BONN, Germany, October 20, 2005 (ENS) - Two hydroelectric power projects in Honduras today became the first facilities to generate certified emission reductions under the Kyoto Protocol. The hydroelectric projects, which do not emit greenhouse gases, are creating credits for Italy and Finland to use in meeting their emissions reduction commitments under the protocol.

In Bonn, the Executive Board of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) issued the first credits to La Esperanza Hydroelectric Project, registered in partnership with Italy, and the Rio Blanco Small Hydroelectric Project, registered in partnership with Finland.

Sushma Gera, chair of the Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board said, �The CDM is for real. It is delivering sustainable development to communities and at the same time real emission reductions.�

Certified emission reductions are generated by climate-friendly, sustainable projects in developing countries.

One certified emission reduction (CER) amounts to one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent of the six greenhouse gases governed by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

La Esperanza hydroelectric project on the Intibuca River is expected to generate 37,000 CERs annually, while the Rio Blanco project produces 17,800 CERs per year.

Both projects in Honduras supply renewable energy to the national grid. The country would otherwise have to rely on carbon-emitting fossil fuels to generate the equivalent electrical power.