27.04.2017
In the context of the FLEGT-REDD project, ATIBT has just published a study on REDD+ opportunities in the private sector. This study, carried out by ONFi, offers the following: a review of the steps that are required to set up a REDD+ project and obtain certification for the voluntary carbon markets, a presentation of a few case studies (including obstacles and opportunities) and advice to integrate this system.
In addition, the consideration given to this study highlights the fact that voluntary carbon markets are losing ground, seriously threatening the profitability of such projects, but that new opportunities exist with the recent signing of sector agreements (such as in civil aviation) and agreements between countries and major funds supporting REDD+, as well as other approaches such as the RIL-C methodology (reduced-impact methods that reduce carbon emissions , a methodology developed as part of the WWF and TNC’s Climate Smart Forestry programme).
This methodology enables forest concessionaires to pool their efforts and share the profits from the sale of carbon credits, by taking into account areas that are larger than the project-scale that is typically used. It should be noted that agreements can be negotiated directly with funds, in order to circumvent the declining effectiveness of the voluntary carbon market. In this context, it is therefore key that forest concessionaires actively participate in this system which is being set up in certain countries, in particular by seeking to integrate projects offering shared social and environmental benefits, by soliciting external funding, and through the reliance on technical partners to help negotiate these benefits.
This study will be sent to the private sector and partners. It will help guide the actions of the FLEGT-REDD project’s REDD component by identifying the best opportunities to initiate REDD+ projects and involve the private sector. A brochure highlighting the main information of this study has also been prepared.
