Between the 23rd and 25th of January the Government of the Maldives through the Ministry of Climate change Environment and Energy hosted a three days hands on training on the enhanced transparency framework. This training was supported by the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency - Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP) in partnership with UN Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The training was ceremoniously inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, who highlighted the importance of climate reporting both for the UNFCCC and the national mandate under the Climate Emergency Act of 2021. This set a profound tone for the event, emphasizing the critical role of transparency in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement as well as demonstrating political leadership, building  knowledge and a better understanding of the climate challenge in the Maldives.

Participants of the training comprised national experts and technical specialists from government departments, utility and regulatory agencies, and the private sector. During the first day of the training   participants embarked on their journey with a deep dive into the architecture of the ETF and the development of smart indicators for tracking NDC implementation progress. The day was marked by rigorous discussions and practical exercises on the common tabular format tables. Participants had the valuable opportunity to review their country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Working in different groups, they formulated smart indicators essential for tracking progress toward the NDC targets and the policies and measures outlined in the NDC. Building on this foundation, participants proceeded to complete the common tabular format tables 1-5 and the appendix. This practical exercise not only enhanced understanding of the country’s NDC but also familiarized participants with the common tabular format tables.

Day 2: Deepening the Dive

In day two the focus shifted towards the intricacies of reporting support needed and received, alongside climate impacts, adaptation, and loss and damage under the ETF. The discussions brought to light the challenges of defining climate finance versus climate support and the hurdles in gathering information from non-state actors. Participants explored various approaches for estimating support needed, using the NDC as a foundation. This session was highly engaging, providing participants with the chance to consider the financial requirements for implementing the Maldives' NDC. It also afforded them the opportunity to understand how they can enhance their estimations of the support needed and to understand the significance of communicating these needs in their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs).   

Day 3: Practical Implementation and Strategic Planning

The final day was dedicated to practical implementation, particularly planning the development of the Maldives' first BTR. Utilizing the BTR Guidance and Roadmap Tool developed by PATPA and FAO, participants engaged in stocktaking current reporting arrangements and identifying gaps to meet new ETF requirements. This process was not only enlightening but also instrumental in mapping out a strategic path forward for the Maldives.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

This training underscored several critical insights:

• The essentiality of having a profound understanding of the NDC for effective reporting.
• The challenge posed by high staff turnover, reinforcing the importance of continuous training.
• The significance of interdisciplinary knowledge and strong inter-institutional relationships for successful climate change reporting.
• The advantage of building on existing MRV processes for smoother transition and continuity in reporting.

The commitment of the Maldives to develop and submit their first BTR by the end of 2024, a proactive step not mandated for small island developing states, serves as a testament to their leadership in climate action. This workshop not only provided invaluable insights and practical skills to the participants but also highlighted the power of collaboration in advancing the global climate agenda.

As we reflect on these three days of rigorous training, it's clear that the path to enhanced climate transparency is both challenging and rewarding. The Maldives' journey is a beacon of inspiration for nations worldwide, demonstrating that through dedication, collaboration, and innovative thinking, we can make significant strides towards a more transparent and sustainable future.