The CDM Loan Scheme will provide interest-free loans for CDM projects in LDCs as well as countries that have fewer than 10 registered CDM projects. The scheme is run jointly by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Risoe Centre and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The loans will finance the development of Project Design Documents (PDD); validation by a Designated Operational Entity; registration of the project with the UNFCCC; and the monitoring and verification of Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs).

The launch of the loan scheme is both timely and relevant, said UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres. With the European Union Emission Trading Scheme to only accept CERs from LDCs starting next year and many LDCs being located in Africa, the loan scheme “has come at the right time and to the right place,” she said.

“The CDM Loan Scheme is a chance to improve the access to and spread of the CDM, particularly in Africa,” Ms. Figueres said. “I hope during next year’s Africa Carbon Forum, we will see the positive impact this scheme has made towards ensuring the active participation of the continent in the CDM.”

• The loan scheme will be extended to projects that meet a number of criteria including:
  A high probability of registration with the UNFCCC;
• A reasonable expectation of generating at least 7,500 CERs per year for projects in LDCs and 15,000 CERs per year for projects in non-LDCs;

"Documentation that is developed with an experienced CDM consultant. The time is right for Africa to increase its share of CDM projects," said John Christensen, Head of the UNEP Risoe Centre.

"We have been working to try and increase the engagement of African countries in the carbon market," he said. "We have had some modest success. We hope with the loan scheme and continued capacity-building we can make a real difference in the number of projects here."” Applications are now being accepted for the first round of reviews for the loan scheme, which will end in June. For more information on the scheme please visit www.cdmloanscheme.org