Imagine a nation grappling with the dual challenge of fueling its economy through coal while battling the invisible threats of climate-altering pollutants—Kazakhstan is stepping up to rewrite this narrative with targeted action in its coal mining sector.
This ambitious initiative stems from a direct appeal by the Government of Kazakhstan, channeled through the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR), aiming to craft a robust Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) mitigation strategy. But what exactly are SLCPs, you might ask? These are potent greenhouse gases like methane and black carbon that trap heat in the atmosphere far more effectively than CO2 over short periods, often lasting just a decade or two. By focusing on reducing them, countries can achieve quicker wins in combating climate change, improving air quality, and even yielding economic perks like lower healthcare costs from less pollution. The project also seeks to bolster monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems specifically for coal mining, building on Kazakhstan's existing commitments to the Global Methane Pledge and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under international climate accords. Think of MRV as the 'triple-check' system ensuring emissions data is accurate, transparent, and actionable—crucial for policymakers to make informed decisions.
And this is the part most people miss: how this targeted approach could transform a sector traditionally seen as a climate villain into a champion of sustainable progress.
The effort will involve thorough assessments of SLCP emissions from coal operations to refine and expand current inventories—essentially, creating a more precise map of pollution sources. From there, it will design customized mitigation tactics, such as advanced ventilation systems or methane capture technologies, and propose regulatory tweaks to guide government action. Capacity-building is at the heart of it all, with hands-on workshops, training sessions, and expert exchanges to empower institutions and individuals in mastering SLCP tracking, reporting, and reduction. Kazakhstan already tackles methane and SLCPs via overarching environmental policies, but this project carves out a specialized sub-strategy for coal mining—a pivotal move toward hitting national climate targets, cleansing the air, and unlocking health and economic advantages from slashed pollution.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is prioritizing coal mining mitigation a bold step toward green energy, or does it inadvertently prop up an industry with deep fossil fuel roots? Some might argue it's essential for economic stability in resource-rich nations, while others see it as a delay in phasing out coal entirely. What do you think—can we balance fossil fuel reliance with rapid decarbonization?
Key Players to Engage
To make this vision a reality, collaboration is essential. The project will bring together:
- The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MENR), the lead coordinator.
- JSC Zhasyl Damu, a MENR subsidiary that operates the Emission Trading System and handles GHG inventories and NDC preparations.
- Nazarbayev University (or another university selected by technical partners), providing academic expertise.
- The Ministry of Energy, to align energy policies with environmental goals.
- Additional ministries, industry groups, and civil society organizations across Kazakhstan, ensuring diverse voices.
- International collaborators like the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and Carbon Limits, for global insights and synergies.
Anticipated Achievements
Outcome 1: Kazakhstan's Government Embraces a Superior MRV Framework for Coal Mining by Project's End or Shortly Thereafter.
Measured by the count of new or refined MRV systems that incorporate SLCPs.
Key deliverables include:
- 1.1 Arranging study visits or knowledge-sharing events on top-notch MRV practices in coal mining, including remote sensing tech, with input from bodies like the US EPA, WMO, and Copernicus.
- 1.2 Creating accessible guides and manuals for uniform emissions reporting and validation in coal operations.
- 1.3 Revising current emission coefficients for coal and conducting detailed studies; crafting more granular emission factors where necessary.
- 1.4 Establishing protocols for yearly refreshes of these coefficients.
- 1.5 Running a trial remote sensing study to gauge SLCP levels in coal mining sites.
Outcome 2: Boosting Kazakhstan's Expertise in Evaluating and Cutting SLCPs from Coal Mines by Project Close or Soon After.
Tracked by the number of governmental bodies with enhanced SLCP capabilities.
Outputs feature:
- 2.1 Providing education to MENR staff and related agencies on SLCP tracking, MRV management, and reduction methods.
- 2.2 Producing customized training resources, handbooks, and real-world case studies for Kazakhstan's coal landscape.
- 2.3 Offering expert support to authorities for rolling out SLCP mitigation steps.
- 2.4 Setting up forums and online seminars for sharing insights and hurdles among local entities.
- 2.5 Embedding SLCP reduction plans into coal sector regulations, ensuring they sync with national NDCs.
- 2.6 Launching awareness drives and stakeholder dialogues to weave SLCP priorities into upcoming policies.
Outcome 3: Kazakhstan's Government Champions an SLCP Mitigation Blueprint or Strengthened Rules for Coal Mining by Project Completion or Immediately Following.
Evaluated by the tally of adopted, endorsed, or activated action plans, roadmaps, or strategies featuring SLCP goals.
Activities encompass:
- 3.1 Assisting in crafting and vetting the SLCP sub-strategy with local data, context, and input from stakeholders.
- 3.2 Hosting roundtable discussions and seminars with MENR, the Ministry of Energy, JSC Zhasyl Damu, and academics to confirm findings and advice.
- 3.3 Promoting widespread sharing of results, including translations and customizations for national regulatory integration.
Navigating the Application Journey
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, proposals must:
- Be fully completed and submitted ahead of the deadline.
- Come from a non-governmental organization (NGO), intergovernmental organization (IGO), or similar non-profit group.
- Request funding within the estimated budget or justify any extras clearly.
- Span less than 24 months.
- Adhere to budget rules and expense limits.
- Note: Organizations must supply their last three audited financial statements for CCAC funding eligibility, either with the application or upon request.
Profit-driven companies can join as partners, co-funders, or end-users, especially if their involvement is vital for success. Applicants are urged to involve them in proposal creation or execution.
How to Submit Your Proposal
Qualified candidates should use the Application Form (available at https://chloe.insightly.services/hf/XYJVJO) and the Excel Budget Form (found at https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchloe.insightly.services%2Fhf%2FYOTG4M&data=05%7C02%7Ctara.jayaram%40un.org%7C2484ed9ec1534f807b7008ddb983c5c3%7C0f9e35db544f4f60bdcc5ea416e6dc70%7C0%7C0%7C638870697788126532%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X3mUUU9GP5PJNVZr9U%2BQy0lPthaKul8WQEH8j877CPE%3D&reserved=0), with detailed guidance inside both. You can stick to the suggested cost range or suggest alternatives with solid reasoning—remember, efficiency matters in selections.
Send the filled forms to secretariat@ccacoalition.org (linked via https://www.ccacoalition.org/calls-for-proposals/2025-calls-proposals-projects-advance-national-policy-and-mitigation-actions/secretariat@ccacoalition.org).
Evaluation Standards
Proposals are judged on:
- A solid roadmap to hit the needed outcomes within the project timeframe or right after.
- Strategies for scaling, replicating, or sustaining results long-term.
- A defined method for driving SLCP cuts and associated benefits.
- Inclusion of pertinent stakeholders.
- A deep grasp of potential risks.
- Harmony with other initiatives, funding, and policies.
- Demonstrated skills and track record of the applicant.
- A practical, budget-friendly plan with clear rationale.
- Meeting the baseline OECD DAC gender equality marker Score 1.
Selection Procedure
- Initial screening of timely submissions by CCAC Secretariat, Funding Task Team, and Board members, with partner input.
- Shortlisted contenders present detailed pitches and answer queries.
- Winners craft a Project Implementation Plan and Detailed Budget with CCAC guidance.
- The full process could extend up to 6 months post-deadline; updates won't be provided due to volume.
Due Diligence and Procurement
Due Diligence
For CCAC partners under UNEP contracts:
- Prove sufficient funds for the job and obligations.
- Supply registration proof, non-profit status, and last three years' audited finances.
- Show past success with UNEP/CCAC if applicable; avoid suspensions or bans by UNEP/CCAC or other UN bodies. Entities on Security Council Resolution Lists (accessible at https://www.ccacoalition.org/calls-for-proposals/2024-calls-proposals-projects-advance-national-policy-and-mitigation-actions/Security%20Council%20Resolution%20Lists%20) are ineligible. Intergovernmental or UN entities are excused.
Contractual Obligations
Selected projects are managed via UN contracts, requiring compliance with due diligence and procurement rules.
Procurement
Implementation Agreements permit only minor purchases as a rule.
So, what sparks your opinion? Do you believe initiatives like this in Kazakhstan could set a global example for balancing industrial needs with environmental urgency, or is it merely a band-aid on a bigger fossil fuel problem? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with focusing on SLCPs, or should we push harder for complete coal phase-outs? Let's discuss!
