REDDProgramme

REDDProgramme refers to the international policy framework within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and, under REDD+, the role of conservation, sustainable forest management, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. The programme seeks to create financial incentives for forest protection by rewarding verified emission reductions, rather than paying for activities alone. It operates as a policy and financing architecture rather than a single institution.

Key elements include reference levels or forest reference emission levels, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems, and safeguards to address social and environmental impacts. Countries develop national REDD programmes or strategies, often supported through readiness activities and capacity building funded by international donors. Payments are typically results-based, disbursed upon verification of emission reductions against agreed baselines.

Implementation has involved numerous pilots and programs in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Financing has come from multilateral funds and bilateral sources, notably the World Bank-led Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, the BioCarbon Fund, and the Green Climate Fund, among others. While some pilots demonstrated emissions reductions and co-benefits for local communities, critics warn of leakage, permanence risks, governance challenges, tenurial insecurity, and dependence on carbon markets.

In its current usage, REDDProgramme is commonly described as part of REDD+ or UNFCCC negotiations, reflecting ongoing efforts to align climate objectives with forest conservation and sustainable development goals, while pushing for clear rights, robust safeguards, and verifiable results.