31 March 2010: Scientists from 14 countries in Eastern Southern Africa convened at a workshop hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to discuss how to improve the participation of African countries in global carbon markets.

Delegates at the event, which met in Mombasa, Kenya, from 29-31 March 2010, discussed priorities related to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD) and agriculture, as well as the work being undertaken by the Africa Bio-Carbon Initiative. Some delegates highlighted the need to improve governance and clarify ground rules in order to attract carbon market investment and project developers. Participants visited the Rukinga REDD project run by Wildlife Works LLC and discussed the pitfalls and opportunities in establishing REDD projects. ICRAF is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [ICRAF Press Release]