Article 6.8 - COP29 Negotiation Updates

The work programme for non-market approaches (NMAs) under the Paris Agreement aims to facilitate voluntary cooperation among parties to implement their NDCs in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. The initial focus areas include adaptation, resilience, and sustainability; mitigation measures to address climate change and contribute to sustainable development; and the development of clean energy sources. CGIAR made two submissions to the NMA track.

The submission emphasizes the need to strengthen the readiness and capacity of National Focal Points (NFPs) for effective implementation of Article 6.8’s non-market approaches (NMAs) under the Paris Agreement. The submission reviews progress from the first phase, which highlighted the critical role of NFPs in coordinating NMAs, promoting mitigation and adaptation efforts, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring respect for human rights and environmental safeguards. Moving into the second phase (2025–2026), the importance of building NFP capacity through Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness programs, as NFPs are pivotal in facilitating a country-driven process, aligning NMAs with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and fostering inclusive, sustainable approaches is highlighted. 

Key recommendations for the second phase include prioritizing capacity building for NFPs, with a focus on technical skills for greenhouse gas quantification, stakeholder engagement, and gender integration. Additionally, it is proposed that the SCF increase its support for NMAs under Article 6.8, including through enhanced guidance and dedicated forums on climate finance. Through this approach,CGIAR advocates for a more comprehensive, participatory, and transparent process in implementing non-market climate strategies. 

Relevant documents: 

• FCCC/SBSTA/2024/L.4 – SBSTA Conclusion 

Related events: 

• 20 Nov – Article 6.8 In-session workshop – GCNMA 6 

CGIAR submissions: 

• CGIAR-CIAT-Submission Article 6.8 -08.2024 

• CGIAR-Submission-Art. 6.8 

COP29 Day 2 Updates, November 12, 2024

The SBSTA chair highlighted the call for submissions and encouraged completing the simplified assessment of the first phase of Article 6.8 implementation. A decision on the second phase is expected by the 17th of this month. A discussion forum, with a mockup shared, is being developed to become operational by the end of the year. Developments on the NMA (Non-Market Approaches) Platform include a data dashboard, with some parties preparing to register their NMAs on the platform. Outcomes of the expedited assessment from the first phase of Article 6.8 implementation were reviewed, with various parties providing feedback which will inform the draft text to be published tonight, with written inputs requested by the end of the day.  

Issues being raised related to the assessment and going into the next phase include barriers related to usage of the web-based platform, usage of spin off groups and identification of topics, enhanced stakeholder (including IP&LCs) engagement, quantification of emissions reductions, identification of NMAs, capacity building, linkage between NMAS and NDCs, mitigation adaptation synergies, real implementation on the ground. 

COP29 Day 3 Updates, November 13, 2024

The Parties went through the new text, with a number of issues being considered unclear, unacceptable and requiring further clarification or discussions. The text mentioning a lack of engagement in the web-based platform requires further elaboration to explore the reasons why there has been a lack of engagement. In terms of the work for phase 2, several parties objected to new work areas, with some Parties arguing that Phase 1 hasn’t been given enough time and hasn’t been given full justice for implementation. The text concerning linkages across climate and biodiversity raised a lot of questions, with the many Parties are open to exploring linkages but seems there is strong opposition to referencing the CBD concept or MECA or to a joint CBD UNFCCC work programme.

The scope of NMAs came under discussion with LMDCs proposing a narrow scope of only JMA activities, with many parties pushing back on this to continue to allow for separate activities concerning mitigation and adaptation. Other Parties supporting the text on individual NMAs being uploaded to the web-based platform, which would have high potential to enhance engagement with the platform and make it more open to non-party stakeholders.  

COP29 Day 4 Updates, November 14, 2024

Two sessions held during the day, based on the latest text here – New text released over night here: https://unfccc.int/documents/643436 Several areas still very contentious as some Parties work towards creating space in 6.8 for linkages between climate and biodiversity and enhancing engagement of Indigenous Peoples and inclusion of different worldviews and knowledge systems. There was strong push back on the idea of an assessment to take place as countries concerned this will give rise to passing judgment on country implementation of NDCs. Ongoing concerns being raised about inclusion of MECA, and countries wanting to explore ways in which to link to the CBD without putting in place any processes. Some mentioning that holding workshops and events would be ok. Differences of views on whether to identify topics for spin off groups also dominated, with LMDCs indicating in the final session that there may be some progress on this and hoping for resolution and bridging text overnight. On the issue of unilateral / individual actions in an effort to get around the two country requirements for NMAs, some opposition to this, but also some support. CSOs advocating behind the scenes for direct access for communities and organisations to upload NMAs direct to the platform. 

COP29 Day 5 Updates, November 15, 2024

The proposed draft text was adopted without objection and it will go to SBSTA and then CMA for adoption.

COP29 Day 6 Updates, November 16, 2024

Negotiations occurred throughout the day on a range of issues including how to include MECA, spin off groups, whether to include unilateral NMAs and how to advance into Phase 2 of the work programme. Text was finalised and agreed with the following key elements: 

• The conclusions identified that only one NMA has been submitted to the platform in order to reflect the low level of uptake of the platform, whilst recognising that the submissions are expected to increase over time 

• That 79 National Focal Points have been identified 

• The second phase of the work will focus on fully implementing the activities following a learning-by-doing approach and drawing on inputs from the first phase 

• Recognises MECA and different value systems, potentially enhancing engagement of Indigenous Peoples in relation to NMAs 

• Spin off groups will continue with enhanced participation of stakeholders, and topics will be identified in advance by Parties 

• Is encouraging everyone involved to increase their level of outreach to increase the level of engagement and interest in NMAs 

• Maintains the invitation for everyone to provide information on NMAs for recording on the platform 

• Invites submissions by 31 March 2025 related to barriers to using the platform, and their solutions; and how NMAs can support NDC implementation; also topics for spin off groups and the upcoming in session workshop 

Conclusions can be found here: https://unfccc.int/documents/643778 

Decision text can be found here: https://unfccc.int/documents/643777 

Negotiations on the Article 6.8 work programme concluded with finalized text and adopted conclusions, marking progress toward advancing non-market approaches (NMAs) under the Paris Agreement. Key outcomes included acknowledgment of the platform’s low uptake, with only one NMA submitted so far, but an expectation of increased engagement over time. The second phase will focus on implementing activities through a learning-by-doing approach informed by the first phase, with enhanced engagement of stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples. Spin-off groups will continue, with topics identified in advance, and outreach efforts will be scaled up to boost participation. Parties are encouraged to provide input on NMAs, and submissions by March 2025 will explore barriers, solutions, and ways NMAs can support NDC implementation. The conclusions were adopted by SBSTA, with a draft decision recommended for CMA6 adoption.

Acknowledgement

These negotiations were tracked, analysed and reported by: Ma Eliza Villarino