Strengthening Greenhouse Gas MRV Systems in Colombia: A RALI Engagement Case Study

The Strengthening MRV Systems in Colombia case study was a collaborative project involving the Government of Colombia and various stakeholders to improve the harmonization of national measuring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems with mitigation activities outlined in the country’s national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. The project created a data management platform for the GHG inventory. By harmonizing the country’s GHG MRV systems, Colombia can accurately and transparently reflect progress towards its NDC through international reporting.

To enhance harmonization, the project team reviewed mitigation activities specific to agriculture and livestock impacts and increasing renewable energy capacity. After analyzing existing systems and processes, USAID RALI highlighted areas for improvement and provided several tangible recommendations to better synchronize reporting methodologies and the greenhouse gas inventory.

The national GHG inventory data management platform resulting from the project, known as Sistema Nacional de Inventarios de Gases de Efecto Invernadero (SINGEI), was designed to integrate into the existing IT infrastructure, which will streamline the national inventory data collection process and reduce the learning curve for system adoption.

The Colombia case study serves as a model for countries, along with international partners, seeking to harmonize MRV systems with national inventory compilation efforts. A crucial component of this case study’s success was strong stakeholder engagement, with support from the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies, and many other partners.