Background

The Paris Agreement established the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) with the primary goal of enhancing the transparency and accountability of parties’ efforts on addressing climate change. Under the ETF, each Party is mandated to submit a Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) every two years, while Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) may submit the BTR at their discretion. Reporting on adaptation in the BTR is optional, but all Parties are encouraged to do so.
The BTR adaptation section provides information related to climate change impacts and adaptation under Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, as well as information on loss and damage under Article 8. The BTR adaptation reporting is also expected to serve as a tool for tracking the implementation and effectiveness of adaptation actions and for informing the global stocktake of the collective progress towards the global goal on adaptation. While the modalities, procedures, and guidelines (MPGs) provide for some guidance on adaptation reporting, this area of reporting is still in its infancy, and the MPGs leave room for interpretation. When reporting adaptation under the National Communications, Non-Annex I Parties are “encouraged” to provide information on their vulnerability to the impacts as well as information on and evaluation of strategies and measures for adapting to climate change, in key areas. Reporting on progress, such as implementation status, effectiveness, or lessons learned, is optional.
However, while many countries included an adaptation chapter in their first BTR, the content varied significantly, highlighting the need for more consistent further guidance.
The guidance for the adaptation reporting in the BTR is based on the MPGs that provide a flexible and non-prescriptive framework for reporting on adaptation, with eight thematic areas that cover various aspects of adaptation planning, implementation, and evaluation. The MPGs also allow Parties to use different approaches and methods for reporting on adaptation, depending on their national circumstances and capacities.

Mutual Learning Programme (MLP): Strengthening Adaptation Reporting

The Mutual Learning Programme (MLP) aims to improve the understanding of developing countries on how to apply the adaptation reporting in the BTR, which is based on the modalities, procedures, and guidelines (MPGs) that provide a flexible and non-prescriptive framework for reporting on adaptation, with eight thematic areas that cover the various aspects of adaptation planning, implementation, and evaluation. It also supports countries in identifying areas for improvement in future submissions to the UNFCCC.
While previous MLP cycles have primarily focused on mitigation reporting, this is the first cycle dedicated to advancing adaptation reporting.
The MLP complements ongoing capacity-building efforts through hands-on, practical training and peer learning, while adding value to initiatives led by CBIT-GSP and UNEP-CCC.
 

Objectives of the MLP

The main objective of the MLP is to support the participating countries in their journey towards developing the BTR section on “Information Related to Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Under Article 7 of the Paris Agreement”. In line with the MPGs, this cycle of MLP will focus on the following adaptation reporting areas:
➢Progress on implementation of adaptation (Section E of adaptation-related MPGs),
➢Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation actions and processes (Section F of adaptation-related MPGs),
➢Potential improvements of adaptation reporting.
Other important objectives of the programme are:
•Enhance understanding of the structure and reporting elements outlined in the Modalities, Procedures, and Guidelines (MPGs),
•Facilitate tailored exercises and brainstorming sessions on adaptation reporting,
•Identify information and data gaps for comprehensive and transparent reporting,
•Promote the development of national systems to track progress in implementing, achieving, and reporting on climate adaptation.

About CBIT-GSP

The Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency—Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP) is a global climate transparency programme supporting developing countries in the transition to the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the Paris Agreement. The
project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through CBIT, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and executed by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC).
 

The MLP anticipates three consecutive events

Kick-off meeting: (July 31, 2025, tbc), considering the following: 11:00 –13:00CET
1.Introduction of MLP, including schedule,
2.Country presentations-10min each
3.Methodological guidance for reporting adaptation progress and M&E in line with MPGs,
4.Introduction to the first exercise.

First technical meeting (planned for 25 September 2025, tbc):11:00-12:30CET
1.Presentation of the first exercise by countries,
2.Explanation of answers to questions and discussion,
3.Introduction to the second exercise.

Second technical meeting (end of 16 October 2025, tbc): 11:00-12:30
1.Presentation of the second exercise by countries,
2.Explanation of answers to questions and discussion,
3.Review of the program and discussion for the next step.
 

Audience

This activity is intended for technical officers who coordinate the implementation of adaptation, tracking, and reporting adaptation initiatives at the national and international levels. This includes government staff at the national and sectoral levels and staff from other institutions that are part of countries’ institutional arrangements for reporting under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement (BTR).
Language and modality
The MLP sessions will be held in English.
Implementation period
July-October 2025