CDM Watch was set up in 2009 as an initiative of international NGOs to provide an independent perspective on individual CDM projects and the political decision-making process affecting wider carbon market developments. As a unique watchdog organisation CDM Watch is active on three levels:
- Exposing flaws in the international United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) decision-making process, including at UNFCCC conferences and CDM Executive Board meetings where CDM rules and the future of carbon markets are decided;
- Lobbying the European Union to enhance the integrity of carbon markets and wider climate change mitigation policies;
- Empowering local movements in CDM host countries to better understand the functioning of the international carbon market and public participation rights in order to stop harmful CDM project activities