16 March 2018: The UNFCCC Secretariat has issued informal documents on implementation of the various aspects of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change (cooperative approaches), addressing the work programme under the framework for non-market approaches (NMAs), rules, modalities and procedures for the mechanism to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support sustainable development, and guidance on voluntary cooperative approaches.

The COP requested the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) to: recommend a draft decision on the framework for NMAs; develop and recommend rules, modalities and procedures for the mechanism to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support sustainable development; and develop and recommend guidance on voluntary cooperative approaches, for consideration and adoption by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement at its first session (CMA 1). Prepared by the SBSTA Chair, the documents will facilitate discussions at the SBSTA’s 48th session, which will convene during the Bonn Climate Change Conference from 30 April to 10 May 2018.

Prepared by the SBSTA Chair, the documents will facilitate discussions at the SBSTA’s 48th session, which will convene during the Bonn Climate Change Conference from 30 April to 10 May 2018.

The ‘Informal document containing the draft elements of the draft decision on the work programme under the framework for NMAs referred to in Article 6, paragraph 8, of the Paris Agreement’ (SBSTA48.Informal.4) recognizes the importance of the availability of “integrated, holistic and balanced non-market approaches” to assist Parties in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and defines a framework for non-market approaches. The document defines the objectives of the work programme as to “consider how to enhance linkages and create synergy between, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer and capacity building and how to facilitate the implementation and coordination of NMAs.” The draft elements also address principles, definitions, the scope of the framework, governance, work programme modalities, work programme activities, reporting and review. [Informal Document Containing Draft Elements of Draft Decision on Work Programme under Framework for NMAs]

The ‘Informal document containing the draft elements of the rules, modalities and procedures for the mechanism established by Article 6, paragraph 4, of the Paris Agreement’ (SBSTA48.Informal.3) deals with the mechanism to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support sustainable development. The draft elements address, inter alia: the role of the CMA; a supervisory body; the mechanism’s registry; participation, benefits and responsibilities of host Parties; participation and responsibilities of transferring, acquiring and using Parties; participation by other actors; and eligible mitigation activities. [Informal Document Containing Draft Elements of Rules, Modalities and Procedures for Mechanism to Contribute to Mitigation of GHG Emissions and Support Sustainable Development]

The ‘Informal document containing the draft elements of guidance on cooperative approaches referred to in Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement’ (SBSTA48.Informal.2) contains the draft elements of guidance on voluntary cooperative approaches that involve the use of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) towards NDCs. The draft elements address, inter alia: definitions; ITMOs; governance; participation requirements; ex ante reporting and review by Parties; the share of proceeds for adaptation; adaptation ambition; and negative social and economic impacts of response measures. [Informal Document Containing Draft Elements of Guidance on Cooperative Approaches]