REDD Plus (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, plus the sustainable management of forests, and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks) is a framework developed by the UNFCCC to incentivize developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
REDD Plus goes beyond simply deforestation and forest degradation to include the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. It provides a results-based payment system where developing countries can receive financial incentives for demonstrating emissions reductions in the forest sector.
The Five REDD Plus Activities
- Reducing emissions from deforestation - Preventing the conversion of forest land to non-forest land
- Reducing emissions from forest degradation - Reducing carbon emissions from degradation of forests that remain forests
- Conservation of forest carbon stocks - Maintaining existing forest carbon stocks through protected areas and other conservation measures
- Sustainable management of forests - Managing forests in a way that maintains their carbon stocks while providing ecosystem services
- Enhancement of forest carbon stocks - Increasing forest carbon stocks through afforestation, reforestation, and restoration
Key Requirements for REDD Plus
- A national REDD Plus strategy or action plan
- A national forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level
- A robust and transparent national forest monitoring system
- A safeguards information system
