Background

The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement represents a significant evolution in climate action reporting. It builds upon and enhances the existing measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) arrangements under the Convention. The adoption of modalities, procedures, and guidelines (MPGs) for the ETF, along with corresponding common reporting tables, common tabular formats, and outlines, has set the stage for countries to transition to this new framework (Decisions 18/CMA.1 and 5/CMA.3).

The Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) is a cornerstone of the ETF, serving as the primary vehicle for countries to communicate their climate actions and progress. For the Sri Lanka, as with other developing countries, the preparation of the first BTR presents both an opportunity and a challenge. It offers a chance to showcase national climate efforts while also requiring a comprehensive and detailed accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mitigation actions, and progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

GHG inventories are crucial components of the BTR, providing insights into emissions and removals from various sources and sinks across economic sectors. These inventories form the foundation for identifying appropriate mitigation actions, developing baseline scenarios, and formulating projections. Under the new requirements, countries must use the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines and the adopted common reporting tables (CRT) for preparing and reporting national GHG inventories.

The preparation of a high-quality GHG inventory demands adherence to the TACCC principles: transparency, accuracy, completeness, consistency, and comparability. This requires a deep understanding of various components involved in the preparation and management of a GHG inventory, including data collection and management, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), verification, key category analysis, recalculation, uncertainty assessment, and improvement planning.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals. They embody each country's efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. The Paris Agreement requires each Party to prepare, communicate, and maintain successive NDCs that it intends to achieve. Tracking NDCs is a key requirement under the ETF, necessitating transparent quantitative and qualitative information on the implementation and achievement of the NDC.

For the Sri Lanka, prioritizing overall BTR preparation rather than individual areas represents a strategic approach to meeting its international climate commitments. By focusing on the big picture, the country can ensure a cohesive and comprehensive report that accurately reflects its climate actions and ambitions. Emphasizing NDC tracking within this context is crucial, as it provides a clear link between national goals and international obligations.

The two-day duration for this workshop reflects a targeted and efficient approach to capacity building. By concentrating on the most critical aspects of BTR preparation and NDC tracking, participants will gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to the Sri Lanka' first BTR.

Objectives and purpose of the training
This workshop aims to enhance the capacity of key stakeholders in the Sri Lanka to prepare a comprehensive and accurate BTR. It will cover the fundamental aspects of the ETF, with particular focus on GHG inventories, NDC tracking, and the use of common reporting tables and common tabular formats. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a solid understanding of the BTR requirements, proficiency in GHG inventory preparation, and the ability to track and report on NDC progress effectively.
The workshop has the following specific objectives:

• Familiarize participants with the Biennial Transparency Report requirements under the Paris Agreement and its Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF)
• Improve the proficiency of participants in preparing and managing national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories, developing a comprehensive national inventory document, and effectively employing the common reporting table for reporting emissions.
• Exchange experiences and lessons learned, corresponding to the application of IPCC and UNFCCC tools and systems for reporting inventory data with ETF provisions.
• Comprehend the Sri Lanka' Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments
• Understand the linkage between NDC tracking and GHG inventory reporting
• Learn strategies for effective data management and collection for BTR preparation
• Gain knowledge on Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures in BTR preparation
• Develop capacity to draft key sections of the BTR, including Common Reporting Tables (CRTs) and Common Tabular Format (CTF)