PRESS RELEASE
Second all-Africa Carbon Forum to be held in Nairobi, Kenya
on 3–5 March 2010
Conference, Trade Fair and Capacity Development to build on CDM gains on
continent — IETA, UNEP, UNDP, WB, UNITAR, UNCTAD and UNFCCC
(Bonn, 11 November 2009) –

In an effort to build on growing interest in the Kyoto Protocol’s clean development mechanism (CDM) in Africa, partner UN agencies and the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) have announced they will organize a second all-Africa Carbon Forum, at the United Nations Gigiri complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on 3–5 March 2010.
In November 2006, then Secretary-General Kofi Annan launched the Nairobi Framework, aimed at spreading the benefits of the CDM. Since then, interest in the mechanism in Africa has grown, and with it the number of projects and hosting countries. Still, Africa accounts for less than 2 per cent of the more than 1,890 plus CDM projects registered to date in 58 countries. Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), expressed his satisfaction with the announcement. “The world is now focused on the urgent task of negotiating a comprehensive, fair and effective climate change deal at Copenhagen in December. Meanwhile, the clean development mechanism – a clear success of the Protocol – continues to create incentive for investment in climate change mitigation and generate funds for adaptation,” said Mr. de Boer. That the private sector is anxious to see another carbon market event in Africa “is a good indication of CDM’s potential on the continent. It’s important that that potential is showcased and capitalized on, for the good of those countries that have yet to reap the full benefits of the mechanism,” he said.

There are currently more than 1890 registered CDM projects in 58 countries, and about another 2300 projects in the project validation/registration pipeline. Based on estimates in submitted project design documents, the CDM could generate more than 2.9 billion certified emission reductions by the end of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012, each equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide.
Note to journalists:
For further information, please contact David Abbass, Public Information Officer, CDM at
dabbass@unfccc.int
See also http://unfccc.int and http://cdm.unfccc.int