Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 05 June 2023, The Ministry of Environment successfully validated the finalized Operations Manual for the Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in Cambodia through the Validation Workshop held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The inter-ministerial workshop, which was attended by members of the and members of the Climate Change Technical Working Group, was opened by H.E. Dr. Pheav Sovuthy, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment and was followed by a presentation of the draft sub-decree on rules and procedures for greenhouse gas emissions reduction mechanisms, a presentation of the updates to the Article 6 Operations Manual made since the Consultation Workshop held in May, and a group discussion.
In his opening remarks, The Under Secretary of State, said, “Article 6 of the Paris Agreement establishes mechanisms and frameworks that can unlock new financial mechanisms by allowing Cambodia to co-operate with other countries on the implementation of related reductions in the NDC.” He continued that for over 2 years, with technical support from GGGI, Cambodia has been building its capacity for Article 6 engagement. Today’s workshop signaled an essential milestone for Cambodia as the validated Article 6 Operations Manual provides guidelines on criteria for project eligibility for Article 6 and guidelines on the role of government in Article 6, with relevant processes to be followed. As such, the Article 6 Operations Manual will support financial flows for greenhouse gas emission reduction projects by providing and clarity and reassurance to project proponents and buyers on the process for Article 6 engagement in Cambodia.
In the welcome remarks, Ms. Shomi Kim, GGGI Cambodia Country Representative, said, ‘’Our collective efforts in validating the Article 6 Operations Manual will pave the way for Cambodia to access international climate finance, attract investment and forge partnerships with other countries. The successful implementation of Article 6 will contribute to the global fight against climate change and unlock opportunities for sustainable development, technology transfer, and capacity building in Cambodia’’.
Since 2020, under the “Mobilizing Article 6 Trading Structures” (MATS) Program, GGGI has partnered with the Ministry of Environment to build capacity and understanding of Article 6 instruments, and support the necessary decisions to be taken across ministries to strategically align carbon trading with mitigation and development strategies.