FAQ – BTR – Content

• What Information Should Be Included in an A-BTR?

  The A-BTR is optional for countries to include in their BTRs, unless they wish to submit a joint BTR–NC or use the A-BTR as their AdCom. If a country wishes to prepare one, Chapter IV of the MPGs outlines the information Parties should provide in their A-BTRs (see table below). Parties are encouraged to follow the outline, but it is not mandatory.

  

• Can Countries Cross-Reference to Other Documents?

  Yes. The MPGs state that:

  When reporting information related to climate change impacts and adaptation … a Party may cross-reference previously reported information and focus its reporting on updates to previous reported information.

  Countries may cross-reference their NAPs, AdComs, previous NCs, and other adaptation-related planning or reporting instruments without repeating what has already been reported in the A-BTR and help countries align the A-BTR with existing documents. For instance, if a Party chooses to cross-reference its NAP’s vulnerability and risk assessment section, they may indicate in their BTR under Section B (Impacts, Risks, and Vulnerabilities) to “refer to Section X of the NAP.”

  This provision effectively avoids the duplication of work and placing undue burdens on countries and the Secretariat. However, countries that wish to include new information or report an update to their previously reported information are free to do so.

• What Guidance Exists on Developing an A-BTR?

  The UNFCCC has prepared a comprehensive Reference Manual for the ETF, where it lays out everything practitioners and negotiators need to know about the ETF and its linkages with other UNFCCC processes.

  In 2020, the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency developed specific guidance on how to report adaptation through the BTR. It poses a series of guiding questions to help decipher the requirements of the BTR and support countries in preparing their A-BTRs.

  In March 2023, the Consultative Group of Experts further developed training material on Reporting Information Related to Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation that can inform countries in preparing their BTRs.