Global Environment Facility to Support Sri Lanka’s Climate Monitoring
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) -funded project has been launched to support Sri Lanka in monitoring and tracking progress of climate commitments
This initiative sets the stage, demonstrating Sri Lanka’s dedication to transparency and accountability while providing an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen climate targets, as Sri Lanka moves towards climate-resilient, net zero development pathways in the country.
2024 marks a critical year for climate transparency as Parties to the Paris Agreement are required to submit their first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR 1) by 31 December 2024 under the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement
Enhancing Transparency and Reporting on Climate Commitments in Line with the Paris Agreement2024 is a pivotal year for climate transparency.
As signatories of the Paris Agreement must submit their first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR 1) by December 31, 2024, under the Enhanced Transparency Framework. Sri Lanka, as a signatory, is required to submit its BTR to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is funding the project titled ‘Development of the First Biennial Transparency Report, the Second Biennial Transparency Report, and the Fourth National Communication of Sri Lanka to UNFCCC.’
This project, to be implemented by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, aims to assist the government in preparing these reports.
To inaugurate the project, a signing ceremony for the Project Document took place today. Attendees included Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, along with other representatives from the Ministry and UNDP.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi emphasized, “Submitting the BTRs and national communications is crucial not only to demonstrate our commitment to the Paris Agreement targets but also to highlight our progress and strengthen our climate change efforts. This reflects our dedication to enhanced transparency, accountability, and global cooperation to address this urgent challenge.”
Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, highlighted UNDP’s role by stating, “Having supported Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) previously, we are pleased to assist the government in translating their climate actions towards achieving net zero and SDG13.
As Sri Lanka prepares to update its third iteration of NDCs, this process will be key in identifying gaps and increasing the country’s climate ambition.”
This project underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to transparency and accountability, providing an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen climate targets as the country moves towards climate-resilient, net-zero development pathways.
