The CDM is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol allowing industrialized countries with greenhouse gas reduction commitments to invest in projects that promote and reduce gas emissions in developing countries as an alternative to more expensive emission reductions in their own countries.
The Kyoto Protocol is directly linked with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international environmental treaty that was created during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development – known as the Earth Summit – that was held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil in June of 1992. The UNFCCC is an attempt to keep the level gases emissions into the atmosphere stabilized or reduced such that their negative effects to the earth’s environment is minimized. Signatories to the Kyoto Protocol (initially adopted 5 years after UNFCCC and entered into force in 2005,) committed to a reduction of four greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and sulphur) and two groups of gases (hydroflourocarbons and perflourocarbons) that are generally produced and emitted into the atmosphere by industrialized nations. In addition, the signatories are encouraged to implement the following mechanisms: Emissions Trading, which allows for developed nations to trade or sell their “unused” allowable emission units as defined in the articles of the protocol; Joint Implementation, which allows for developed countries to work together on projects that reduce emissions; and the CDM.Palau has been a strong advocate of the Kyoto Protocol in the Pacific region and in other worldwide forums – including the United Nations. It has benefited from the CDM and now has the Palau International Coral Reef Center, which is one of Japan’s commitments to the objectives of the protocol.Idechong will participate in the CDM meeting on behalf of Palau and will have opportunities to present the interests of Palau in terms of its pursuit to maintain the integrity of its environment and thus, its contribution to the global environment.The cost of Idechong’s participation in the CDM Executive Board meeting is solely covered by the UNFCCC secretariat. Idechong is expected to return to Palau in early April.
