In order to facilitate the implementation of projects within the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in the UAE, procedures for submitting requests for CDM projects and the evaluation method was adopted by the CDM Executive Committee in its latest meeting, held recently under the chairmanship of HE Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi. This process took into consideration efficient and quick procedures to avoid delay in projects.
In order to develop a strategy for implementation of CDM at the national level, the Committee has set the sustainable development criteria to be followed while reviewing projects proposed for implementation under CDM and granting initial approval prior to submission to the higher committee for final approval. Thus, the UAE will be the first country in the region to set these criteria.
The Committee has granted initial approval to five projects submitted by MASDAR. These projects will be implemented in the Energy sector and will be given a final approval letter by the Designated National Authority (DNA) Committee which is chaired by H.E.Mohamed bin Dha'en Al Hameli, minister of Energy
It is worthwhile to mention that a landfill in the Emirate of Sharjah was given the go ahead in July 2007 as the first CDM project in the UAE. The project will be executed by a private company using the latest technology to eliminate the usual odors emanating from bacteria from landfills. The UAE is a country of strong economic growth, with a modern and well-functioning infrastructure, and a small level of greenhouse gas emissions relative to global emissions. Moreover, far from being solely dependant on its significant oil and gas resources, the UAE has already made enormous strides in the diversification of its economy.
Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), developed countries must reduce levels of their GHG emissions. As a non-Annex 1 country, the UAE is not obliged to meet a GHG emission reduction target. However, under the general commitments of the UNFCCC, based on the principal of common but differentiated responsibilities, all countries, including the UAE, are encouraged to undertake actions that limit the growth in GHG emissions, and which are consistent with sustainable development. Many efforts are directed towards reduction of emissions such as implementation of projects within the Clean Development Mechanism, support of the adoption of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) under the CDM as a new technology and through implementation of renewable energy technologies in different other projects.
To fulfill its commitments to the Convention, the UAE submitted its First Initial National Communication report to the UNFCCC secretariat in January 2007. It goes without saying that the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi contributed effectively in the preparation of the First Initial National Communication by preparing the document to be submitted to the UNFCCC. The UAE inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in the report was based on the year 1994. Data on emissions-generating or sequestering activities were collected mainly from national sources as much as possible, as well as secondary sources such as international statistical databases, published research, statistical reports, and related studies. The 2nd UAE National Communication will be prepared based on the year 2000 as the baseline. In this regard EAD is preparing a study on the volunarbility and adaptation of the UAE to climate change and response measures adverse effects on the UAE.
Finally, EAD is working out the Abu-Dhabi Emirate's climate change policy so as to implement the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol as required.
How Will CDM Benefit the UAE?
CDM is one of the flexible mechanisms set by Kyoto Protocol and targets Non-Annex I countries. It helps address the issues of global climate change through a market-based concept. CDM will assist the UAE in achieving sustainable development and in contributing to the ultimate objective of the convention.
Through CDM, countries like the UAE will benefit from CDM project activities resulting in certified emission reductions and developed countries included in Annex I may use certified emission reductions accruing from such project activities to contribute to compliance with part of their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments.
Why did the UAE Establish a CDM National Higher Permanent Committee?
- To ensure that any activity within the framework of CDM will help in achieving sustainable development in UAE and will lead to the transfer of environmentally safe and sound technologies and serve UAE purposes.
- To monitor CDM projects in UAE through collection of related data.
- To follow-up of the decisions issued from CDM Executive Board.
Who is the Focal Point for all CDM issues in the UAE?
For the purpose of implementing CDM projects in UAE a "National Higher Permanent Committee for CDM" was established in 2005. This committee is chaired by the Ministry of Energy and includes members from different concerned parties. It acts in the capacity of Designated National Authority (DNA) for CDM. An Executive Committee for CDM, chaired by EAD, was also formulated as part of the Higher Committee in February 2006.
What is the Composition of the Designated National Authority (DNA)?
The DNA is composed of the main federal and local government bodies which include:
- Ministry of Energy
- Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
- Federal Environmental Agency
- Al Ain Municipality.
- Supreme Petroleum Council
- Ministry of Finance and Industry
-Ends-
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Environmental Education and Awareness Division
Laila Y. Al-Hassan or Sobhia El Masri
T: +9712 693-4638/637
F: +9712 681-7359
E: lalhasan@ead.ae or selmasri@ead.ae
www.ead.ae
© Press Release 2008
