A6IP at I4C_Navigating Decisions in International Carbon Markets: Foundations for a Coherent Strategy: Foundations for a Coherent Strategy

The side event held on 12 June 2025 at the I4C Conference, titled “Navigating Decisions in International Markets”, featured Kazuhisa Koakutsu, Director of the Article 6 Implementation Partnership (A6IP), as a panelist. Responding to a question on whether too much time has been spent on developing frameworks at the expense of testing real transactions, Mr. Kazuhisa Koakutsu emphasized that both framework development and project implementation must proceed in parallel. He highlighted the Article 6 Implementation Partnership’s (A6IP) comprehensive approach to capacity building, which includes support for authorization processes, tracking, reporting, project initiation, and methodologies. However, he acknowledged the growing need to shift more focus toward the practical aspects—specifically, the identification, development, and implementation of Article 6 projects, including actual credit transactions using national or international registries.

Mr. Koakutsu stressed that providing practical examples for each step in the Article 6 implementation process is key to helping host country officials better understand complex procedures such as JCM Authorization Frameworks and the preparation of Initial Reports. He noted that tools such as the JCM Registry and other guidance documents can enhance this learning process.

Additionally, A6IP is working closely with corporates in both host and acquiring countries to improve understanding of what constitutes high-integrity carbon credits, and how these can be sourced and used in line with corporate climate strategies. A6IP has also collaborated with the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) to pilot the VCMI Code of Practice in Japan and continues to promote business matchmaking in host countries to accelerate project development.

In a closing reflection on capacity-building approaches, Mr. Koakutsu called for a stronger emphasis on case-based learning focusing on what has worked, how it was implemented, and the alignment with both domestic regulations and Article 6 requirements. He suggested that these lessons be made more widely accessible through the A6IP portal in formats such as web-based resources, short presentations, handbooks, videos, and interactive tools like chat support.

Looking ahead, Mr. Koakutsu stressed the importance of better coordination among capacity-building partners and tailoring support based on where each country stands in the implementation of Article 6.