5 December 2013
COP 19 Adopts Warsaw Framework for REDD+
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Parties at the nineteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP19) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted the Warsaw Framework for REDD+.

The framework includes seven decisions and builds on the Cancun Agreement on REDD+.

UNFCCCNovember 2013: Parties at the 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 19) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted the Warsaw Framework for REDD+. The framework includes seven decisions and builds on the Cancun Agreement on REDD+.

The Framework addresses results-based finance for REDD+, highlighting that: it may come from multiple sources, public and private, bilateral and multilateral, including alternative sources; and developing countries should provide information on how all safeguards have been addressed and respected before they can receive results-based payments. The decision on results-based finance also establishes an information hub on the web platform on the UNFCCC website as a means to publish information on the results of REDD+ activities and corresponding results-based payments.

The REDD+ Framework includes decisions on national forest monitoring systems, safeguards, forests reference emission levels, measuring, reporting and verification (MRV), and the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. The Framework also encompasses the outcomes of the joint Subsidiary Body on Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) – Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) session on the coordination of support for forest-based mitigation activities.

The decision on national forest monitoring systems notes the importance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidance and stresses that robust national forest monitoring systems should provide data and information that are transparent, consistent over time, and suitable for MRV anthropogenic forest-related emissions. On safeguards, the COP decides that developing country parties should start providing the summary of information in their national communication or communication channel, including via the web platform of the UNFCCC, after the start of the implementation of REDD+ activities.

On forest reference emission levels, the COP, inter alia: adopted the guidelines and procedures for the technical assessment of submissions from parties on proposed forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels; and requested the UNFCCC Secretariat to prepare a synthesis report on the technical assessment process, for consideration by the SBSTA.

Further action called for under the Warsaw Framework for REDD+ includes the expansion of the UNFCCC REDD Web Platform in terms of both scope and function, and the convening of meetings on the coordination of financing for forests under the Standing Committee on Finance.

In addition, during COP 19, the World Bank announced a new US$280 million initiative under the BioCarbon Fund, and the Government of Norway made a US$40 million pledge to the UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (UN-REDD). Despite these new pledges, the need for new and additional financing from a variety of sources was noted by participants.

Other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), including the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD,) welcomed the Warsaw Framework, noting its potential to contribute to the achievement of global environmental objectives including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. [IISD RS Coverage of the Warsaw Climate Change Conference] [UNFCC Decisions Adopted by COP 19/CMP 9] [UNFCCC Press Release] [UNFCCC REDD Web Platform] [CBD Press Release][Climate Change Policy & Practice coverage of the Warsaw Climate Change Conference]


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