AWG-LCA Meeting on Enhanced Mitigation and its Implementation

Reporting from the AWG-LCA (Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action) contact group meeting on the mitigation actions and its implementation:

Saudi Arabia  stated that they cannot support REDD being so fast tracked.  They need more time.  Measurable, Reportable, Verifiable (MRV)-pledges from the DCs (developing countries) and demand for the resources to be pooled together and  for a system that matches the resources with the action, provided that there is reporting from both sides.  What they can do with some of the unilateral reactions is that they can use their resources to pick up the credits which will contribute to the mitigation.  The other concern for them was the impact of mitigation actions- need for bigger cuts and more involvement, a system that provides for the assessment of this mitigation for different parties that should be a part of the portfolio for mitigation activities under the UNFCCC. The actions and efforts to combat Climate change, MRV efforts in particular system can find out how to distribute resources equitably.

Papa New Guinea’s main concerns were on focusing on the list of points on the Bali Action Plan, and lack of clarity on REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries). They highlighted the tension as a country to reach emissions reductions and at the same time go by their sustainable development objectives.  Thus, nationally appropriate measures and GDP growth financing capacity should be combined with the dual objectives should coexist.

New Zealand stated that MRV in context of developing countries and developed countries want their actions to be recognized and this is fundamental to the whole process. The bulk of global emissions is with Annex , thus they should take responsibility.

Japan felt that countries should try not to be prerogative and should consider the sectoral proposal (a proposal that quantifies emissions reductions based on the efficiency of key sectors:  cement, steel, etc.), spread of information and the importance of actions.  Their emphasis was on measuring- collection of the right data and capacity building.  On the REDD issue Japan commends all countries and appeals them to keep the momentum of workshop in Accra.  There is a need to revise the methodology for implementation of REDD and they have organized various workshops in their country to discuss the topic. Finally, they believe that the benefit of REDD should go to all stakeholders in a transparent manner.

France on behalf of EU (European Union) feels that  developed coutries should take lead in emission cuts and national mitigation programmes as a vehichle to encourage others . They should continue to build on current systems on measuring in MRV and make it comprehensive.  This should be seen as a vehicle and a tool for mitigation and to recognise the actions and context of accountabily and its environmental effect. We must be clear as to where we want to end up because for building this system the measuring should be done at national level and reported in compliance with the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).