Low Emission Development Quarterly Report No. 4

Analytical tools, methodologies, models, and approaches were improved and/or transferred to the Government of Guatemala (GoG) and incorporated into Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) development processes. This resulted in the development of mechanisms to ensure the transfer of information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among GoG institutions, key institutions, and partners in Guatemala, including beneficiaries in key sectors and rural and indigenous communities. A comprehensive system to collect, store, and manage GHG emissions and removals information was established, which includes the collection, management, and filing of GHG inventory and forecasting data aligned with the National Environmental Information System required by the Climate Change Law. University professors were trained to conduct microeconomic analyses to generate cost-effective estimates, marginal abatement cost (MAC) curves, and policy-specific information that can be used for macroeconomic analyses. The project also focused on Building Institutional Capacity, which involved increasing the GoG's capacities to collect and process basic data relevant to designing and implementing LEDS in each prioritized sector. Local capacity building and Climate Change Units were strengthened through key consultants in GoG institutions, on a sustainable basis. A legal and institutional framework was established to institutionalize coordination mechanisms within the GoG on LEDS, including working groups on sectoral topics. Developing Participatory Processes and Transparency was another key component of the project. A comprehensive system was established to ensure the engagement of relevant private sector, academia, NGO, and civil society stakeholders. This involved the development of communication and education tools, such as media campaigns, radio, newspaper, and training modules, to promote LEDS and climate change mitigation. Promoting Implementation through Demonstrations was also a key objective of the project. At least three policies and/or regulatory changes were developed and adopted by the GoG to facilitate the implementation of LEDS actions at the national level. A National Strategy for Sustainable Production and Use of Firewood was implemented, and at least five different large and small-scale agroindustrial initiatives to reduce GHG emissions were showcased and promoted. Supporting Communication and Education was another critical component of the project. A Strategic Communications Plan for LEDS was produced and implemented, and communication and education tools were designed and applied in key sectors. Civil society awareness and public perception of LEDS and climate change mitigation were increased, measured through surveys and other methodologies. Priorities for the coming quarter included establishing reliable science and analytics, building institutional capacities, developing participatory processes and transparency, demonstrations, and supporting communication and education. Cross-cutting activities included environmental compliance, a Rapid Response Fund, gender equity and social inclusion, small grants, and contributions to TraiNet. Monitoring and evaluation were also critical components of the project, with challenges identified in areas such as institutional capacity, data management, and stakeholder engagement.