About the Project: ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation

Project Summary

In September 2023, the Republic of Korea launched the Partnership for ASEAN-ROK Methane Action (PARMA), a regional initiative to scale methane reduction efforts. PARMA focuses on matching ASEAN entities with Korean solution providers and building capacity through training and knowledge sharing. The initiative, supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, aligns with ASEAN’s broader goals and will serve as a foundation for future methane-related projects. 

The project aims to contribute to reducing methane emissions in ASEAN countries by establishing a strong institutional, technical, and financial foundation for large-scale methane reduction. This will be achieved through a comprehensive set of activities, including methane measurements, regional guidelines and cooperation promotion, and support for methane reduction projects. 

Goal and Objectives

Against this backdrop, the project focuses on the following four areas:

Developing enabling policies and institutions by (i) supporting the drafting of ASEAN Methane Reduction Roadmap, (ii) supporting the drafting of Methane Reduction Plans, (iii) establishing and operationalizing Methane Reduction Committees, and (iv) designing and implementing a Methane Reduction Capacity Building Program.
Improving measurement of methane emissions by (i) analyzing gaps in methane emissions inventory, (ii) improving methane emission measurements for priority sector(s), (iii) supporting MRV requirements under the Enhanced Transparency Framework.
Designing, financing, and implementing methane emission reduction projects by (i) shortlisting methane reduction projects, (ii) conducting feasibility studies and selecting project(s) to be financed and implemented, (iv) implementing methane reduction project(s).

Promoting regional dialogue and partnership by establishing an ASEAN knowledge platform for methane reduction.

Project Outputs

Direct beneficiaries: 1,320 government officials, researchers from think tanks and academic institutions, private sector representatives, and policymakers
Indirect beneficiaries: 1.2 million individuals benefitting from retrofitting/construction of modern wastewater treatment plants, capped landfills, and improved yield and water savings from alternate wetting and drying method of rice cultivation.

Lao PDR