24 March 2014: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published Brazil’s submission of its views on the implications of a possible revision of the eligibility of lands as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) afforestation and reforestation projects during the Kyoto Protocol second commitment period (FCCC/SBSTA/2014/MISC.1).

In its submission, Brazil highlights the need to increase the eligibility of lands for CDM reforestation projects. It proposes limiting the eligibility of reforestation project activities as CDM projects during the Kyoto Protocol second commitment period to reforestation occurring on lands that either: did not contain forest; or contained planted forests in their last harvesting cycle on 31 December 1989, and which have been converted to degraded, non-forest land after the last harvesting of the planted forest, and remained as such thereafter. Brazil also explains the rationale for the proposal, stressing that “the approach proposed is more comprehensive, addresses the concerns presented by several Parties for including a cut-off date, and is fully consistent with environmental integrity, additionality and sustainable development.”

The submission will be considered by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) at its 40th session, taking place from 4-15 June 2014, in Bonn, Germany. [Publication: Brazil’s Submission on Eligibility of Lands as CDM Afforestation and Reforestation Project Activities]