The enhanced transparency framework: why it matters and what it means for the least developed countries
IIED climate change researcher Fernanda Alcobé talked to climate negotiators and transparency experts Yamikani Idriss and Milan Dhungana about the benefits of the enhanced transparency framework, and what this means for the least developed countries.
The enhanced transparency framework (ETF) was established under the Paris Agreement to track progress towards achieving countries’ global emission reduction commitments.
With the reporting guidelines finalised at COP26 in Glasgow, countries are now preparing to gather at COP27 where implementation of the ETF will be a critical issue on the agenda.
The ETF marked a significant step up in reporting, with an enhanced set of reporting rules. This more rigorous framework has been designed to increase countries’ ambition and advance the urgent action needed to limit warming to 1.5°C. Increased transparency makes it clear whether countries are delivering on the promises they made in Paris.
But more stringent reporting demands more resources. And for the least developed countries, with lower reporting capacity, the ETF poses challenges.
COP27 will discuss how much financial and technical support developing countries will receive for implementing the ETF.
We talked to LDC climate negotiators and transparency experts Yamikani Idriss and Milan Dhungana about the ETF – on the benefits of this tougher reporting system and what meeting more stringent requirements will mean for the LDCs.
Idriss and Dhungana share in the video above the action their respective countries of Malawi and Nepal have been taking to meet the ETF and give advice to other least developed countries.
Additional resources
Read more about action the LDCs are taking to implement the ETF:
This case study sets out how Mauritania and Malawi have been preparing to implement the ETF. It includes opportunities and benefits gained throughout the process and transferable lessons for other LDCs – these include learning by doing, seeking political buy-in, designing ‘future proof whole-system solutions' and applying for targeted support.
This case study showcases Uganda’s experience in reporting on its greenhouse gas inventory highlighting the national benefits brought through the process. The study provides an overview of the country’s newly institutional arrangements, Uganda’s ‘learning by doing’ approach to capacity building, and lessons learnt along the way.
This paper analyses over 20 years of LDC reports to the UNFCCC to understand their capacity constraints and needs for greenhouse gas inventory reporting, which becomes mandatory under the ETF. It provides recommendations to build in-country capacity, change reporting dynamics and help LDCs shift from a ‘fly-in, fly-out’ consultant model to a nationally-owned institutionalised process.
