11 February 2011: The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), with the help of the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation (FAS), the Office National des Forêts International (ONFI) and a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), organized a 10-day South-South exchange on community forestry and REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, including conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of carbon stocks).

The event took place in Brazil with participants from six African countries (Central African Republic, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar and the Republic of Congo) and various Brazilian counterparts, including representatives of federal and state governments, the private sector, civil society and indigenous peoples organizations. It sought to provide a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge on the role that community forestry can play in national REDD+ strategies. Brazilian authorities described their experience with the Amazon Fund, managed by BNDES (the Brazilian Development Bank), which is currently the largest national REDD initiative in the world, and has created an innovative model for managing and disbursing funds for activities that contribute to REDD objectives. Brazilian participants also showcased their experience in establishing national environment and social safeguards for REDD initiatives in the country, and creating a payment for ecosystem services programme called “Bolsa Floresta,” which, through payments, rewards households and communities that support forest conservation. [World Bank Press Release]