The UNFCCC NAMA Registry : a study in the context of the project "Scaling Up Climate Finance in 2014 and Beyond"

In this report, we analyse the NAMA Registry and its entries, with the dual objectives of increasing understanding of the quality and associated financial investments of individual NAMA entries, and identifying options for improving the Registry's design and functioning. In doing so, we consider how well the NAMA Registry has fulfilled expectations, and could be improved going forward, in light of four related functions that have been proposed: (1) an information-sharing mechanism to compile information on developing country mitigation actions; (2) a matching mechanism to introduce developing countries seeking support to potential funders, and vice versa; (3) a capacity-building mechanism to deepen Parties' ability to prepare, implement, and support mitigation actions; and (4) a reporting mechanism to provide a more systematic means to record information regarding NAMAs . This study has been carried out by establishing criteria for assessing the quality of NAMA entries in the NAMA Registry, drawing on a review of existing evaluation approaches. These criteria are: Completeness; National government endorsement and policy alignment; Emission reduction benefit; Adequacy of financial plan; Feasibility; Transformational potential; Co-benefits; Adequacy of MRV plan; Financial sustainability. These criteria have been systematically applied in assessing and scoring each of the 45 NAMA Registry entries. Overall, the findings show that the level and depth of information provided varies widely. Supporting documentation is rarely made available. Moreover, while most NAMA entries include government endorsement and alignment with existing plans and policies, the specific roles and responsibilities of government entities in the implementation of the NAMA are rarely indicated. While the entries provide estimated emission reduction benefits, there is a lack of information on how these estimates were arrived at. Few entries provide financial information on the costs and possible benefits, and financial sustainability of NAMAs. Although more than half of the entries provide basic details on the implementation steps, this is rarely accompanied by a detailed analysis of the feasibility or barriers. Most NAMA entries provide information on expected environmental, social and economic co-benefits of implementing the NAMA, but generally do not describe or explain these benefits in detail. Overall, this study finds that limited information on these and related elements may present an impediment to generating interest and engagement by prospective funders.