Carbon offsets for rural development

Abstract

REDD is known asReducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. This expression was used for the first time in its shortened form RED (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation) during the 11th UN Conference of Parties (COP 11) in Montreal (2005) by the Coalition for Rainforest Nations led by Papua New Guinea ~ noting that deforestation was estimated to account for 12-15% of the overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This reference was part of an advocacy strategy aimed at promoting compensation payments for developing countries that reduce their national rates of deforestation. After a good reception at COP 11, it was found prudent to further elaborate, expand and finally officially adopt the concept COP 13 in Bali, Indonesia in 2007 in the form of REDD. The addition of Degradation to this acronym was due to the observation that forest degradation in some developing countries was as threatening as deforestation (if not more) to the forest ecosystems. Following the debates during the 14th COP in Poznan, Poland in 2008, it was decided that REDD should evolve to REDD+ to encompass all the initiatives that can increase the carbon absorption potential of forests. The insertion of '+' on the acronym REDD is aimed at broadening its scope to include all operations associated with preservation, restoration and sustainable management of forest ecosystems. The official definition of REDD+ as set by UNFCCC is as follows: “reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. Following the clarification of its identity and mission, REDD+ won greater importance and since 2008 it has become one key tool for tropical forest countries in the negotiations on climate change under the United Nations.