Name: Melisa Ljusa
Affiliation: Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Sarajevo
Journal Title: The last lecture in Korea
Date: 12 August 2022



Today was the last day of our training with the last country presentations on NC/BUR preparation, and the last presentation on the topic: Overview of measurement, reporting and verification and enhanced transparency framework.

The training somehow went by so quickly for all of us. During conversation with other trainees, we have summarized our impressions and what we heard and learned during these three weeks. We all agree in conclusion that many different and useful topics (from the sectors: AFOLU, IPPU, Waste, Agriculture, LULUCF and Energy) were covered during the training. Very important introductory lectures pointed out the significance of transparent reporting, as well as the use of indicators and data in the preparation of projections.

I would especially like to emphasize that we are all pleased with the concept of the lecture having introduced us primarily with the theory/processes in the sector, and calculations and concrete examples, especially the examples of South Korea. The lectures on Carbon Market Development & Emissions Trade System that we also had the opportunity to learn about at the International Greenhouse Conference, should be especially singled out in the context of current topics. A panel discussion was organized at this conference with six participants of the training who clearly indicated the problems in and the needs for the strengthening of the capacities of developing countries using the examples of their countries.

This training stressed out the importance of a well-organized MRV system and GHG inventory, and the constant need to develop the system using the examples of good practice. Numerous examples and discussion also highlighted the significance of having a clear and concrete policy with incentives that will help the society as a whole to deal with mitigations in all sectors.
The GHG calculations examples presented to us by the lecturers, as well as concrete examples of calculations during the exercises, have shown to us that it is necessary to understand the processes, and that one should take a step by step approach in order to understand the entire processes of emissions and calculations. Likewise, the lecturers have clearly pointed out to us that the methodologies of GHG calculations are changing and improving, and, in that context, this training is of particular importance.

The examples of countries and especially Korea examples have shown that the GHG inventory cannot be developed without the participation of the academic community and research projects that would support the definition of the local emission factors. The 40 years of research in Korea related to the cultivation of rice presented within the agricultural sector is a particularly good example.
In some countries like mine, the inventory is done on a project-based approach. Nevertheless, good examples, like Panama, have confirmed the importance of moving from this model to an institutional model, which ensures the sustainability of the system and continuity in capacity building,  among other things. In addition, the practice of the countries participating in the training, and Korea and Japan, showed that the establishment of inventory and MRV in general takes time, resources, dedication and knowledge.
It is difficult to obtain GHG data without the application of new technologies. We have seen this through the examples of LULUCF, and the forest inventory on the example of Korea, where the use and need for remote sensing/GIS data is particularly emphasized.

There are many messages from this training. One of the messages is that the MRV institutional framework, the GHG inventory must be maintained and continuously developed, and this training makes a great contribution to the continuous development and strengthening of the capacity of persons who are directly involved in the preparation and development of the MRV/GHG inventory.

This training has made it possible for us to assess our knowledge, capacities and needs for further professional development. All participants of the training will share the lessons learned and the gained  knowledge with their colleagues in their countries, and apply the latter in the sectors where they work.
In any case, we have a long journey ahead of us in terms of GHG inventory development and improvement. Let's stay positive on that journey! As one of the lecturers said, it depends on us how we will apply our knowledge and how we will develop it in the future. This training is a great and additional inspiration for all of us to continue striving, working and contributing to the survival of the civilization in these difficult times when we are facing the challenges of climate change!

In the end, we had a wonderful and emotional closing ceremony and Mr. Heungwon Seo, GIR President handed over the certificates to the participants.
A special award was given to our panelists: Cristian, Lini, Anne, Yoisy, Sybastian and Thi Minh Hue! Lini Ariva and Cristian Grisales have received a special award for their work and commitment during the training.
My earnest congratulations to all!

Finally, many thanks to our lecturers and GIR!
 
Many thanks to our dear friends from the Secretariat who selflessly helped us during training - thank you Milan, Travis, Jieun, Sarah and Phil! 

Thank you beautiful Seoul for your hospitality...and hopefully see you at some other time!

Thank you all the participants for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, as well as the friendship and good times! 

The world is a small place and I am sure our paths will cross again on different occasions...








Coordinator's comments:
Thank you Melisa for sharing with us your last journal on the last day of the programme. It must have been not easy considering that you would be flying back to your hometown on the day you submitted this journal. We really appreciate your great commitment until the very last moment. 
I have to tell you that I am truly touched by such a detailed review of yours on the 3-week training, pointing out which lecture on what topic was particularly significant for practitioners for what reasons. Your journal fully explains from the perspective of a trainee who showed great concentration and participation in each and every lecture and activity what trainees can expect to learn from this programme. It is definitly a must-read document for every applicant and trainee in the future. Trust me, any future applicant or trainee from Bosnia and Herzegovina will be very proud to see such journal was written by you, an expert from their home country. (not to mention myself being overwhelmingly happy to have you as our trainee of the year 2022.)
I have a strong belief that this year's programme was successful because the 2022 cohort was comprised of individuals who are hard-working and committed to broadening knowledge, always supported each other and worked together to overcome any difficulties, and last but not least, never hesitated to build a beautiful friendship with kind hearts and caring words.
As you said, our paths will cross again and we will meet again. Until then, stay safe and well! :)