Africa calls for more clean development mechanism projects
The African Group is calling for more clean development mechanism (CDM) projects to be undertaken on the continent to change the current bias towards emerging markets and more developed countries.
The CDM is designed to assist countries achieve their sustainable development goals and create incentives for investments in clean technologies and provide additional support for adaptation to the effects of climate change.
The 2011 annual report of the CDM executive board showed that out of more than 3500 registered projects, only 72 were in Africa.
In a statement issued by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) December 1, 2011, the Group made the call at the ongoing COP 17 in Durban, South Africa.
According to the statement, the representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo who spoke on behalf of the African Group, said attempts by UN agencies and multilateral institutions has so far failed to address this lack of projects in Africa.
Other delegates also supported the African position and called for the continuation of the CDM as a useful mechanism for addressing carbon emissions, the ECA said.
In his report, chair of the CDM executive board, Mr. Martin Hessian, was quoted in the statement as saying “In the ten years since the adoption of the Marrakech Accords and the prompt start of the CDM, the mechanism has demonstrated the real potential of carbon markets to deliver mitigation, investment and sustainable development in more than 70 developing countries.”
Mr. Hessian however acknowledged the under-representation of African countries and said “more work will continue to improve the geographical distribution of the projects.”
A contact group has therefore been established to continue deliberating on ways of improving the workings of the mechanism.
The group co-chaired by Mexico and Japan, the statement says was appointed by the president of COP 17, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
In establishing the contact group, Ms Mashabane said “Parties see the CDM as critical” and urged the group to finish its work expeditiously before the end of the conference next week.
By Ekow Quandzie