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Promote low-carbon/low-pollution society

Project Name	Promotion of Co-benefits Approach (201KB)
Location	Asian region
Project Background	Many developing countries in Asia face a rapid economic growth, but such growth has brought some negative impact to the local environment, such as air and water pollution. At the same time, climate change has become a global concern and it is important to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, not only in developed countries but also in developing countries. A co-benefits approach, initiatives that can simultaneously achieve reduction of both environmental pollution and GHG emissions, has drawn much attention because of the efficiency and effectiveness of co-benefit-type measures.
Objectives	One objective is to disseminate co-benefits approach while actively using environmentally sound technologies and know-how that Japan has developed through its past experience of overcoming pollution problems. Other objective includes contribution to the sustainable development of developing countries through co-benefit-type projects.
Member Countries	Bilateral cooperation Since 2008, Japan has been cooperating with China and Indonesia based on bilateral agreements on the co-benefits approach. [China] Based on an agreement between the Ministers of Environment of both countries, Japan conducted joint study on the quantification of GHG reduction when measures to meet the environmental pollutant reduction target set in China’s Five-Year Plan were implemented, and provided human resource training. In April 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged to enter into the second phase of the cooperation. [ Indonesia] Based on the agreement between the Ministers of Environment of both countries, feasibility studies were conducted to identify co-benefits opportunities at a final waste disposal site and a slaughterhouse. The second phase cooperation is already underway based on the revised agreement signed in September 2011. The second phase targets, including but not limited to, the agro-industry sector, such as palm oil, biomass, and other areas that have strong potential in achieving co-benefits. Establishment of the Asian Co-benefits Partnership (ACP) To make the co-benefits approach mainstream in Asia, the Asian Co-benefits Partnership (ACP) was established in cooperation with the related countries, international organization, and research institutes in November 2010. ACP offers opportunities where related countries can exchange opinions and information informally. The Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) supports such activities. Co-benefits Approach to Climate Change Since 2008, MOEJ provides subsidies to private-sector companies that implement co-benefits-type CDM projects. This scheme was developed to promote co-benefits approach by making the best use of Japanese environmentally sound technologies developed through its past experience on overcoming pollution problems. Refer to the fact sheet “Support Program Package for Co-benefits Approach in Developing Countries under Kyoto Mechanisms” for details. Research and survey MOEJ provides support to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), which develops and disseminates an excellent analytical model relating to co-benefits-type measures that contribute to simultaneous reduction of both environmental pollution and GHG emissions. MOEJ also conducts studies on co-benefit-type urban development in cooperation with the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS).
Project Achievements	Bilateral cooperation Continue the cooperation with China and Indonesia, conduct joint research and feasibility studies, and organize human resource training and seminars, etc. In addition, actively hold dialogues with other countries, intending to establish cooperative relationships based on mutual understanding of the co-benefits approach. Dissemination of co-benefits approach Provide support for ACP activities and help to expand its network in cooperation with relevant countries and organizations etc. Also take advantage of various opportunities to promote the co-benefits approach. Research and survey Strengthen survey and research activities related to the co-benefits approach through supporting the research of IIASA, promoting joint research with UNU-IAS, and participating in the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN). Co-benefits Approach to Climate Change Conduct verification tests of co-benefits technologies which are cost effective and applicable to developing countries, and study how to disseminate the technologies. Also examine the procedure of measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) concerning co-benefits-type projects while aiming at contributing to the formulation of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA).
Planned Activities	Governments of countries concerned, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), and others.
Related URL	Asian Co-benefits Partnership [New window opens] Promotion of Co-benefits Approach [New window opens] Co-benefits Approach [New window opens]

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