• SSN CDM toolkit
SouthSouthNorth is a South Africa-based
NGO which has developed a generic CDM toolkit. The toolkit
was developed based on energy-related CDM project activities.
More information is available at www.cdmguide.org.
Although the various stages are defined in a different way,
the SSN CDM Toolkit provides a structure in which the Encofor
modules specific for A/R CDM project activities can be used.
•
Pre-feasibility versus feasibility
The Encofor tools for developing A/R CDM
projects focus on three stages in the project development cycle,
viz. the Pre-feasibility Stage, the Feasibility Stage and the
Documentation Stage. Most of the modules are useful throughout
the whole project development process, while others are specific
for a particular stage.
• Encofor Plus
The Pre-feasibility and Feasibility Stage
Modules provide tools for preparing A/R CDM project activities
in compliance with modalities defined by the COP/MOP of the
UNFCCC.
There is the possibility to self-assess the project against
a comprehensive set of objective criteria to ensure that the
project is sound in terms of protecting the environment and
community rights and generate benefits for both as well. Project
developers can choose to develop an example project in terms
of social and environmental sustainability, which goes beyond
the A/R CDM requirements.
To this end the Encofor Plus mode in the various tools can be
of assistance.
• Decision Support System (DSS)
Most of the assessments are facilitated by
the Encofor Decision Support System. ‘Encofor Design DSS’
helps with, amongst others, assessing the eligibility and validity
of the proposed project, selecting methodologies and completing
carbon accounting. The Financial Module includes a separate
part of the DSS: ‘Encofor Financial DSS’. This tool
is kept separate from Encofor Design DSS as it may also be used
for purposes not associated with A/R CDM project activities.
Encofor Design DSS consists of two spreadsheets: C_DSS and C_Model.
C_DSS is concerned with the general questions of the afforestation/reforestation
project. These questions are used to evaluate the project and
highlight areas of the project design that may cause difficulties
or concerns. C_DSS also provides the user with the possibility
to combine the stratum-based carbon sequestration estimates
from C_Model with time delays into one total carbon sequestration
estimate for the project.
C_Model is a simple carbon sequestration calculator that can
be used to estimate the greenhouse gas emission benefits of
a single stratum within the project.
• DSS and Manuals
The Encofor Decision Support System comprises
three independent downloadable spreadsheets: two with Encofor
Design DSS and one with Encofor Financial DSS.
Encofor Design DSS and Encofor Financial DSS have their own
user’s manuals that can be downloaded together with
the DSS spreadsheets. Next to these, tools for economic, social,
institutional and environmental assessment are available,
each with their manual.
The Pre-feasibility Stage, Feasibility Stage and Documentation
Stage modules are represented in the manuals provided for
each of these stages.
• Entry levels
Choose your own entry level depending on
whether or not you have a clear project idea and project area
in mind and whether or not you already have assessed the viability
of the project. Entry levels are indicated with 1, 2 and 3 in
the project lifecycle flow chart.
The toolkit provides tools for both national/regional scale
assessments and project level assessments. A GIS-based model
is available for the assessment of land suitability, at national/regional
scale or at project scale. This model requires the involvement
of a GIS expert.
In case project ideas are still to be generated, the Pre-feasibility
Stage toolkit contains a module which assists in generating
these.
