October 2012: The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and the UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) have published a report on the priority needs of countries with regards to REDD+ readiness.

The report, titled “Country Needs Assessment: A Report on REDD+ Readiness Among UN-REDD Programme and FCPF Member Countries,” examines where and how countries required additional support including the urgency of the need for support and the preferred method for its delivery. In particular, countries are asked about needs with regards to REDD+ governance, strategy development, safeguards and monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) and reference levels.

Overall the report reveals that 80% of the 22 countries participating in the assessment prioritized governance needs, particularly for legal frameworks, including land tenure and carbon rights. On benefit sharing and safeguards, stakeholder participation, information sharing and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) were prioritized. Technical support was also requested for MRV while strategy development needs emphasized the implementation of pilot projects for testing and learning.

Beyond the specific areas for support, the report notes reductions in political support for REDD+ and the need for enhanced capacity among local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups. The report reveals that countries are also interested in linking pilot projects to carbon markets and setting minimum thresholds for REDD+ investments to have a meaningful impact. [Publication: Country Needs Assessment: A Report on REDD+ Readiness Among UN-REDD Programme and Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Member Countries]