Background

The years 2023-2024 represent a critical phase for the UNFCCC process and the Paris Agreement, as the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) enters into full implementation mode. The process will be marked by a large-scale transition of Parties from current measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) arrangements to the ETF, which requires all Parties to operate under the same operational procedures, formally called “Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines”, with some flexibility for Parties that are developing countries and need them based on their capacities. Currently, Parties are at different stages in terms of their capacity to effectively implement existing MRV arrangements and prepare for the transition to the ETF.

Morocco established the SNIGES by decree (published in the Official Bulletin on April 4, 2019) to meet its commitments to international bodies (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, etc.) and the guidelines of the new climate regime, in particular the reinforced transparency framework.

The National GHG Inventory System (SNI-GES) is a set of institutional and technical provisions (human and material) for collecting, processing and reporting information on GHG emissions at the country level. The sectors concerned are: Energy, Industrial Processes, Agriculture, Waste and Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF).

The Paris Agreement ETF builds on and enhances existing measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) arrangements under the Convention. With the adoption of the ETF Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines (MPGs) and the corresponding common reporting tables, common tabular formats and outlines, developing country Parties are already planning to transition to the ETF, and some have already taken initial steps to do so. These MPGs provide specific details on the information that countries should report, the format in which this information should be presented, and the process for reviewing the reported information. The agreements were reached by countries at COP24 in 2018 and were finalized at COP26 in 2021.

Common reporting tables for the electronic reporting of national inventory reports information (CRTs) are an indispensable element of the official greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions/removals inventory submission to the UNFCCC. These tables provide a standardized framework that allows countries to report their emissions data in a clear, transparent and comparable manner. CRTs are organized into a series of tables and sub-tables, each designed to capture specific aspects of GHG emissions and removals. Using CRTs, countries are required to provide detailed information on their emission sources, methodologies and data quality. This transparency helps build trust among countries and allows for in-depth scrutiny of reported data.

In this context, the CBIT-GSP, in collaboration with UNDP, organized a technical and practical training session in October 2024 for national experts from Morocco. The training focused on the fundamental principles of inventory preparation using the updated IPCC 2006 Guidelines tool, with an emphasis on generating the Common Reporting Tables (CRTs). The session specifically targeted the Energy and AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use) sectors, which are considered as the key sectors of the national economy in Morocco.

However, the one-week training was insufficient to address the complexities of the LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry) sub-sector. The sectoral coordinator for the SNI-GES Forest sector highlighted challenges, including inconsistencies in data and calculations when transitioning from their existing Excel-based database to the IPCC software. These challenges were formally documented in a request submitted by Morocco to the CBIT-GSP MENA Network, seeking additional technical assistance.

In response, CBIT-GSP sought support from one of its key transparency partners, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), whose specialized expertise in the LULUCF sector is well-suited to address the challenges related to the GHG Inventory from the sector.

At this stage, a preliminary meeting was organized, bringing together Morocco’s national team, an FAO expert, and CBIT-GSP to understand and gain an overview of the specific challenges faced by the country in preparing the GHG Inventory for the LULUCF sector. This meeting aimed to ensure proper preparation for a subsequent formal hands-on session.

As an outcome of this initial meeting, the Moroccan team shared their Excel database with the expert, providing detailed data, calculations, and methodologies used for the LULUCF sector. This enabled an in-depth review to identify gaps or areas for improvement in their GHG Inventory reporting.

Objective

The primary objective of this hands-on session is to provide tailored technical support to the LULUCF sector in Morocco, aiding in the preparation of their National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHGI). This session aims to review methodologies, ensure data consistency, and provide practical training in completing the CRTs directly within the UNFCCC ETF reporting tools, aligning with Morocco's goal of submitting its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) by December 2024.

Specific Objectives:

• Assist the Moroccan team in leveraging their existing Excel database to directly input data into the ETF reporting tools, bypassing challenges associated with discrepancies in transitioning to the IPCC software, given the tight reporting deadline.
• Perform a thorough review of the existing Excel database, focusing on verifying the consistency of data and the appropriateness of the methodologies used, with expert guidance.
• Provide targeted support in populating the ETF reporting tools, reducing reliance on CRT tables in Excel format and optimizing the process to meet critical reporting requirements efficiently.

Expected Outcomes 

By the end of the session, the Moroccan team is expected to:

• Have a clear understanding of how to align their existing inventory data with the requirements of the ETF reporting tools.
• Address and resolve major data and methodology discrepancies in their current Excel database.
• Be equipped with the practical skills needed to complete the CRT tables within the ETF tools, ensuring readiness for the BTR submission deadline.

This session not only supports Morocco's immediate reporting obligations but also enhances the team's capacity to manage future inventory processes effectively.

Target Audience and Language

This web-based training workshop is designed for Morocco's national team and local experts responsible for calculating GHG Inventory for LULUCF sub sector.

The hands-on session will primarily be conducted in English. However, there will also be an option to communicate and engage in French for participants who are more comfortable expressing themselves or understanding content in that language.