The Second Session of the Plenary of IPBES

The second session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-2) was held in Antalya, Turkey from the 9th to 14th December, 2013. 

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was represented by Dr. Floyd Homer, Biodiversity Specialist (Head of  Delegation); Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit (MEAU) and  Ms. Anastasia Gordon, Environmental Policy Analyst, Environmental Policy and Planning Division,  both from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. Dr. Homer also serves as a member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) to the IPBES.

Dr. Homer (left), hard at work at MEP table at the IPBES-2.

Ms. Gordon awaiting the start of Plenary at IPBES-2.

The purpose of IPBES-2 was mainly centred on finalising the organisational, financial, administrative, and institutional arrangements for the operationalisation of the Platform. Culminating from discussions, delegates were successful in adopting a set of decisions regarded as “the Antalya Consensus,” paying homage to the host country of the second session of the Plenary of IPBES. 

 The Antalya Consensus includes decisions on:

• fast track, thematic, regional and sub-regional assessments and activities for capacity building,
•  a conceptual framework
• rules and  procedures  for the Platform specifically the nomination of future Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) members and procedures for the preparation of the Platform’s deliverables
• a collaborative partnership arrangement was made with four UN agencies; Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations  Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

By adopting the Antalya Consensus, member States were instrumental in ensuring that the Platform becomes fully  functional. The Consensus was also a testament of the collective ambition to tackle global biodiversity challenges.

 

 

The National Ozone Unit in Action!: Sept.- Nov. 2013

Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Alternatives for Ozone Depleting Substances - Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

 

Trainer Daniel Colborne  addressing participants

The National Ozone Unit hosted a train-the-trainer programme during the period September 26 - October 2, 2013 as part of the phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Participants were trained in using Hydrocarbon Refrigerants as an alternative in domestic and commercial refrigeration and in the air-conditioning industry. The trainees included representatives from the air conditioning and refrigeration industry and from technical schools.  

Joint Network Meeting of Latin American and Ozone Officers in Jamaica, September 30 -October 4, 2013

 

Participants of the Caribbean Network during a breakout session to discuss progress of the implementation of the HCFC phase out management plans.

Trinidad and Tobago attended the Joint Network Meeting of Latin American and Caribbean Ozone Officers in Jamaica from September 30th to October 4, 2013.  The meeting focused on the phase out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons and the importance of considering climate benefits when choosing alternatives for each application.   

Cancer Awareness EduFest for Primary and Secondary Schools, October 8 - 9, 2013

 

Primary school students listening to the National Ozone Assistant , Ms. Neera Singh  (left) about tips on being sun safe.

 

The Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago hosted an event entitled  “Edufest” for the month of October for  Primary and Secondary Schools at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA).  Schools from all across the country attended the event.  Every year the National Ozone Unit participates in the Edufest to educate students on the destruction of the ozone layer through releasing ozone depleting chemicals into the atmosphere and its direct link to increased incidences of skin cancer.  

 

 

Protecting Caribbean Borders from Illegal Trade in Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS)

 

L-R: Trinidad Participants , Kerry Ann   Alexander, Urvyn Boochoon and Louise Tavarez Jacksonat the workshop

Participants from the Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment) and the Customs Brokers Association participated in a Regional Workshop on combating illegal trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). The three day workshop which occurred from November 27 –29, 2013 focused on identifying illegal trade and measures to curb the practice and gave enforcement personnel hands on training in protecting Caribbean borders.

 

  

4th National CDM Workshop and MEA Sensitisation Session

The Fourth National Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Workshop was held on November 27th, 2013 at Paria Suites Hotel and Conference Centre. This workshop sought to bring closure to the CDM Project. It was also done in conjunction with the  Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Sensitisation Session which was focused on engendering an understanding of, and support for, the successful implementation for the MEAs to which  Trinidad and Tobago are signatory, through increasing stakeholder awareness of the Conventions and their organisations roles in implementation.

In addition, to conclude the CDM project activities, the findings of the Reports for the project “Mainstreaming Climate Change into National Development and Capacity Building for the participation in carbon markets” were presented to raise awareness among stakeholders and identify nexuses.All the participants from former workshops were invited, as well as other important stakeholders from the energy and fiduciary sectors. All of the major MEAs to which Trinidad and Tobago are signatory were highlighted and briefly explained.

Participants at the 4th CDM Workshop 

and MEA Sensitisation Session

The major nexus between these conventions and the roles that CDM and the participants play were also identified and  explained so that participants could understand the long term vision of the MEA focal point network database. Additionally, it was also highlighted the importance of their continued participation and cooperation to work with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in rolling out what was also pinpointed as national initiatives and the goal of the National Climate Change Policy.

A summary of the UNEP Gap Report 2013 was also provided and a short history of the CDM and the future of carbon markets were also explained. Due to increasing challenges in CDM such as the uncertainty in the market carbon process, and the complexity of the CDM process leading to low levels of CDM activities in the Caribbean Region, the UNFCCC Regional Collaborative Centre in Grenada was established amongst other regional centres.

This Centre was formed to further aid in the growth of potential CDM projects by providing technical support and other related expert services to expand the regions carbon market potential. Potential benefits and projects were highlighted to the  stakeholders to express the level of support that would be provided for future CDM projects.

Mr. Kishan Kumarsingh (Head,  MEAU) giving remarks

 at the 4th CDM Workshop and MEA Sensitisation Session

A presentation was made by Petrotrin explaining their CDM  project, and the process it took them to reach the stage of registration. They also explained the lessons learnt going through all the steps and the potential benefits to other organisations in partnering with them under their Programme of Activity (PoA). 

To close the workshop, the way forward and the next steps for Trinidad and Tobago were outlined by identifying the national initiatives and projects such as carbon and capture and storage, the mainstreaming of climate change into national development, and the elaboration of a strategy for reducing  carbon emissions.