The UN Environmental Program is using spatial analysis to help countries understand the value of carbon management for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD+). A key tool in this effort is a carbon mapping capability that shows the carbon stored in ecosystems, highlighting areas of significant biodiversity and ecosystem services importance, and quantifies the threats to forests. Used together with other decision support tools, it helps countries to develop national REDD+ strategies that maximize the development potential that forests provide.
As countries meet in Cancun this week for the COP16 talks, there is a side event on REDD+ that is taking place. A new report on the “Perspectives on REDD” frames the issues that are being discussed. It is widely agreed that REDD+ should be part of any global climate mitigation effort due to the fact that deforestation and forest degradation are responsible for approximately 17 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and because REDD+ is a low cost option for reducing carbon emissions while providing other significant benefits. However, the complexity of designing and implementing REDD+ is raising important questions and challenges that require innovative solutions and approaches.
“Immediate action on REDD+ is a critical part of the climate change solution. Preserving forests also provides other valuable benefits: biodiversity, soil conservation and flood control. Combined, such services are worth billions –- perhaps trillions –- of dollars to the global economy.”Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
