The 1997 Kyoto Protocol established the CDM as a way of promoting sustainable development while minimizing the costs of limiting greenhouse gas emissions. In return for investing in a sustainable development project that reduces or avoids emissions in a developing country, companies will earn "certified emission reductions" that developed countries may use to meet their Kyoto commitments.

The CDM's "operational entities" will play a crucial role by checking whether projects conform with the CDM's rules. They will be responsible for validating proposed projects before they are registered by the CDM's Executive Board. They will also verify and certify the emission reductions achieved by a registered CDM project before the Board issues the "certified emission reductions".

Applications for accreditation of "operational entities" can be submitted to the Climate Change Secretariat in Bonn. Further information on the CDM and its procedural guidelines for accrediting "operational entities" can be found at: http://www.unfccc.int/cdm

For more information: Please e-mail cdm-info@unfccc.int and/or visit the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website in our Links section or: http://www.unfccc.int