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 within the 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 remains a limited understanding of the reporting requirements as detailed by the MPGs, with most countries yet to received specific training on either the ETF, or the mandatory elements of the MPGs under the Paris Agreement. However, 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 the overall goal of achieving the objectives of both the Convention and the Paris Agreement. The tracking and reporting NDCs pose a challenge for developing countries, as it requires enhanced and more comprehensive reporting on mitigation actions and results, including the completion of common tabular forms (CTFs).

In response to Morocco’s request to the CBIT-GSP for capacity building of the team responsible for preparing the BTR, an in-person workshop has been organized. The workshop aims to assist Morocco’s team in addressing capability and knowledge gaps, as well as clarifying questions related to completing the CTF tables, and on areas concerning the overall reporting and tracking of NDC implementation.

Objective

This workshop aims to organize a practical working session and facilitate in-depth discussions to support Morocco in preparing its first BTR. The objective is to address any gaps and challenges faced by the team of experts responsible for transparency, particularly concerning electronic reporting via the Common Tabular Formats (CTFs). The focus will be on tracking progress in the implementation and achievement of Morocco's NDC under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement.

This workshop will also offer participants the opportunity to engage with expert and exchange insights, assisting Morocco in tracking its progress toward NDC targets. This will help ensure compliance with the UNFCCC's modalities, procedures, and guidelines (MPGs) for reporting under the ETF.