1 What is the Clean Development Mechanism?
		What is the Climate Change Convention?
		This is a United Nations agreement to stabilise greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, at a level that would prevent dangerous changes to the climate. The Convention on Climate Change was agreed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio, 1992. To date, 186 countries have ratified the convention.
		To put the convention into operation, a protocol was outlined in Kyoto in 1997. The most important aspect of the Kyoto Protocol is its legally binding commitments for 39 developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an average of 5.2% relative to 1990 levels. These emission reductions must be achieved by 2008-2012: the so called 'first commitment period'. The developed countries with emission reduction targets are called the Annex 1 countries, whereas those without targets are the non-Annex 1 countries (see Glossary for definitions).
		The Kyoto Protocol allows developed countries to reach their targets in different ways through 'Flexibility Mechanisms'. These include: Emissions Trading (trading of emission allowances between developed nations); Joint Implementation (transferring emission allowances between developed nations, linked to specific emission reduction projects); and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The CDM is the only Flexibility Mechanism that involves developing countries. It allows developed nations to achieve part of their reduction obligations through projects in developing countries that reduce emissions or 'fix' or sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. The booklet describes the potential for land use projects within the CDM. It provides guidance to people in developing countries who are responsible for establishing enabling policies and regulations in this area, as well as project developers.
		How does the CDM affect developing countries?
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