Forests, particularly humid tropical forests, provide a number of benefits to society. They are extremely rich in biodiversity and provide important ecosystem services such as food, fibre and water regulation.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) – is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. “REDD+” goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

In addition to its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, REDD provides the opportunity to safeguard these other forest values.

The UN-REDD Programme recognises the importance of gaining multiple benefits from REDD, and has developed an approach to support countries in their efforts to integrate multiple benefits into their REDD planning. Building on existing experience, and working with relevant partners and stakeholders, the UN will be stepping up our work with UN-REDD pilot countries to promote understanding of the potential for achieving multiple benefits, and to provide tools and guidance to assist decision-making that will deliver these benefits through the implementation of REDD.

It is predicted that financial flows for greenhouse gas emission reductions from REDD+ could reach up to US$30 billion a year. This flow of funds could reward a significant reduction of carbon emissions and could also support new, pro-poor development, help conserve biodiversity and secure vital ecosystem services.

To learn more about REDD