REDD+ in Nepal: Experiences from the REDD Readiness Phase (Special Publication)

REDD+ has been acknowledged as a cheap, efficient and reliable policy instrument for stabilizing global climatic system by addressing drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, there is a stringent compliance process and developing countries only qualify for results-based payments when emissions are reduced. The adoption of the Paris Agreement (COP 21, 2015) by 197 country parties testifies the international level political commitment for mitigating GHG through the forestry sector by relying on the results-based payment instrument.

This mechanism provides financial rewards to the countries based on their performance in reducing greenhouse gases (tonnes of CO2 equivalents). REDD+ is not only a financing mechanism for reducing emissions, it also provides non-carbon benefits, which in fact is part of the broader mission to incorporate and enhance biodiversity conservation, improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities and better forest governance. More importantly, it provides an economic incentive for raising the country’s ambition to voluntarily transition towards a low carbon, deforestation free development pathway.