By Danielle Swain in Baku, Azerbaijan
danielle@newsroom.gy
Guyana has set a new benchmark on the global climate stage, becoming the first developing nation to submit its Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The report marks a key achievement for Guyana, which was recognised and celebrated at the ongoing UN climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Biennial Transparency Report is a significant requirement under the Paris Agreement, the global climate pact signed on to by all countries.
The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) is a key component of the Paris Agreement, established to help countries track and report their progress on climate goals in a standardised and transparent manner.
Under the ETF, each country regularly submits information on their greenhouse gas emissions, actions taken to achieve their national climate plans, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and support needed or received for climate efforts. This information is used to assess global progress toward the Paris Agreement’s overall objective of limiting global temperature rise.
Countries must submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) detailing their emissions, climate actions, and progress toward NDC targets. This ensures all countries are measuring and reporting their climate efforts consistently.
The ETF helps countries report on their emissions and monitor reductions, so the international community can assess the effectiveness of global climate actions.
The ETF covers financial and technical support, allowing countries to outline the assistance they need and to track international climate finance and technology support received. This support is crucial for many developing countries to meet their climate goals.
The reports submitted by countries are reviewed by experts to ensure accuracy, identify gaps, and offer feedback on improvements. This process strengthens the reliability of climate data.
The ETF feeds into the Global Stocktake, a process conducted every five years to assess collective progress toward the Paris Agreement’s goals.
For Guyana, a forest-rich nation, complying with the Enhanced Transparency Framework and submitting the BTR ahead of schedule, highlights the country’s dedication to preserving its 18 million hectares of tropical forests, which play a crucial role in absorbing carbon and combating deforestation.
A Model of Commitment and Transparency
Pradeepa Bholanath, a climate economist from Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, accepted the certificate from the Enhanced Transparency Framework at the ongoing UN Climate Summit in Baku.
“As the first BTR from a developing country, our submission underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action, and transparency,” she stated.
Bholanath emphasised that Guyana’s BTR captures vital data on the country’s low deforestation rates, low emissions, and high levels of carbon removal, all supported by detailed data analysis.
“This strong, verifiable data set provides us with the basis for accessing climate finance from carbon markets,” Bholanath explained, noting that funds earned will be invested into the country’s national development plan known as the Low Carbon Development Strategy, which not only take into account national development plans, but also initiatives to support local and indigenous communities.
Building Capacity and Partnerships
Preparing the BTR has been a learning journey for Guyana. Bholanath highlighted three crucial lessons: capacity building, partnerships, and national ownership.
Building the technical and institutional skills required for data collection, emissions accounting, and comprehensive reporting were foundational in creating a reliable transparency framework.
“Collaborating with technical experts, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions has strengthened our outcomes,” said Bholanath. This cooperation, she noted, was essential in delivering a BTR reflective of national efforts across diverse sectors. Additionally, engaging local stakeholders helped enhance the quality of the report, making it a truly national document.
Looking Ahead to Climate Finance and Global Cooperation
As Bholanath acknowledged, financing is vital to maintain and advance Guyana’s progress in climate action.
“We look forward to the outcomes of this COP, the ‘Finance COP,’ and are encouraged by recent developments on Article 6.4,” she said, referring to the mechanisms in the Paris Agreement designed to improve access to climate financing through carbon markets.
Guyana’s journey through the UNFCCC review process was challenging but highly beneficial, as it offered valuable insights into improving the country’s reporting systems and frameworks.
“The review process gave us the opportunity to create a valuable framework, presenting our progress on NDC commitments and setting quantifiable goals for the future,” Bholanath added.
A Model for Other Developing Nations
Bholanath expressed her hope that Guyana’s transparency and action could serve as a blueprint for other developing countries.
“We hope our transparency fosters global trust and cooperation,” she said. “Guyana is here to contribute not just as a participant, but as a partner. Our experiences, challenges, and innovations can offer valuable insights to other countries as they prepare their first BTRs. Partnership and solidarity are the only way to achieve our collective goal.”
Through its Biennial Transparency Report, Guyana is positioning itself as a key player in global climate action, demonstrating the potential for developing nations to lead in transparency, accountability, and cooperation under the Paris Agreement.
(Published as part of Climate Tracker COP29 Caribbean Reporting Fellowship)
