MUSCAT: In line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation, the Sultanate of Oman has pledged to roll out a National Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system to track the complete spectrum of its emission reduction and mitigation activities.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Environment Authority (EA) in collaboration with other government agencies and stakeholders.
“The development of the MRV system is a critical step for Oman to meet its climate change targets. By tracking its emissions and progress, Oman will be able to make informed decisions on climate change policies and measures,” said the Environment Authority in the newly issued, updated 2nd National Determined Contributions (NDC), a key document enshrining Oman’s commitments to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
According to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the MRV system is “foundational” to the global response to climate change. The tracking system enables countries to meet international reporting requirements such as National Communications, Biennial Update Reports, and National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.
Additionally, the MRV system enables countries to demonstrate progress under measures such as Low Emission Development Strategies, intended Nationally Determined Contributions, and nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs).
As a first step in the development of the tracking system, Oman has issued a tender to develop a GHG dashboard inventory, which also calls for the development of an independent MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) system to effectively monitor its emissions and gauge its progress, says the Environment Authority.
Oman’s MRV tracking system, the Authority noted, will monitor GHG emissions across all sectors of the economy, encompassing energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and waste. Furthermore, it will track the progress of mitigation actions, such as the installation of renewable energy projects and advancements in energy efficiency.
Significantly, the proposed tracking system will also oversee the implementation of adaptation measures, including the construction of seawalls and the development of drought-resistant crops, said the Authority. Furthermore, the system will track financial flows associated with climate change, including investments in both mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
“Lastly, the MRV system shall keep a record of capacity building activities aimed at supporting the implementation of Oman's NDC, ensuring that the nation's climate goals are effectively realized,” the Authority added.
Unveiling its revised 2nd National Determined Contributions (NDC) report last week, Oman announced an upward revision of its target for reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 21% by 2030, up from 7% pledged in 2021.
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