8 December 2014: The event ‘Actions for Low-Carbon Development in Developing Countries through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)’ covered current efforts and activities under the JCM. The JCM aims to facilitate the diffusion of low-carbon technologies, products, systems, services and infrastructure; the implementation of mitigation actions; and the sustainable development of 12 developing countries.

The Ministry of the Environment of Japan, the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC) and the Global Environment Centre Foundation (GEC) organized the event, which convened on the sidelines of the Lima Climate Change Conference.

Ratu Keni Atika, JCM Secretariat, Indonesia, said that 12 projects on energy efficiency and renewable energy are in the pipeline in Indonesia. She recommended: developing indicators to evaluate achievement in JCM; ensuring every JCM project will deliver co-benefits for the country; and fulfilling global standards for climate change mitigation action.

Syamphone Sengchandala, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), described capacity-building cooperation programmes and feasibility studies undertaken through the JCM, saying the experience gained will contribute to sustainable development in his country. He highlighted networking and matchmaking of private companies from Lao PDR and Japan as the most important cooperation feature.

Xavier Matsutaro, the Office of Environmental Response and Coordination, Palau, said the JCM is vital in supporting Palau’s goal of moving towards low-carbon development through low-carbon technology. Matsutaro also cited the co-benefits for Japan. Le Ngoc Tuan, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Viet Nam, said JCM projects will, inter alia: contribute to effective responses to climate change; enhance competitiveness; and promote participation of the private sector and communities.

During the discussion, participants addressed, inter alia: government funded projects that are co-subsidized by the JCM; integration of national regulations and standards into methodologies; and potential markets for JCM credits. [IISD RS ENBOTS Coverage] [IISD RS ENBOTS Video Coverage of Side Event] [IISD RS Coverage of Lima Climate Change Conference] [Japanese Ministry of Environment Website] [OECC Website] [GEC Website] [JCM Website]