national interministerial dialogue on climate change - UNDPCC.org

NATIONAL INTERMINISTERIAL
DIALOGUE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Ak Altyn Hotel, Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan
21-22 January 2009
WORKSHOP REPORT
Day 1
Opening of the Workshop
J.S. Saparmuradov, Vice-Minister of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan: It should be noted that
Turkmenistan is the only country among the CIS that had the opportunity to participate in the project
of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The implementation of this project will allow
for the improvement of technical understanding of the key issues relating to climate change in
Turkmenistan. It has also been planned to assess investments and financial flows so that the problem
of climate change can be analyzed in three key sectors of the <strong>national</strong> economy. Such assessment
will contribute to the integration of climate change issues into the <strong>national</strong> development and economic
planning of Turkmenistan; it will also assist in forming <strong>national</strong> positions for negotiations on climate
change. At the end of the workshop its participants will hopefully be able to work out some ways to
improve the coordination of governmental bodies that are in charge of climate change problems.
R. Young, the UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan: At the 13 th Meeting of the Conference
of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Bali in December
2007 the governmental representatives confirmed the issues of economic and social development to
have a global priority. Actions aimed at mitigating climate change and developing low emission
economies must concern a large number of industries. That is why the main ministries and
departments of Turkmenistan are involved in the workshop discussions.
A. Kokorin, Workshop Chairman, introduced the main objectives, tasks and expected results, as well
as workshop procedure and the programme of Day 1.
The main task of the workshop lies in the improved understanding of:
• key issues currently being discussed within the Bali Action Plan, as well as their potential
impact on the <strong>national</strong> policy;
• consideration of political decisions concerning the implementation of climate change
mitigation and adaptation measures as well as problems discussed in the previous years;
• consideration of <strong>national</strong>ly appropriate mitigation actions for Turkmenistan in the context of
sustainable development.
• awareness raising among line ministries on the investments and financial flows assessments
in the key sectors identified by the government of Turkmenistan
The following results are expected at the closure of the workshop:
• consensus regarding the assessment of investments and financial flows to take actions on
climate change mitigation and adaptation;
• agreement relating to the coordination of views on the Bali Action Plan and elaboration of a
<strong>national</strong> position on climate change;
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• decision on the development of a <strong>national</strong> strategy on climate change according to the new
inter<strong>national</strong> post-2012 agreement.
G. Allaberdiev, Head of the National Group on Climate Change, organized the presentation of the
participants: name, position and possible experience in the field of climate change.
Turkmenistan and Climate Change
G. Allaberdiev presented the main results of the research carried out in the course of the Second
National Communication on climate change in accordance with the UNFCCC, i.e. greenhouse gas
emissions inventory, research on climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as priority sectors
in connection with climate change.
The facilitator emphasized those presentation slides, which displayed different scenarios of climate
change as well as an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. He was asked how the increase in
greenhouse gas emissions would affect the economy of Turkmenistan and whether such calculations
had been made. In the framework of the Second National Communication no economic estimation
was made, but it is the task under the UNDP Project to estimate the cost of actions aimed at climate
change prevention and adaptation in the three key economic sectors – oil and gas, power industry
and water industry. The presenter specified which economic activities were included in the Energy
Sector for greenhouse gas inventory.
The facilitator asked about the applied methods and economic criteria of the greenhouse gas
emissions projection. Currently the greenhouse gas emissions were assessed in accordance with the
two scenarios only for two key sectors – power industry and oil and gas industry. Inter<strong>national</strong> IPCC
methodology was used to estimate projections. Population growth, planned GDP growth, and sectoral
development programmes were used as the main projection criteria.
The Bali Road Map and the Review of Climate Change Negotiations
A. Averchenkova presented main stages of the development of inter<strong>national</strong> cooperation in 1992-
2007, differentiation of the countries in the framework of the Convention and their obligations, building
blocks of the Bali Action Plan, new approaches to participation of developing countries in mitigation of
climate change according to the Bali Action Plan, schedule of negotiations before the Conference in
Copenhagen as well as final results of the Conference in Poznan. The presenter pointed out that a
future agreement on climate change would be based on a complex economic approach and that to
participate effectively Turkmenistan must elaborate a <strong>national</strong> position on the economic mechanisms
under discussion.
The facilitator informed participants that the Conference in Copenhagen had been postponed for a
week and asked to explain in detail the decisions on the Adaptation Fund. The presenter briefly
described the main objectives of the Adaptation Fund and the possibilities for Turkmenistan to get
finance from the Fund for projects on adaptation.
D. Gershinkova added that the Adaptation Fund had been recently established and that so far it had
obtained no application from any country because no relevant procedure existed. Unfortunately at
present the countries of Central Asia cannot obtain direct help from the Adaptation Fund, however it is
possible to build capacity right now to be ready to submit applications for adaptation projects.
I. Atamuradova thanked the presenter for a detailed presentation, especially regarding the results of
the negotiation process, and asked to explain the consequences for developing countries of a new
differentiation of countries in the framework of the Convention. The presenter clarified that developed
countries would undertake quantitative obligations while developing countries would be able to
participate in the control of greenhouse gas emissions and use a wider range of economic
mechanisms including voluntary obligations than those stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol.
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The facilitator demonstrated the principles of performing obligations according to <strong>national</strong>ly
appropriate mitigation actions (NAMA) and projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM),
as well as the main idea of technologies on carbon capture and storage.
Mitigation of Climate Change
M. Savage, Oxford Consulting Partners, explained the meaning of climate change mitigation. It is
necessary to estimate the <strong>national</strong> mitigation potential in the context of sustainable development. He
also showed the opportunities countries had due to their mitigation activities: carbon markets,
financing mechanisms and donor organizations. In this connection the presenter emphasized the
necessity to work out some institutional agreements contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions as well as monitoring, verification and reporting in this field.
To consider the <strong>national</strong> problem of mitigation the facilitator suggested adjourning the discussion
concerning the two <strong>national</strong> sectors – power and oil and gas industry - and organizing a joint working
group. Key issues on mitigation in the above economic sectors had been presented before the
discussion started.
Climate Change Mitigation – National Power Industry and Oil and
Gas Industry
I. Atamuradova presented criteria according to which power industry and oil and gas industry were
selected as key sectors of the economy for climate change mitigation, informed of their characteristics
and development in 2000-2007 and their development programmes up to 2030. She also showed the
assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in these key sectors in 2000-2007 and the projection of
greenhouse gas emissions up to 2030 in each sector.
The presenter emphasized that the government implemented and planned a wide range of largescale
projects contributing to climate change mitigation however it was possible only in the power
industry to quantify energy conservation and control of greenhouse gas emissions in relation to the
baseline in 2000-2007 and in prospect up to 2030 according to the actions. Though the oil and gas
industry receives the largest industrial investments for reconstruction and modernization, it is hardly
possible to produce similar assessments due to limited data access in this sector. The assessments
of greenhouse gas emissions were obtained using the IPCC emission factors. Taking into account
that some oil and gas industry data are of a confidential nature, the presenter proposed to the
specialists of the oil and gas industry to develop a sectoral greenhouse gas inventory within the
related department.
The presenter underlined that the economic estimation of actions on the control of greenhouse gas
emissions was not undertaken for these sectors yet. Up to 2030 the greenhouse gas emissions would
continue and correspond to the both scenarios of the economic development. Thus we can only talk
about the limitation or reduced expansion rate of greenhouse gas emissions.
Reports on the discussions in working groups
Moderator – A. Kokorin, secretary – M. Zhecheva
Current greenhouse gas mitigation – examples and options.
There are some examples, it is necessary to work out <strong>national</strong> factors of greenhouse gas emissions,
some corrections and amendments to statistical reporting are required.
Finance
Power rates for population are low, hence an educational campaign for population is needed.
Some practices to encourage energy conservation are to be elaborated
Corresponding legal regulations are to be developed
Sustainable development and control of greenhouse gas emissions
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A school course on the ecologically sustainable lifestyle is to be developed
Foreign companies should be involved in energy conservation actions
A programme of sustainable development of the Caspian coastal area is to be elaborated
Finance assessment. How to assess and build capacity
Information exchange and availability among ministries
What analysis is needed for the National Plan to potentially limit the emissions (after 2012)
Economic analysis of expenses and profits of different enterprises as far as climate change
consequences are concerned. Economic analysis of projects on associated gas disposal and on
methane discharge into the atmosphere.
Moderators: G. Allaberdiev, A. Averchenkova, secretary – V. Akopova
The potential of emission control in oil and gas and power industry sectors:
• the actions require additional finance and technologies
• the CDM potential is to be assessed in the short term
A special programme on climate change and energy efficiency is to be introduced into the National
Development Programme.
Suggestions:
To develop a <strong>national</strong> programme on climate change for the key sectors
To introduce it into the National Programme of Social and Economic Development up to 2020
• Assessment of expenses, profits and sources of finance
• Objective: to reduce the carbon intensity of the economy and to take adaptation actions
• Elaboration of methods and reporting forms and their approval by the State Statistical Agency
Establishment of an institutional coordination mechanism
Establishment of special sectoral groups in charge of the control of greenhouse gas emissions
Personnel training in the inter<strong>national</strong> community
The encouraging mechanisms are to be used:
• Administrative actions
• Rewards
• Fiscal mechanisms (in the long term)
To adapt existing sectoral projects for the CDM participation
Moderator: M. Savage, secretary: J. Permanova
• There is a lack of awareness on the part of people responsible for decision-making in the
climatic field, including in relation to emissions control as well as the existing inter<strong>national</strong>
financial mechanisms (mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol) and the development funds.
• In the power industry sector some actions are being taken to economically prove the
necessity of increasing energy efficiency and to introduce alternative energy sources.
• Financial investment to develop a “low-carbon” power industry is required.
• As to the <strong>national</strong> policy in the field of the control of greenhouse gas emissions, it is unwise to
rely on consciousness; governmental decisions and financial/economic incentives are
needed.
• Of some interest is the experience of developed and developing countries in the field of
climate change and their participation in the mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol.
At the end of Day 1 the facilitator suggested postponing the presentation on land use, land use
change and forestry to the next day.
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Day 2
Review of Day 1 results
The facilitator presented the recommendations on improving <strong>national</strong> activities in the context of
climate change, which resulted from the discussions on the first day of the workshop:
• To establish cooperation among departments and organizations for a joint data analysis and
assessment of expenses and profits from the greenhouse gas emissions control (increased
energy efficiency, energy conservation, minimization of technological natural gas losses, etc.).
To create an institutional mechanism for interdepartmental coordination
o Establishment of sectoral groups to develop a greenhouse gas inventory in the
sectors
• Capacity building of policy makers on key negotiation issues prior to the conference of parties
and to develop a <strong>national</strong> programme on climate change (participation of Turkmenistan in the
United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change) involving key sectors of the
<strong>national</strong> economy
• To integrate the above programme into the National Programme of Social and Economic
Development up to 2020
o Assessment of expenses, profits and sources of financing (including future
mechanisms of agreement on climate related problems after 2012) – economic
analysis of profits and expenses of different enterprises as far as consequences of
climate change are concerned
o Objective: to reduce the carbon intensity of the economy and to take adaptation
actions
o Elaboration of methods and amendments to the statistical reporting forms. The
amendment suggestions should be sent to the State Statistical Agency. Guidelines
should be worked out for individual sectors that would make it possible to report
under the UNFCCC at inter<strong>national</strong> level (including the new agreement after 2012)
o Accounting and gradual reduction of specific natural gas consumption on
technological pipeline maintenance
o Development of the Caspian coastal area plan taking into account the principles of
sustainable development as well as greenhouse gas emissions assessment
• To use encouraging mechanisms
o
Administrative actions (removal of administrative barriers impeding the energy
conservation as well as different financing of state enterprises when the energy/funds
saved are transferred to the next financial year or used for their own needs)
o Rewards
o Fiscal actions (in the long term), gradual adjustment of the electricity and gas tariffs to
the market ones
o Claims to foreign companies regarding energy efficiency and gas consumption rates
• Educational actions
o To prepare population for the gradual adjustment of the electricity and gas tariffs to
the market ones
o Awareness of electricity and gas conservation
o School course on the ecologically sustainable lifestyle
• To adapt existing sectoral projects to the CDM participation.
Land-use, land-use change and forestry
A. Kokorin presented the main concepts and the terms applied in the sector of land-use, land-use
change and forestry,, a course of inter<strong>national</strong> negotiations and problems relevant to LULUCF
projects in terms of the Joint Implementation and the Clean Development Mechanism. Besides, the
lecturer marked the key LULUCF problems considered within the Bali Action Plan, and advantages of
Sylvan projects.
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Adaptation – the inter<strong>national</strong> context
D. Gershinkova presented the main concepts and terms on adaptation, a course of inter<strong>national</strong>
negotiations on adaptation within the frameworks of the Bali Action Plan and a problem of adaptation
projects in terms of the Convention on Climate Change. Moreover, the lecture marked the main
outcomes of the Working Group II of IPCC Fourth assessment report, relevance of application of
existing adaptation technologies, allocations designed by adaptation technology according to the
sectors and economic activities. Special attention was paid to the consideration of problems related to
financing of the adaptation projects.
N. Korpeev emphasized that a number of projects have already been developed within the
frameworks of the Conventions on Desertification and Biodiversity, and that these projects can be
referred to as adaptation projects, therefore it is necessary to check up existing projects according to
the criteria of adaptation to climate change.
I. Atamuradova asked to comment on the recent deliberations of the Conference of the Parties
concerning the proposal of China to create a special body of the Convention on adaptation. The
lecturer explained that the proposal was not supported by the Parties.
Adaptation – National water facility
S. Aganov marked the necessity of implementation of measures on adaptation in connection with the
possible climate changes. This necessity is conditioned by the following factors: river hydrograph shift
that will lead to diminishing the river flow during a vegetation period; augmentation of irrigation
requirements along with the decrease of water limits used for irrigation needs; decrease in pastures
productivity and the subsequent decrease in sheep breeding effectiveness. The lecturer also
introduced the main measures for adaptation of water industry to climate change.
The report prompted a number of questions from the participants of the workshop, and the facilitator
suggested discussing them in working groups (3 round tables).
Reports on the discussions in working groups
Moderator - A.Kokorin, secretary - M.Zhecheva
Guidance on adaptation in water industry sector:
• improvement of water resources management;
• implementation of technical measures ensuring the rational utilisation of water resources;
• strengthening of selection efforts to produce drought-resistant and high-yielding varieties of
main crops;
• optimisation of crops structure and places of their production to minimise the consumption of
water resources;
• definition of ways to increase the efficiency of irrigation systems;
• introduction of progressive irrigation techniques;
• enhancement of economic relationships between the state and water consumers;
• usage of low-mineralized collector-drainage waters in places of their creation;
• usage of collector-drainage waters along the manifolds running into Turkmen loch
Moderators: G.Allaberdiev, A.Averchenkova, secretary: V.Akopova
Measures on adaptation:
A number of measures are being implemented as part of the <strong>national</strong> development plan.
At the <strong>national</strong> level, only economically sound measures are being approved and implemented.
Barriers:
• financing;
• on land-use - knowledge of technologies and capacity building;
• on water management - mastering of modern technologies;
• public awareness in the field of water management;
• insufficient monitoring.
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Measures implemented in water and agriculture industries:
• usage of current technologies: at water purification, transportation, processing;
• rational utilization in the consumption and irrigation systems, etc.;
• effectiveness of pumping stations, increasing their efficiency;
• work on the development of new breeds;
• usage of water-efficient technologies (construction of concreted channels) and modern
methods of watering;
• technologies on generation of additional resources;
• the Rainwater catchment;
• desalination;
• the complexity of agricultural and technical measures;
• development of seed-farming and zoning allowing for the future climate change;
• selection work;
• fertilization;
• Proposal: to restart a land cadastre;
• cooperation between <strong>national</strong> programmes and projects connected with the adaptation to
climate change;
• diversification of crops (not a “one-crop system”);
• gradual transition to chargeable water consumption;
• usage of inter<strong>national</strong> experience for arid zones.
• Closer lab to land trails in the context of high yielding and improved varieties
Moderator: M.Savage, secretary: J. Permanova
• enhanced co-ordination between ministries – water industry, agriculture, health protection,
energy
• more effective utilisation of water resources
• resolution on water usage
• enhancement of irrigation effectiveness
• measures that are currently implemented are aimed at saving water resources
• construction of water reservoirs and channels
• training of staff in agricultural sector and industry
• public awareness
• climate change will affect the access to sweet water
• lack of payments for the reasonable use of water for a period up to 2030
• main measures will be financed from the state budget
• measures implemented in Turkmenistan are of interest to some other countries of the
region
Financing
A. Averchenkova introduced the review of financing problems considered during negotiations under
the Convention and in terms of the Bali Action Plan, and also financing options within the framework
of a future agreement for the period after 2012.
Special attention was paid to carbon market mechanisms that could contribute additional investment
and financial flows into the country. The speaker also explained various options of access to
financing in the field of climate change and new proposals from countries and donor organizations on
financing of measures in relation to climate change.
Technology
M. Savage introduced the review of sectors where new technologies could be applied, barriers to
introduce such technologies, and also financing options for the quick development of climate friendly
technologies. The speaker emphasized the role of the markets for financing and technology transfer
discussed during negotiations under the Convention and within the framework of the Bali Action Plan,
and also financing options in terms of a future agreement for the period after 2012.
The participants of the workshop were deeply interested in the issue related to intellectual property
rights on technologies. A representative of the Institute of statistics and forecasting informed the
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participants of the possible facilitated ways of the legal transfer of intellectual property at the <strong>national</strong>
level.
Methodology and work plan on investment and financial flows
M. Savage briefly introduced a UNDP methodology on investment and financial flows, and further
steps on the assessment of investment and financial flows in key sectors within the framework of the
UNDP project.
Guidelines to the ministries
The facilitator summarized the results of discussions in working groups according to the three key
sectors in connection with climate change. On the basis of this document the participants of the
workshop developed guidelines on further activity on climate change for decision-makers (Annex 1).
Special session
The participants of the meeting: deputy ministers of oil and gas, water industry, agriculture, nature
protection; and vice-president of the State committee on statistics. J.S. Saparmuradov opened the
meeting.
G. Allaberdiev, I. Atamuradova and S. Aganov presented the main results of the key sectors research
related to climate change.
A. Averchenkova informed participants of the progress of inter<strong>national</strong> negotiations on the Bali Action
Plan. The deputy minister on nature protection requested to explain the difference between a future
agreement on climate change and the Kyoto protocol, and asked whether all countries would have
quantitative obligations. A. Averchenkova said that only developed countries would have quantitative
obligations, and developing countries would receive more financial instruments to reduce the
greenhouse gas emissions.
A. Kokorin read the guidelines for decision-makers elaborated by the participants of the workshop.
The Conference participants approved the abovementioned guidelines.
In conclusion, A. Kokorin summarized the workshop results and invited the participants to make
comments and requests relevant to the conveyance and results of the workshop. The participants of
the workshop agreed that the participation of the ministries and agencies was good enough during the
workshop, and thus debates on <strong>national</strong> sectors were interesting and efficient. Besides, speakers
remarked, it is necessary to integrate climate change issues into <strong>national</strong> development and planning
and to improve inter-ministerial co-ordination for the assessment of economic activities in relation to
climate change so that Turkmenistan can effectively participate in additional financial mechanisms of
the future agreement.
The report for mass-media
The workshop was covered in <strong>national</strong> newspapers “Neutral Turkmenistan” and "Turkmenistan", in
blocks of news on <strong>national</strong> TV and e-portal of a local information agency.
In Russian:
http://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/? idr=9&id=090121a
In English:
http://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm / _ en/? idr=9&id=090122a
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Annex 1
Workshop Statement for Policy Makers in Turkmenistan
Climate change can greatly affect the <strong>national</strong> economy, first of all the water industry, agriculture and
human health. Thus, it is necessary to take into account climate change and its consequences in
sectoral strategies, especially the long-term ones.
Taking into account the results of the debates, the Conference participants consider the following
measures to be appropriate:
1. To strengthen the interaction between agencies and organizations for the joint data analysis,
assessment of costs and advantages resulting from the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
(increase in energy efficiency, energy conservation, reduction of technological natural gas use,
etc.), including:
• Creation of an institutional mechanism for coordination
• Creation of sectoral working groups to assess greenhouse gas emissions in key sectors of
economic activity of the country
• Closer coordination between projects under the three global nature protection conventions
• Advanced training of specialists by means of inter<strong>national</strong> experts and their involvement in
inter<strong>national</strong> actions
2. To assess the feasibility of the implementation of projects included in sectoral plans through the
Clean Development Mechanism within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol. This issue requires
the establishment in the country of a designated <strong>national</strong> authority for the Clean Development
Mechanism.
3. To develop a <strong>national</strong> programme on climate change to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and
measures on adaptation to consequences of climate change for key sectors of the <strong>national</strong>
economy. To integrate it into the <strong>national</strong> programme of social and economic development up to
2020. The programme shall consist of the following:
• assessment of costs, advantages and sources of financing for the key sectors of economy
• proposals concerning methodologies and additions to the statistic forms of accountability
• proposals concerning incentives and instruments of energy-saving encouragement
• wider use of satellite data in forest inventory and forest plantations
• development of concrete adaptive measures with a cost and profits analysis in the water
industry and agriculture. The water industry sector can serve as a pilot sector for further
development of similar documents in other sectors (including a cost estimate).
• education and public awareness
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