Positive Results, no Negative Consequences

New JIKO paper on do no harm options for Article 6

Contributions to sustainable development have always been a controversial issue within the CDM - especially host countries have been adamant that defining what constitutes sustainable development is a national prerogative that may not be impinged by international rule-making. On the other hand, the basic principle that any intervention should not do harm to the societies and the environment they take place in is well-established in bi- and multilateral development cooperation, and far less problematic in terms of national self-determination. The rationale behind this is clear - in order to be able to contribute to sustainable development in any country, activities must not hinder or negate some aspect to sustainable development in favour of promoting others.

This new JIKO Policy Paper analyses do no harm principles and safeguard systems that could lay the ground for a system preventing potential harm that Art. 6 activities may cause on the ground to local stakeholders and the environment. Following some definitory aspects of what and how to safeguard, the paper analyses a number of safeguard systems and do no harm principles as well as tools to implement them. It then gives an overview on Parties' views on the matter, as uttered in their latest submissions on Art. 6 options, as well as an overview of the references in the UNFCCC’s SBSTA Chair’s text with respect to sustainable development, safeguards, and human rights issues. The paper closes with recommendations on what a safeguard system for Article 6 could look like.

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