Oman and Japan have formalized a partnership to advance carbon reduction efforts through the signing of a memorandum of cooperation establishing a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). The agreement, signed on Thursday in Muscat by Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, and Japan’s Ambassador to Oman, Kiyoshi Serizawa, aims to promote low-emission projects and the deployment of Japanese technology to support Oman’s climate goals.

The JCM framework is designed to facilitate greenhouse gas emission reductions or removals in Oman while enabling Japan to count a portion of the resulting carbon credits towards its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. This cooperation is expected to bolster Oman’s sustainable development agenda and strengthen its climate commitments by attracting decarbonization projects, technologies, and related infrastructure.

A joint committee comprising representatives from both countries will oversee the implementation of the mechanism. The committee will be responsible for developing and managing rules and guidelines on project approval, methodologies, monitoring, validation, verification, and the allocation of carbon credits generated through the mechanism. Both parties emphasized adherence to transparency, environmental integrity, and practical action to ensure the mechanism’s effectiveness and alignment with national regulations.

The memorandum highlights that emissions reductions registered under the JCM will avoid double counting through corresponding adjustments, consistent with the accounting guidance of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. Japan will also provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to Oman to facilitate the administration of the mechanism.

This agreement marks Oman as the 32nd country to establish a JCM with Japan. Since its inception, the mechanism has been implemented with various nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Senegal, and Mexico. The JCM is part of Japan’s broader strategy to contribute to global emissions reductions by partnering with other countries while advancing its own environmental commitments.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to periodically update and communicate their emissions reduction targets. The new partnership between Oman and Japan reflects ongoing international efforts to mobilize cooperation and innovation in addressing climate change.