COP 30 Article 6 Readiness Update: Which Countries Are Best Prepared?

The Road to COP 30: A Pivotal Moment for Carbon Markets

With COP 30 set to take place in Brazil in November 2025, the international community faces a crucial point for Article 6 implementation. Following the landmark agreements reached at COP 29 in Baku, which finalized all remaining components of Article 6, countries now have the political and technical clarity needed to operationalize international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement.

As governments worldwide plan for climate targets and the need for innovative financing mechanisms, Article 6 represents a $1 trillion opportunity to accelerate global decarbonization. However, success hinges on host country readiness—and current progress reveals a mixed picture of advancement and significant gaps.

Brazil's hosting of COP 30 adds particular significance to this readiness assessment. As a major potential host country with vast forest resources and renewable energy potential, Brazil's own Article 6 trajectory may influence global momentum. The symbolism of achieving substantial Article 6 operationalization by the time the conference opens in the Amazon region could provide powerful validation for international carbon cooperation.

Current State of Global Article 6 Readiness

The Leading Pack: Countries Setting the Standard

A small group of nations has emerged as Article 6 readiness leaders, demonstrating what comprehensive preparation looks like in practice. 

Ghana stands out as perhaps the most advanced host country, having developed a detailed national framework that explicitly links Article 6 activities to conditional NDC measures while establishing clear positive and negative activity lists. Ghana's approach includes structured benefit-sharing mechanisms and has already issued multiple Letters of Authorization under its Implementation Agreement with Switzerland.

Cambodia recently joined the leadership tier by submitting its Initial Report to the UNFCCC in April 2025, clearly outlining its institutional arrangements with the Ministry of Environment as the designated competent authority. The country's operational manual details comprehensive Article 6 processes and includes innovative benefit-sharing provisions, such as reserving up to 10% of authorized mitigation outcomes for national use.

Thailand has achieved a different kind of leadership through operational success, becoming the first country to complete actual ITMO transactions. In December 2023, Thailand transferred 1,916 ITMOs to Switzerland from its Bangkok electric bus program, followed by an additional 29,222 ITMOs a year later. This real-world implementation demonstrates the practical viability of Article 6 mechanisms.

Kenya has distinguished itself through progressive benefit-sharing regulations, mandating that land-based carbon projects allocate at least 40% of net earnings to community beneficiaries, while non-land-based projects must allocate 25%. This framework provides strong safeguards and predictability for local communities.

The Engaged Middle: Countries Building Momentum

A broader group of approximately 30 countries has signed bilateral agreements or memoranda of understanding, indicating serious intent to participate in Article 6. Notable examples include:

• Rwanda and Madagascar, which have issued unilateral Letters of Authorization for carbon projects certified under independent standards
• Uganda, Ghana, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, which have approved multiple Clean Development Mechanism activities for transition to the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism
• Indonesia, Colombia, and Chile, which have integrated carbon credit acceptance into their domestic compliance carbon pricing systems

The Challenge: Widespread Gaps in Readiness

Despite expressions of interest from over 100 countries in their Nationally Determined Contributions, actual readiness remains limited. Only nine countries have submitted Initial Reports to the UNFCCC's Centralized Accounting and Reporting Platform (CARP), and many nations lack the fundamental institutional arrangements needed for Article 6 participation.

Key readiness gaps include:

Institutional Weaknesses: Many countries lack designated competent authorities or clear coordination mechanisms between relevant ministries. Without these foundational elements, countries cannot issue Letters of Authorization or manage international transactions effectively.

Infrastructure Deficits: Robust monitoring, reporting, and verification systems aligned with Paris Agreement requirements remain absent in many potential host countries. This creates significant barriers to environmental integrity and buyer confidence.

Regulatory Uncertainty: While at least six countries have published formal Article 6 frameworks, many others operate without clear legal foundations for international carbon market participation.

Capacity Constraints: Technical capabilities for applying corresponding adjustments, managing registries, and meeting Enhanced Transparency Framework obligations pose ongoing challenges, particularly for Least Developed Countries.

Download the complete Host Country Article 6 Readiness: Key Aspects to Drive Demand report

The COP 30 Imperative: What Countries Must Accomplish

Immediate Priorities

Countries serious about Article 6 participation must focus on foundational readiness elements:

1. Submit Initial Reports: The remaining 90+ interested countries need to demonstrate compliance with participation requirements through formal UNFCCC submissions.
2. Establish Institutional Frameworks: Designating competent authorities and defining clear roles across government agencies is essential for operational readiness.
3. Develop National Frameworks: Countries must translate UNFCCC requirements into nationally applicable rules and processes, following examples set by Ghana, Cambodia, and others.
4. Build Technical Capacity: Investing in monitoring, reporting, and verification systems aligned with Paris Agreement requirements.

Strategic Opportunities

The runway to COP 30 presents opportunities for more advanced positioning:

1. Pilot Implementation: Following Thailand's example, countries should pursue pilot activities to demonstrate operational capability and build practical experience.
2. Bilateral Agreement Development: Expanding the current network of 30 bilateral agreements to include more buyer-seller partnerships.
3. Integration with Domestic Policies: Aligning Article 6 activities with national climate legislation, carbon pricing systems, and sectoral strategies.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Building support among local communities, civil society, and private sector participants.

The Lagging Majority: Critical Interventions Needed

For countries still in early readiness stages, the COP 30 timeline demands urgent action:

• Least Developed Countries in Africa and Small Island Developing States need targeted technical assistance and capacity-building support
• Major emerging economies with significant mitigation potential must clarify their Article 6 positioning and regulatory approaches
• Countries with abundant natural climate solutions need frameworks to unlock forest and land-use sector participation

Brazil's Role as COP 30 Host

As COP 30 host, Brazil faces unique pressures and opportunities to demonstrate Article 6 leadership. The country's vast forest resources, renewable energy potential, and existing carbon market experience position it as a potential showcase for effective implementation. Brazil's own readiness trajectory—including progress on institutional arrangements, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and indigenous rights protections—will likely influence global perceptions of Article 6 viability.

Unlock Your Country's Article 6 Potential

The window to COP 30 represents a critical opportunity for countries to build Article 6 readiness and capture growing carbon market demand. Whether you're a government official, capacity-building organization, or private sector stakeholder, understanding current readiness gaps and best practices is essential for effective participation.

Download the complete Host Country Article 6 Readiness: Key Aspects to Drive Demand report for detailed country assessments, implementation frameworks, and actionable guidance to accelerate your Article 6 journey before COP 30.