FORESTS REPORT BONN – THURSDAY 16 JUNE
from the Ecosystems Climate Alliance
REDD+ report for Thursday 16 June
Topic: SBSTA Agenda Item 4: Methodological guidance for activities relating to REDD+
Text: 16 June 11:00 hours (reflecting numerous informal consultations this week)
Background: The Cancun Agreement (para 75) requested SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice) to provide guidance relating to:
· forest reference emission levels or forest reference levels (71(b))
· how safeguards (social, environmental and governance) are being addressed and respected (71(d))
· measuring, reporting and verifying forest-related emissions activities and carbon stock changes (70)
Outlook: Progress on clarifying the technical aspects of implementing REDD+ has been slow and nowhere near the speed with which REDD+ projects are underway in many countries.
It’s encouraging that civil society has been invited to submit proposals on technical matters, but UN output must accelerate to keep up with REDD+ on the ground.
Quote: From Stephen Leonard, Australian Climate Justice Program: “We’re concerned by slow progress towards guidance on implementing REDD+ projects on the ground. Issues have been pushed aside despite what appeared to be some agreement among countries earlier this week, particularly on safeguards.”
Quote: From Peg Putt, The Wilderness Society: “Lack of detail in today’s decision suggests a heavy work schedule to get something tied down for Durban.”
NOTE: REDD+ = Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.
The Ecosystems Climate Alliance is comprised of ten NGOs committed to keeping natural terrestrial ecosystems intact and their carbon out of the atmosphere. We are available for interviews and background, CONTACT: Don Lehr on +1 917 304 4058, dblehr@cs.com, or in the Maritim lobby, chairs to the right.