Oct 14, 2025
IETA position on the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body decision at Bonn
IETA recognises the more balanced and pragmatic outcome achieved in Bonn, a significant improvement over the earlier draft that would have excluded nature-based and land-based activities from participation under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM). The decision preserves space for nature-based solutions while maintaining environmental integrity and scientific rigour.
Ahead of the meeting, IETA, alongside 12 other organisations, urged the Supervisory Body to reject the original draft of the permanence guidance under Article 6.4. Read the joint open letter here.
The final decision marks a meaningful shift away from over-regulation towards a risk-based, flexible framework that recognises sectoral diversity. However, significant technical work remains to translate these principles into clear and workable methodologies.
The Article 6.4 Supervisory Body (SBM018) concluded its meeting in Bonn on 10 October, with the adoption of the much-debated Standard on Non-Permanence and Reversals, a pivotal milestone in advancing PACM. Adopted late Friday evening after a week of intensive negotiations, the new standard reflects the Supervisory Body’s efforts to balance environmental integrity, feasibility, and inclusion.
Several issues remain open and will now be determined at the methodology level, requiring further technical work and engagement from parties and stakeholders.
The Methodological Expert Panel (MEP) will reconvene on 13-14 October, followed by a virtual Supervisory Body meeting on 29-30 October, where the first PACM methodology, the revision of ACM0001 on flaring and landfill gas use, is expected to be adopted.
Going forward, IETA calls on the Supervisory Body and MEP to:
- Ensure methodology-specific flexibility in defining post-crediting monitoring (PCM) duration and risk thresholds.
- Adopt a conservative, risk-based approach to mitigate potential future reversals.
- Embrace innovation through insurance, third-party guarantees, and pooled buffer mechanisms.
- Promote dialogue and transparency with the private sector and host countries to ensure feasibility and broad participation.
IETA will continue to engage closely with the Supervisory Body, Parties, and expert groups to ensure that Article 6.4 evolves into a high-integrity, inclusive, and investable mechanism that supports countries and companies alike in achieving their climate goals.
Watch our intervention, delivered by our International Policy Director, Andrea Bonzanni, during the Bonn meeting here (intervention begins at 27:50).