Sri Lanka Launches New GEF-Funded Project to Enhance Climate Transparency and Reporting

Sri Lanka has significantly strengthened its climate action by launching a new project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This initiative is a bold step toward enhancing the country’s climate transparency and accountability, in line with the transparency requirements outlined by the Paris Agreement. With GEF’s support, Sri Lanka is set to bolster its ability to monitor, track, and report on its climate commitments, making substantial progress toward achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Key Objectives of the New GEF-Funded Project

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,” has several critical objectives that will boost the country’s climate governance:

1. Strengthening Climate Data Reporting: The project aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of climate data reporting, a vital step for meeting international transparency requirements. By supporting the preparation of the First and Second Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) and the Fourth National Communication, Sri Lanka will be better equipped to report its climate progress to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), thereby meeting its international transparency obligations. 
2. Meeting Paris Agreement Obligations: As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Sri Lanka is committed to submitting its BTRs under the Enhanced Climate Transparency Framework by December 2024. This project will enable the country to fulfill these obligations and showcase its dedication to international climate goals.
3. Supporting Global Cooperation: By ensuring enhanced transparency and accountability, the project reinforces Sri Lanka’s role in the global effort to combat climate change and strengthens its position. This cooperation strengthens ties between national climate action and international climate goals, fostering better cooperation in addressing this urgent challenge.
4. Identifying and Addressing Gaps in Climate Action: As Sri Lanka prepares to update its third iteration of NDCs, this project will play an instrumental role in identifying potential gaps and areas for improvement in mitigating and adapting to climate change. It will allow the country to fine-tune its strategies to meet future climate challenges more effectively.

Advantages of the Project

This GEF-funded project brings numerous advantages, positioning Sri Lanka at the forefront of transparent climate governance:

1. Enhanced Climate Accountability: With better monitoring and tracking systems in place, the project ensures that Sri Lanka’s climate actions are transparent and accountable. This transparency demonstrates the nation’s commitment to fulfilling its NDCs, which is critical in gaining international trust and support.
2. Increased National Capacity: The project boosts the capacity of Sri Lankan institutions to handle climate data and reporting, equipping the Ministry of Environment and other key agencies with the tools necessary for more accurate climate tracking.
3. Alignment with Global Climate Goals: By aligning its climate reporting with the Paris Agreement and global standards, Sri Lanka not only strengthens its domestic climate actions but also contributes to broader global climate objectives. This alignment helps foster collaboration and ensures that Sri Lanka’s climate efforts are part of a larger, coordinated international response to climate change.
4. Pathway to Net Zero: The project supports Sri Lanka in its transition toward climate-resilient, net zero development. It provides an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen climate targets, ensuring the nation moves forward with clear and ambitious climate goals. This will also help in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG13), which focuses on urgent climate action.

Sri Lanka’s Leadership in Climate Transparency

The launch of this project sets a powerful example for other nations by illustrating the importance of climate transparency and reporting. The involvement of UNDP in supporting the project highlights the collaboration between national and international entities to push forward climate action. As noted by Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, the submission of BTRs and National Communications underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving the targets of the Paris Agreement while also showcasing the country’s progress in combating climate change. Read here

Conclusion:

As Sri Lanka continues to enhance its transparency, accountability, and cooperation with global climate frameworks, this GEF-funded project signifies a crucial step toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. Through initiatives like this, Sri Lanka is poised to lead by example in the global fight against climate change, paving the way for other countries to follow suit.

References: 

https://www.undp.org/srilanka/press-releases/launch-new-gef-funded-project-support-sri-lanka-monitoring-and-tracking-progress-climate-commitments#:~:text=This%20initiative%20sets%20the%20stage,development%20pathways%20in%20the%20country

https://env.gov.lk/web/index.php/en/announcements/campaigns/342-launch-of-a-new-gef-funded-project-to-support-sri-lanka-in-monitoring-and-tracking-progress-of-climate-commitments

https://www.adaptation-undp.org/node/9497

Images/ Video:

Banner Image: The Project Document signing took place on 5th August 2024, with the participation of Parabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, and Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, alongside other representatives from the Ministry of Environment and UNDP. Image by, United Nations Development Programme