CGIAR@COP30 Article 6.8 – Non-Market Approaches Negotiation Updates

While carbon markets often steal the limelight, COP30 is also turning attention to Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement, which deals with Non-Market Approaches (NMAs) to climate action. Simply put, Article 6.8 encourages countries to cooperate on climate efforts without exchanging carbon credits or finance in a market setting. Examples of NMAs could include: sharing technology and expertise, forming partnerships to build renewable energy or climate-resilient agriculture, and policy coordination like aligning carbon taxes – all done in a voluntary, cooperative spirit rather than for tradable units. The UNFCCC has set up a “Glasgow Committee on Non-Market Approaches” and an NMA work programme to flesh out how this cooperation works in practice. By COP29 in Baku, negotiations on the initial work programme concluded with some progress – final text and conclusions were adopted, marking a step forward. However, one key piece of the NMA framework is the UNFCCC NMA Platform – a web-based portal where countries can showcase and seek cooperation on NMA initiatives (like a database of projects and offers/needs for support). This platform’s effectiveness has been under scrutiny. As of SB62 (mid-2025), a lot of talk has been on how to enhance this platform and make NMAs more than just feel-good concepts. COP30 is expected to advance a new phase for Article 6.8, focusing on moving from design to implementation: how can we actually facilitate and scale up these collaborative actions globally?

 In 2024, CGIAR actively contributed two submissions in this track, emphasizing the importance for stronger capacity-building and clearer guidelines for National Focal Points (NFPs), essential actors coordinating inclusive, sustainable NMAs aligned with national priorities.

At COP29, Parties acknowledged initial challenges, including limited platform participation (only one NMA submitted), but anticipated increased future engagement through enhanced stakeholder outreach and a practical, learning-by-doing approach. Spin-off groups were proposed for targeted thematic discussions, and Parties were encouraged to explore barriers and solutions to NMA implementation ahead of SB62.

CGIAR, through the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, has actively engaged as a support provider, recently submitting detailed recommendations on improving the functionality of the NMA Platform. These recommendations call for clearer guidance on how providers can engage beyond initial registration, emphasizing the need for structured matchmaking between country needs and available expertise, regular updates on support services, and accessible channels for technical assistance.

What to Watch at COP30

In Belém, Parties are expected to outline the next phase of the Article 6.8 work programme now that the initial framework is set. CGIAR is particularly watching for decisions on governance and enhancement of the NMA Platform. Will COP30 agree to loosen the strict rules and encourage more submissions from a wider range of actors? Observers like CGIAR hope so, because the current low usage of the platform partly stems from its cumbersome requirements. A positive sign would be instructions to the Glasgow Committee to, say, allow well-defined initiatives led by research organizations or NGOs (with a supporting letter from a Party) to be listed. Additionally, the technical discussion aspect: COP30 may set themes for future NMA workshops or dialogues (the work programme includes regular exchanges). If agriculture, food security, or nature-based solutions are chosen as focus areas for 2026 discussions, that would be a win for integrating those into Article 6.8. CGIAR also looks for coherence: how Article 6.8 dovetails with Article 6.2 (carbon trading) and 6.4 (CDM successor). There’s recognition that not everything can or should be turned into a carbon credit – some things are better done cooperatively without markets.