GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES GUIDELINES TO STRENGTHEN THE INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CARBON MARKETS

German Ambassador to Zambia Her Excellency Ms. Anne Wagner speaking at the launch

Lusaka, Tuesday, 17th October, 2023 – Government has launched the Guidelines for the Submission and Evaluation of Mitigation Activities Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Part 1 of the Carbon Market Framework for Zambia.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu MP said these guidelines strengthen the Interim Guidelines for handling Carbon Markets that were announced in December 2022 and form the first pillar of the Carbon Market Framework that will govern Zambia’s participation in International Carbon Markets.

“Government aims to catalyse public and private sector mitigation activity in Zambia in an attainable and transparent manner by applying the eligibility criteria, streamlined approvals and centralised monitoring, reporting and verification,” he said in a speech read for him by Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba during the launch.

“But as you know, the Carbon Market is an evolving market in which we also need to ensure that our national systems and process remain consistent with those changes.

He said with the strenthened guidelines by the pillar launched, the pillars remaining to complete the framework include rules for transitioning of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) projects to Article 6; establishment of the infrastructure and registry procedures and fees to be paid for administrative purposes, shares of proceeds, including the benefit sharing mechanisms.

Hon. Nzovu said since December 2022, the Ministry, under the Interim Guidelines has received 39 applications, reviewed 30 project concept notes, authorized a letter of approval for 1 project and issued letters of no objection to 10 projects for the further design and development of their mitigation activities.

He said one such project, a letter of no objection, is the Consolidated Farming Limited (Kafue Sugar) Initiative which seeks to produce 40mw electricity from sugar bagasse as a renewable source.

“The project has been selected as the first of five Article 6 pilots out of a potential list of 26 projects that will receive support from the SPAR6C program for further design and demonstration of investment and trade opportunities,” he said.

He said there are numerous opportunities that lie ahead for the implementation of Article 6, such as research and development, innovation, and technology transfer – such as the introduction of Best Available Technologies (BAT) in Zambia’s industrial sector – including opportunities for job creation, securing of sustainable livelihoods and development of rural communities.

He said Zambia’s significant achievement in developing the guidelines for the submission and evaluation of mitigations activities under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, has been possible with the support of the German Government through the SPAR6C programme, other stakeholders and the diligence of our teams at Government level.

And German Ambassador to Zambia Her Excellency Ms. Anne Wagner Mitchell said the SPAR6C program aims at supporting as many Article 6 investment projects in Zambia as possible.

Ms Wagner Mitchell said 26 project proposals covering various sectors of the economy such as renewable energy efficiency, waste management, forestry and agriculture have been submitted to SPAR6C.

Angela Nantulya Heinonen, Zambia Country Lead for the Global Green Growth Institute said the benefits of engaging in the Carbon Market and ensuing mitigation ambitions and projects must be evident at a local, national and international level.

Ms Heinonen said Zambia is a positive reference point for the region and Africa as a whole with regards to its participation in the carbon market and the establishment of clear guidelines on market engagement and practices.

MGEE Communications Unit