The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) interconnects industrialized countries (Annex-I-Parties) with Non-Annex I Parties in the fight against climate change.

According to the definition in the Kyoto Protocol (Article 12) CDM should assist Parties not included in the Annex I of the Protocol in achieving sustainable development as well as assisting Parties included in Annex I to achieve compliance with their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments.