Submission to Bolivia summit to call for review forest definitions UNFCCC

From 20 to 22 April 2010 The People’s World Conference took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia. A  number of member and observers organisations of the Ecosystems Climate Alliance provided input to the Bolivia Summit to call for a review of forest defintions, terms and classifications under the UNFCCC for the purpose of the negotiated REDD+ policy (reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries). Without clear distinction between natural forests and plantations, there is a high risk that under the UNFCCC this will create financial incentives for the conversion of natural forests including their organic soils (peatlands) to wood / paper and oil palm plantations.