International carbon market brings together 17 countries of the region

(Caracas, April 19, 2007).- Starting today for two days, CAF and the Paraguayan Environment Ministry are holding in Asunción the V Workshop of Latin American Designated National Authorities for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). This year, the keynote theme is the challenges and opportunities of the Latin American market. Experts from 17 countries of the region and eight specialized bodies in this new market are attending the event.

The aim of the workshop is to keep participants abreast of the state of the international carbon market and facilitate integration of key actors in the promotion of CDM eligible projects in each country. National authorities and export and investment promotion bodies from each country are attending the event. The meeting is a space for discussion and preparation by the technical teams from the climate change and CDM offices of Latin American and Caribbean countries for following up critical issues in development of CDM in the region.

During the workshop, sponsored by CAF, the Paraguayan Environment Ministry will launch the internet site of the National Climate Change Program (PNCC). This new site will be officially presented to national and international authorities and special guests, as a way of sharing with the general public the conclusions of the national communications and the national action plans on climate change in Paraguay, disseminating information issued by the UN Framework Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, and informing public opinion about the causes of climate change and the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation measures and adaptation to combat the adverse effects of climate change. For more information on the scope, features and objectives of the Paraguayan Climate Change program visit www.pncc.gov.py.