Press release

IISD launches guide to assist developing country participation in Kyoto Mechanisms

June 11, 2002

WINNIPEG — A mechanism within the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to get credit for greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved through investment in projects in developing countries is the subject of a new guide being released June 12 by the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Establishing National Authorities for the CDM identifies specific steps in facilitating developing country involvement in the "Clean Development Mechanism," and presents various Latin American experiences, encouraging other countries to adapt lessons learned to their local needs.

"IISD recognizes the urgency in establishing a prompt start in implementing the CDM. This guide is intended to help developing countries in that respect and to address uncertainties in the viability of CDM investments over the next few years" said John Drexhage, IISD Director of Climate Change and Energy.

"This product is a step-by-step guide to the establishment of National Authorities that can successfully evaluate, approve and market CDM project proposals," said Michael Zammit Cutajar, outgoing Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). "Distilling the experiences of Latin American countries, it contains a wealth of information, commentary and practical advice on the functioning of these bodies. It is a 'must read' for all those, in developing countries and elsewhere, whose mission is to lay solid institutional foundations in order to benefit from the CDM."

The 174-page book, available online, describes the evolution and functions of National Authorities needed to govern international "Clean Development Mechanism" projects, and explains the types of projects involved.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Center for Sustainable Development in the Americas will co-host a launch of the publication in Bonn Weds. June 12 at 1 p.m., at the 16th meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (a meeting under the UN Framework Convention of Climate Change).

About IISD

The IISD is an independent, not-for-profit corporation. Its mission is to champion innovation, enabling societies to live sustainably. Established in 1990 with continuing support from the governments of Canada and Manitoba, IISD also receives revenue from foundations and other private sector sources.

About CSDA

The Center for Sustainable Development in the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC Its mission is to promote innovative financial instruments which support sustainable development in Latin America, the Caribbean and other developing countries. Specializing in the financial instruments emerging from the Climate Change Convention, CSDA works simultaneously at four distinct levels: policy, institutional/capacity building, project preparation and carbon finance.

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.