Port Vila, Vanuatu – A significant workshop held from 12th to 15th February in Port Vila marked the initiation of a capacity-building project aimed at enhancing Vanuatu's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. Organized by the Department of Climate Change, the workshop focused on examining methodologies for estimating GHG emissions and build Vanuatu’s GHG inventory in accordance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
The workshop, the first event within this capacity-building step, brought together key stakeholders and technical experts from the Global Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHGMI) as the implementing partner of the project and received support from the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT). Over the course of four days, participants explored into various sectors crucial for Vanuatu's emissions profile, developing understanding of methodologies.
A total of 17 participants from Departments of Energy, Climate Change, Environment, Forestry, Education, National Advisory Board at the Ministry of Climate Change, Civil Aviation, Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, South Pacific Petroleum, Vanuatu Climate Action Network (VCAN) attended the four days training sessions
The themes of the workshop were designed to address key sectors contributing to Vanuatu's GHG emissions. The energy sector received focused attention, particularly on the top-down method, aiming to refine techniques for precise estimation. Similarly, discussions within the transport sector aimed to enhance methodologies relevant to this critical area of emissions.
Additionally, the workshop allocated dedicated sessions to the Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) sector, particularly emphasizing the refrigeration and air conditioning category. These discussions aimed to bolster methodologies for accurate assessment within this sector.
The waste sector was another focal point of deliberation, with discussions revolving around solid waste disposal on land and domestic wastewater categories. Participants explored methodologies to better quantify emissions within these domains, recognizing their significance in the overall emissions inventory.
The agriculture sector, crucial to Vanuatu's economy and emissions profile, played a pivotal role in the workshop. Specific attention was given to livestock enteric fermentation and manure management categories, aiming to refine methodologies and improve accuracy in emissions estimation within this sector.
“I would like to acknowledge the invaluable technical support from, GHGMI experts, which has greatly enhanced the skills and knowledge of our team through this project – This workshop is a step forward to Vanuatu’s commitment to issue communications on Green House Gas emissions that adheres to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) guidelines and the Paris Agreement as part of our national obligations to contribute to global efforts in addressing Climate Change Challenges” stated Mr Nelson Kalo – Acting Director of the Department of Climate Change.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend a follow-up session scheduled for September this year to further enhance their skills and knowledge gained from this workshop.