• In the next five years, SPAR6C will provide extensive support to the Government of Colombia as it prepares to access the international carbon markets outlined in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
• The program aims to benefit the government, academia, and the private sector by focusing on capacity building, providing a toolbox, and generating pilot projects and programs.
• Around 100 representatives from diverse sectors have already enhanced their understanding of carbon markets, Article 6, and the specific requirements applicable to countries like Colombia.

On May 8, 2023, Colombia initiated the Support for the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) program. It was created with the goal of bolstering the climate ambitions of Colombia, Pakistan, Thailand, and Zambia, utilizing cooperative approaches to carbon markets defined in Article 6 (A6) of the Paris Agreement. These approaches encompass the decentralized bilateral mechanisms of Article 6.2 and the centralized mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) of Article 6.4.

The program, funded by the International Climate Initiative of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, is led by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). In Colombia, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, through the Directorate of Climate Change and Risk Management and the Vice Ministry of Environmental Planning, serves as the government counterpart. The project consortium consists of Carbon Limits, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, KPC, and GFA.

SPAR6C aims to ultimately reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by developing international carbon markets with high environmental integrity. It focuses on three main areas: developing governance and regulatory frameworks for these markets in Colombia, planning the role of A6 in Colombia’s long-term decarbonization pathway, and developing mitigation activities that can participate in these markets. The program is supported by a global Community of Practice of academics and the creation of a toolbox containing six implementation guides for all countries.

The program’s launch event witnessed the participation of nearly a hundred representatives from public institutions, the private sector, academia, international organizations, and civil society organizations involved in climate change mitigation and carbon markets in Colombia. Through educational presentations, panel discussions on the potential and governance challenges of markets in Colombia, and the introduction of the program’s initial product in the country, namely the “Readiness and Needs Assessment of Article 6 in Colombia”, attendees were able to enhance their understanding of Article 6 carbon markets, their architecture, potential, and requirements. This study aims to establish a baseline of the country’s readiness to participate in Article 6 trading and prioritize program interventions until 2027.

Pablo Martínez, GGGI Colombia’s Country Representative, emphasized: “The SPAR6C Program presents in strengthening climate ambitions in Colombia through international cooperation and the involvement of diverse actors. The program’s approach of “learning by doing”, capacity development, and decision support ensure long-term impact. By building capacities for designing Article 6 strategies, the program aims to maximize opportunities, manage market risks, and secure a new stream of financing to incentivize green investments in Colombia.”

The launch demonstrated the interest of many actors in learning more about Article 6 and the requirements it entails. In this context, the SPAR6C Program positions itself as a key catalyst in the fight against climate change in Colombia and a role model for other countries.

For more information about the SPAR6C Program, click here. (Available in Spanish)