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This analytical report describes twelve renewable energy technologies that could replace or reduce the use of conventional energy sources in Nepal. These dozen technologies are not just theoretically possible; on the contrary some have been successfully tested and used in other parts of the world.

This technical document synthesizes the information provided by Parties and relevant organizations on the revision of the joint implementation (JI) guidelines, taking into consideration their experience of implementing the flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol and the recommendations on options for building on the approach embodied in JI. It includes experiences gained and lessons learned in the operation of JI, as well as challenges, barriers and areas for improving the JI guidelines. In total, five submissions were received from Parties, one was received from an intergovernmental organization and two were received from admitted observer organizations.

This technical document presents a summary of the views submitted by Parties and admitted observer organizations relating to modalities and procedures for financing results-based actions and considering activities related to decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 68–70 and 72 regarding reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable use of forests and enhancement of carbon stock (REDD+). It covers the range of financing options identified by Parties and admitted observer organizations, the key substantive elements that could be relevant for the development of modalities and procedures and lists issues that may require further exploration.

This manual aims to assist investment project formulation practitioners in incorporating climate change considerations into agricultural investment projects and programmes. The main focus is on project/programme formulation (i.e. identification and design), although some aspects of supervision and evaluation are also presented. The manual is intended for national and international staff and consultants, as well as government staff involved in mobilizing investment for agriculture and rural development, mainly through assistance to project or programme identification, formulation and supervision. It is meant to apply to investment projects or programmes in agriculture and rural development (agriculture in the broad sense, including fisheries, livestock and forestry).

This analytical report highlights that cycling, walking and rapid transit systems are associated with a wide range of potential health benefits that climate assessment needs to consider more systematically. Health benefits may include: physical activity from walking and cycling, which can help prevent heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and some obesity-related risks; lower urban air pollution concentrations; lower rates of traffic injury risks for users of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian networks; and less noise stress. Transport systems that prioritize active transport and rapid transit systems, along with better urban land use, also can help improve access for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and lower wage earners, enhancing health equity.

This analytical report presents selected results of spatial analyses to explore biodiversity benefits and risks from REDD+ in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The findings confirm that there is great potential in the country. Areas that store large amounts of biomass carbon overlap with areas of importance for biodiversity. Furthermore, the overlay analyses of existing land designations and biomass carbon highlight the need for the effective and sustainable management of designated areas in order to reduce environmental harm and secure the valuable assets they contain. These spatial analyses can help ensure that REDD+ implementation realizes multiple benefits by supporting the application of national-level social and environmental standards, informing the development of REDD+ scenarios, and by communicating the potential for multiple benefits from REDD+.

This activity report provides a summary of the in-session workshop on increasing the level of ambition under paragraph 8 of decision 1/CP.17. The workshop, held in Bonn, Germany, on 21 May 2012, during the first negotiating session in 2012, provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the ambition gap and discuss options and ways for increasing ambition. The presentations and discussion examined the role of national governments, the private sector and international cooperation in enhancing action, and in mobilizing the critical resources and support needed to promote action.

This technical document assesses the strengths and weaknesses in the capacity building services being provided against Viet Nam REDD+ readiness needs. It notices that in the space of three years, capacity building and training efforts have transformed REDD+ from a little-known concept to one which is recognized, discussed and on the agenda of the Government of Viet Nam and that alongside awareness raising at a national level, substantial progress has been made in capacity building for policy development and environmental safeguards. However key gaps remain. Recommendations for addressing these gaps are provided in the last section of the document.

This technical document assesses the strengths and weaknesses in the capacity building services being provided against the Philippines REDD+ readiness needs. It notices that in the space of three years, capacity building and training efforts have transformed REDD+ from a little-known concept to one which is recognized, discussed and on the agenda of the Government of the Philippines and that alongside awareness raising at a national level, substantial progress has been made in capacity building for policy development and environmental safeguards. However key gaps remain. Recommendations for addressing these gaps are provided in the last section of the document.

This technical document assesses the strengths and weaknesses in the capacity building services being provided against Indonesia REDD+ readiness needs. It notices that in the space of three years, capacity building and training efforts have transformed REDD+ from a little-known concept to one which is recognized, discussed and on the agenda of the Government of Indonesia and that alongside awareness raising at a national level, substantial progress has been made in capacity building for policy development and environmental safeguards. However key gaps remain. Recommendations for addressing these gaps are provided in the last section of the document.

This technical document assesses the strengths and weaknesses in the capacity building services being provided against Cambodia REDD+ readiness needs. It notices that in the space of three years, capacity building and training efforts have transformed REDD+ from a little-known concept to one which is recognized, discussed and on the agenda of the Royal Government of Cambodia and that alongside awareness raising at a national level, substantial progress has been made in capacity building for policy development and environmental safeguards. However key gaps remain. Recommendations for addressing these gaps are provided in the last section of the document.

This activity report includes the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Annual Report for 2011 which also provides a comprehensive overview of the Biennial Work Programme 2010-2011. It focuses on UNISDR’s work with partners to deliver results and measures achievement against the strategic objectives for these two years, including 1) disaster risk reduction accepted and applied for climate change adaptation; 2) measurable increases in investment in disaster risk reduction; 3) disaster-resilient cities, schools and hospitals; and 4) strengthened international system for disaster risk reduction.

This activity report presents a summary of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) challenges and successes in 2010. It is stressed that the year has seen a comprehensive effort to deal with key challenges: clearer, simpler procedures and requirements have been adopted, together with more challenging targets and timelines; the secretariat’s programme that supports the CDM was restructured; and dialogue with and between stakeholders was increased.

This analytical report, prepared for the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Istanbul, Turkey in May 2011, assesses the efforts made through the United Nations system, in particular through the Rio Conventions and by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), to address climate change and environmental vulnerability in the LDCs over the last decade. Further, it makes recommendations for the next decade of 2011 – 2020. In addition, the publication touches on vulnerability and how the consideration of vulnerability could be improved in defining the criteria for the graduation from LDC status.

This analytical report is a synthesis of the voluntary contributions of 21 Nairobi work programme partners, demonstrating their commitment to achieving the objective of the Nairobi work programme.

This analytical report aims to share information on a decade of experiences, best practices and lessons learned in addressing adaptation in least developed countries (LDCs) through the National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) process. NAPAs provide a process for the LDCs to identify priority activities that respond to their urgent and immediate needs with regard to adaptation to climate change, taking into account that further delay could increase vulnerability or lead to increased costs at a later stage. It is hoped that the publication will offer insights for replicating and learning from these lessons on a larger scale. Also available in Portuguese.

This brochure stresses that in the 20 years since their inception, the Rio Conventions have made important progress in advancing their work. Given that climate change, biodiversity and desertification are interconnected, the conventions explored possible cooperation in these areas. The increasing awareness of gender in the context of sustainability adds a new opportunity to further strengthen cooperation among the three Rio Conventions. In this sense, this is an interesting and exciting time for all three conventions, because gender awareness is at an all-time high in the context in which the conventions function.

This brochure stresses that the Rio Conventions – the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – acknowledge the important contribution of forests to the achievement of their respective objectives and provides a snapshot of the synergies and linkages with respect to forests between combating climate change and desertification and the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

This brochure published on the occasion of the Rio+20 Conference highlights the roles of the Rio Conventions’ processes involved in biodiversity, combating desertification/land degradation and climate change as important contributors to the global sustainable development agenda, drawing attention to successes and future opportunities. It stresses that the Rio Conventions collectively offer a range of tools, services and expertise that assist vulnerable countries and communities in enabling effective adaptation and achieving sustainable development.

This technical document offers a summary of the most important financing and support opportunities available to Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in Africa and other under-represented regions. It highlights the Nairobi Framework, which was established to achieve a more equitable regional distribution of CDM projects and ensure that less developed regions can enjoy the benefits of the CDM. It then outlines some of the support programmes available for CDM projects in Africa, including: the UNFCCC loan scheme for countries with fewer than ten registered projects; the Africa Carbon Asset Development initiative; the Carbon Fund for Africa; the African Biofuels and Renewable Energy Fund; the UN Development Programme (UNDP)’s Millennium Development Goals Carbon Facility; various World Bank carbon funds and initiatives; and various national programmes for the purchase of Certified Emission Reductions, such as Germany’s KfW Carbon Fund.