December 2015: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) DTU Partnership has released a Guidance Note on developing Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). The note explains the relevant elements of the Lima Decision of 20th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 20) to the UNFCCC, and offers a step-by-step guide on how countries can express the mitigation and adaptation components of their INDC.

The note is divided into two main sections, focused on developing INDCs on adaptation and mitigation respectively. The section on adaptation presents key concepts, as well as the rationale, process and entry points for INDC development. It then offers steps for developing content on INDCs on adaptation, including: reporting on long-term and near term vision, goals and targets; reporting on current and planned undertakings and support; gaps and barriers; summary of needs; and monitoring and reporting progress.

The second section of the note similarly presents key concepts for starting an INDC on mitigation, as well as considerations countries should take when developing content. These considerations include the different mitigation contribution types for INDCs, such as setting greenhouse gas (GHG) targets and devising policies, regulations, financial instruments, projects and programmes.

The note also includes a short list of additional external resources on INDC preparation. [Publication: Developing INDCs: A Guidance Note] [IISD RS Stories on INDCs]