The first issuance of UN-backed carbon credits under the Article 6.4 mechanism could be imminent, following COP29's approval of a blueprint to govern the market. Maria AlJishi, chair of the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body (SBM), announced that the decision paves the way for transitioning legacy projects from the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism to the new system, enabling rapid credit issuance.
Close-up of a newly planted tree seedling growing. AI generated picture.
AlJishi stated, ‘The adoption [...] allows us to continue the work that enables us to do so. This means that hopefully we could be seeing the first issuances of 6.4 credits very soon.’ However, operational details, including the timing and sequencing of project authorisations, must still be finalised.
The new standards aim to provide clarity and confidence to market participants, encouraging the development of global projects to generate significant emissions reductions. The International Emissions Trading Association highlighted the mechanism’s potential to catalyse millions of tonnes of mitigation outcomes.
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According to the American Forestry Foundation, the infrastructure is already in place to facilitate transactions. Nathan Truitt, the NGO’s executive vice president, expects the first credits to be issued within a year, noting strong readiness among developers, buyers, and sellers.
The Azerbaijan COP29 presidency hailed the agreement as a diplomatic success, igniting ‘unprecedented enthusiasm’ for the carbon market. However, some UN parties expressed concerns about the rapid approval process, suggesting pro-carbon market nations capitalised on Azerbaijan’s eagerness for a swift achievement.
Despite these reservations, the activation of the Article 6.4 mechanism is widely regarded as a major step forward in global efforts to support nature restoration.
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At DGB Group, we are dedicated to helping businesses and individuals compensate for their carbon footprints through transformative nature-based projects that deliver meaningful environmental and socio-economic outcomes. Our work centres on large-scale reforestation, afforestation, and energy-efficient cookstove initiatives, designed to restore ecosystems, boost biodiversity, and foster sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
