Background

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) lie at the core of the Paris Agreement and play a key role in achieving its long-term objectives. The NDCs represent the collective efforts of each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. As per the Paris Agreement, every participating Party is required to develop, communicate, and consistently update their NDCs, outlining their intended contributions aimed at achieving specific climate goals. 

The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), established under the Paris Agreement, requires all Parties to submit their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTR) by the end of 2024. The Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines (MPGs), formulated to implement transparency in reporting under the Paris Agreement, defined specific new requirements for reporting progress made in implementing and achieving nationally determined contribution (NDC) {Article 13.7(b)}. Each Party shall provide the information necessary to track progress in implementing and achieving its NDC under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement. As such, all Parties (shall)undergo the facilitative multilateral consideration of progress with respect to efforts under Article 9, and its respective implementation and achievement of its NDCs {Article 13.11}. The results should be included in a specific chapter of the BTR (Chapter II). Additionally, all Parties must submit the common tabular formats (CTFs) to the UNFCCC as part of each country´s BTR submission process. 

Although many countries are aware of Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, there is still limited understanding of the reporting requirements as spelt out in the MPGs. Most countries have not received specific training on the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) and the mandatory elements of the MPGs of the Paris Agreement. Yet, the provision of clear and understandable data and information in the BTR and the NDC plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency under the ETF and supports achieving the objectives of the Convention and the Paris Agreement. Tracking and reporting NDCs pose a challenge for developing countries, as they require enhanced and more comprehensive reporting on mitigation actions and results, including the completion of common tabular forms (CTFs). 

The follow-up session was organized in response to a request from the Bahrain team to the CBIT-GSP, building on the initial workshop held in September. The primary objective was to provide targeted support and quality assurance for the Bahrain team as they finalized their Common Tabular Formats (CTFs) for their Biennial Transparency Report (BTR).

Objective

The follow-up session was organized to support the Bahrain team in verifying and refining their Common Tabular Formats (CTFs) for the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR). The session aimed to ensure the correct application of indicators and data entries, particularly given the unique nature of Bahrain’s NDC focused on mitigation co-benefits from adaptation actions. It provided tailored guidance to address data gaps and enhance the team’s understanding of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) reporting requirements.