Following the Webinar on "Planning and Development of Countries’ First BTR in the Anglophone Caribbean", as we navigate the challenges of BTR planning and execution in the small island contexts by the December 2024 deadline, it's crucial to share insights and strategies to overcome common obstacles. 

Under the Enhanced Transparency Framework, Parties to the Paris Agreement are obligated to submit biennial transparency reports (BTR) every two years, with the first submission due by 31 December 2024. These reports encompass a wide array of information, including national inventory reports (NIR), progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), policies and measures, climate change impacts and adaptation, financial and technological support, and capacity-building needs.

However, for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as those in the Anglophone Caribbean, the journey towards compiling these reports is fraught with challenges. These challenges stem from the islands' limited human capital, capacity constraints, and the competing demands on human and financial resources to execute their BTRs. This amounts to significant hurdles in meeting the technical requirements and frequency of reporting under the Enhanced Transparency Framework, even with flexibility arrangements in place developing country Parties that need it in the light of their capacities.
 

Here are a few questions to kick-start this discussion:

1. Meeting the Deadline?: With the December 2024 deadline approaching, how are countries preparing to submit our BTR amidst the unique challenges faced in the region?

    

2. Advice for Beginners: Considering the complexity of BTR requirements, what are the first actions that countries can take to kick-start the reporting process?

    

3. Drawing from experience: From experience in developing National Communications (NCs) and Biennial Update Reports (BURs) under the UNFCCC, how can countries prioritize tasks and leverage available resources to meet the essential criteria within the given timeframe?

Feel free to share your experiences, challenges, and advice regarding BTR planning and execution in this forum. All insights and suggestions are valuable - this is uncharted territory!