Sustainable Development Initiative (SDI) Information

The Sustainable Development Initiative (SDI) options to assist with the implementation of sustainable development provisions in carbon markets (e.g. under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement or voluntary markets). Based on technical work, research, and analysis, the SDI regularly presents options for guidance, rules, modalities, and procedures to operationalize sustainable development provisions in carbon markets. The overall objective of the SDI is to raise awareness on the opportunities associated with strong SD provisions in carbon markets through a combination of - a party-driven policy dialogue in- and outside negotiations of the UN Climate Convention (e.g. on Art. 6); - piloting of SD tools and approaches in real-world projects, and - outreach and strategic partnerships for a community of practice. The SDI is operated by UNEP-DTU and Gold Standard Foundation. Since its inception in 2016, the initiative has been supported by Belgium, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.