Second regional workshop advances Caribbean emissions understanding
St. George’s, Grenada – September 2025
Agricultural experts and government representatives from across the Caribbean gathered in Grenada from September 16–18 for the second technical training workshop of the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting & Verification (MRV) Hub’s Agriculture Work Crew. The event was part of a regional project funded through the New Zealand Government’s Climate Smart Agriculture Initiative, as part of its contribution to the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).
Participants in the second regional agricultural greenhouse has inventory workshop
Strengthening Regional Capacity
The three-day workshop brought together participants from multiple Caribbean nations to deepen their understanding of advanced GHG inventory methodologies, focusing on the transition from Tier 1 to Tier 2 reporting. This shift is crucial for more accurate measurement of agricultural emissions, enabling countries to better track progress toward climate goals and access international climate finance.
Interactive Learning and Collaboration
Day one covered the benefits of moving to Tier 2 inventories, the importance of disaggregating data by region and management practices, and the development of enhanced livestock characterisation. Participants engaged in small group exercises to develop initial characterisations for key livestock species and shared country experiences in compiling Tier 1 reports, highlighting data collection challenges and gaps.
On the second day, the focus shifted to introducing Tier 2 methodologies for enteric fermentation and manure management and the critical role of robust activity data. Sessions explored different data collection methods—including surveys, expert judgement, and proxy data, followed by hands-on exercises in data manipulation and challenge mapping. These activities encouraged participants to identify key data sources and strategise solutions for filling information gaps.
The final day emphasised improving national data collection systems and uncertainty analysis. Participants learned how to design effective agricultural surveys and develop data collection templates tailored to their countries’ needs. Practical exercises reinforced these skills, ensuring that attendees left with actionable tools to enhance their national GHG inventories.
The workshop encouraged participants to think about data requirements and what national data their countries have
Looking Ahead: Future Workshop Plans
Building on the momentum of the first two workshops, the Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub plans to continue its technical training series. Future workshops will focus on further training in using Tier 2 methodologies, refining uncertainty analysis, the process of continual improvement, and supporting countries as they implement Tier 2 methodologies in their national GHG inventories. There will also be ongoing opportunities for countries to receive tailored support on specific reporting challenges, ensuring that the region continues to strengthen its capacity for transparent and effective climate action.
A Model for Regional Cooperation
Throughout the workshop, facilitators Andrea Pickering and Carly Green fostered a collaborative environment, providing opportunities for countries to discuss specific challenges and share best practices.
“Our goal is to empower Caribbean countries with the tools and knowledge needed to produce robust, transparent greenhouse gas inventories,” said Andrea Pickering, workshop facilitator. “By working together and sharing experiences, we can overcome data challenges and build a stronger foundation for climate-smart agriculture.”
Carly Green added, “The transition to Tier 2 reporting is a significant step, but with continued collaboration and support, the region is well-positioned to lead in climate action and sustainable agricultural development.”
The Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub’s Agriculture Work Crew initiative exemplifies the region’s proactive approach to climate action, equipping agricultural professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to drive sustainable, climate-resilient development.
