financial mechanism.

Possible Topics for Discussion With multiple contexts for examining and presenting mitigation actions and opportunities: National Communications, Biennial Reports, NAMA communication, NAMA registry, low-emission development strategies, and so on, Where are the synergies and overlaps? How best to manage and coordinate these activities within and among national institutions? How do these mitigation assessment venues overlap or relate to CDM and bilateral activities?