Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) projects

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the three flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol. The CDM allows a country with an emission-reduction or emission-limitation commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex B Party) to implement an emission-reduction project in developing countries. These projects result in reducing Green House Gases which the developed country parties claim as Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits which help off-set their emission reduction targets under the Kyoto protocol.

The mechanism is the first global environmental investment and credit scheme of its kind, providing a standardized emissions offset instrument, CERs. A CDM project activity might involve, for example, a rural electrification project using solar panels or the installation of more energy-efficient boilers.

The benefit of the CDM projects to host developing countries is that they contribute to sustainable development by creating employment, contributing to poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and service delivery as well as to the overall growth of the economy.

The CCFU, through its CDM officer and by supporting the Designated National Authority (DNA) is facilitating the implementation of CDM projects. One important aspect is to build capacity among stakeholders as well as promoting the projects through sensitisation.

So far, Zambia has had one project registered while a good number are at different levels of development.