The evolution and outlook of REDD-plus negotiation

Abstract

Based on the development of the negotiations on REDD-plus in Conferences of the Parties of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate (UNFCCC) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), we analyzed the status of REDD-plus negotiations since the formulation of Bali Road Map in 2007. We examined the progress, the divergences of the Parties, future trends, some countermeasures for future negotiations on REDD-plus and the implementation of relevant international conventions for China. Our results indicate that all Parties from UNFCCC and CBD have reached a consensus on the priorities of incentive measures and technologies and methodologies, and the implementation level in relation to REDD-plus, and that REDD-plus should be implemented at the national level rather than at subnational levels. Consensus between Parties have not yet been reached on the financial mechanism, the forest reference emission level, the implementation of REDD-plus safeguard and whether the results based REDD-plus activities be measurable, reportable and verifiable at international/national level. Negotiations on REDD-plus in the future will focus on the issues of incentive measures and verification methodologies in relation to non-carbon benefits resulting from the implementation of REDD-plus activities. As a result, we recommend that multiple benefits to climate, biodiversity and community should be considered when national strategy plans for REDD-plus are formulated in China, and that the implementation of REDD-plus activities in China should be engaged in three phases, i.e. capacity building, demonstration activities and monitoring.