June 26 2013: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and Forest Europe have released summaries of the forest and REDD+ related outcomes of the Bonn climate change talks, which convened from 3-14 June 2013. Both reports highlight positive progress on national forest monitoring and the verification of emission reductions.

With regard to national forest monitoring, text was agreed on modalities for monitoring systems based on the guidelines developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). While there is flexibility for least developed countries, the intention is that REDD+ elements will eventually be reported on every two years. Key issues discussed include reference emission levels (RELs) which are a measure of those emissions that would occur in the absence of REDD+ activities.

For Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV), compromise text on joint international analysis of reported emission reductions has been put forth for consideration at the upcoming climate change conference in Warsaw, Poland. This includes proposals for conditional funding through which REDD+ recipient countries would receive funding based on expected emission reductions and any shortfall would result in a reduction in the disbursement of funds.

Other issues highlighted in the summaries include: a decision to continue discussions on afforestation, reforestation, deforestation and additional activities within land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF); and the lack of agreement on market versus non-market mechanisms for financing REDD+. The reports also cover the planned engagement of stakeholders in order to proceed with international collaboration for climate change mitigation and adaptation within the agriculture sectors, as well as planned workshops on high carbon ecosystems including peatlands and mangroves. [CIFOR Press Release] [Forest Europe Press Release]