SIG, UNDP inaugurate milestone Tool to operationalize iMRV roadmap and enhance climate information system in accordance with UNFCCC, Paris Agreement
THE Climate Change Division (CCD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Solomon Islands National Integrated Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (iMRV) Tool on Thursday in Honiara.
The iMRV Tool has been designed and developed to provide a comprehensive and robust platform to operationalize the iMRV Roadmap and enhance the information system supporting the National Climate Change Policy.
The tool will further assist Solomon Islands Government (SIG) in implementing the Enhanced Transparency Framework (EFT) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
The tool will play a critical role in preparing the national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, monitoring progress on GHG mitigation and adaptation efforts, tracking the Means of Implementation (MOI), and assessing the support needed and received, along with the impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Supervising Permanent Secretary of MECDM, Karl Kuper, who officially launched the tool, said this event marks a significant milestone in Solomon Islands ongoing commitment toward addressing climate change and fulfilling its global responsibilities.
“The Solomon Islands has long been at the forefront of climate action, and having ratified the UNFCCC in 1994, we are proud to be also signatories to both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement which aim to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at levels that prevent dangerous interference into our climate systems.
“So, these agreements guide us in ensuring that our ecosystems adapt naturally while we continue to pursue sustainable development.
“So, the Paris Agreement in particular sets ambitious goals for us to limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspiration of limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” Mr Kuper said.
He said SIG, through its national determined contributions, the NDC, has outlined its efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Mr Kuper added that actions, however, are only meaningful if the country can track it effectively, which is why the enhanced transparency framework established under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement plays a vital role.
He said for a small island state like Solomon Islands, transparency and accurate reporting are critical.
“Therefore, starting this year in 2024, Solomon Islands will begin submitting bi-annual reports on key areas including greenhouse gas inventories, progress towards our NDC, our adaptation strategies and the support we receive in finance, technology and capacity-building.
“Despite our status as both a least developed country and a small developing state, we are committed to demonstrating our efforts and accountability at the world stage. So, this brings us to our iMRV tool, developed in partnership with Subarao Consultancy Services and with support from UNDP Solomon Islands and funding from the Australian government, this tool is tailored specifically to meet the needs of Solomon Islands and is a breakthrough for our country,” Mr Kuper said.
He said the tool will allow the country to capture, track and report on all climate-related data activities in line with the enhanced transparency framework.
Mr Kuper said the tool is built on six key modules – Greenhouse Gas Inventory Model, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Model, Adaptation Model, Support Needed and Received Model, SGD Tracking Model and Administration and User Management Model.
“The Greenhouse Gas Inventory Model enables us to accurately record, calculate and project emissions in the coming years, the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Model tracks our mitigation actions, allowing us to monitor the impacts of efforts across sectors like energy, transportation and energy efficiency, the Adaptation Model measures progress in areas such as disaster risk management and food security, providing valuable insights into how our climate resilience is improving, the Support Needed and Received Model tracks the financial, technical and capacity building assistance we require and receive to ensure transparent reporting. Additionally, the SGD Tracking Model allows us to be aligned to our climate actions with broader development goals and the Administration and User Management Model ensures efficient system management and provides training and resources for the users.”
Thus, Mr Kuper said that the tool is more than just a software. It is a vital component of our climate strategy and through the iMRV tool, Solomon Islands will be able to track our progress, meet international reporting requirements and strengthen our ability to combat climate change.
“So, as we launch today, I encourage all stakeholders, the government agencies that are here, our development partners, our civil society and NGO groups to actively engage with the system.
“Your involvement will be key in ensuring that this tool operates effectively and adapts to the needs as they arise,” Mr Kuper said.
He acknowledged those who contributed to developing the iMRV tool and these are the, again, the Subarao Consultancy Service, UNDP Solomon Islands, the Australian Government-Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT).
He added that the support has been invaluable in bringing this tool to life and together they have fortified Solomon Islands’ response to the urgent challenges of climate change
He said the iMRV tool will be a cornerstone to that effort.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara