1. Principles for a robust MRV System Lessons learnt from Kyoto Mechanisms
Workshop 15: Accounting and accountability: Towards a credible and robust carbon market
Werner Betzenbichler, Mexico-City, 20 Oct 17

2. Key principles for a robust MRV system
A clear, non-ambiguous regulatory framework
legislation, regulations, methodologies, reporting, verification, accreditation
Lessons learnt from Kyoto mechanisms:
Modalities and procedures (Marrakech Accords) have never been implemented as written, regulatory work was delivered by CDM-EB and through guidance by the CMP
Changes in framework after launching the scheme are always cumbersome and painful  utilize successful templates
Loopholes in non-ambiguous regulations / methodologies will always be used by somebody who can create profits out of it
Clear accounting rules (if…, then…)

3. Key principles for a robust MRV system
Availability of resources
Human resources – supervising authority, consultants, verifiers, accreditation services
Monitoring support (calibration services, laboratories)
Lessons learnt from Kyoto mechanisms:
Monitoring support services are not available everywhere in a adequate manner
Establish (train) multipliers who will distribute know-how / capabilities
Create possibility to exchange views among the various stakeholders (e.g. roundtables) – a common understanding helps a lot
Consider availability when setting timelines for implementing a scheme

4. Key principles for a robust MRV system
Clear roles and responsibilities
Authority, operators or project participants, verifiers / Third Parties, accreditation body
Lessons learnt from Kyoto mechanisms:
Clear descriptions are helpful (e.g. roles of accreditation assessors, impartiality of verifiers)
Avoidance of any conflict of interest is a must
Enforcement should be accompanied by penalties (fines, loss of accreditation or loss of licenses, etc.)
Universal understanding of the role of Third Parties is not yet given
Bribery and corruption are acutely poisonous to robustness (correlation to good governance)

5. Key principles for a robust MRV system
Transparency
Public access to information and underlying rules
Stakeholder involvement
Regular reviews (with public available reports) and a continuous improvement process
Lessons learnt from Kyoto mechanisms:
Create trust for keeping stakeholders/players motivated
Although MRV is highly technical, regular reports should be understandable for non-experts
React immediately by corrective measures, if problems become evident

6. Key principles for a robust MRV system
Robustness in verification and accreditation
Key principles to be applied by verification and accreditation bodies: impartiality, competence, factual approach to decision making, openness and confidentiality
Lessons learnt from Kyoto mechanisms:
Competence requirements can span a huge variety of areas (technologies, industry sectors, accounting, auditing, economics, legislation, language, cultural aspects)
Allocation of time and resources is key for ensuring a level playing field
Balance on quality and costs
Regular performance assessments keep quality at high level (but have an impact on costs)

7. Thank you for your attention!
Designated Operational Entities & Independent Entities Association (D.I.A.)
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Werner Betzenbichler