10 June 2013: The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) released a report, titled ‘Integrating REDD+ into a green economy transition,’ which was produced with support from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD).

The study highlights the complimentary objectives of REDD+ and the transition to a green economy with regards to maintaining natural capital while supporting developments. It also stresses the possible efficiencies that could be captured from linking implementation of REDD+ with a shift to a green economy, especially with regards to synergies in policy shifts.

Finally, the study refers to the multiple benefits that can be achieved through REDD+ for the preservation of ecosystem services, the delivery of social benefits, and climate change mitigation. It stresses that these multiple benefits can extend beyond forests to also improve fisheries and agriculture while increasing resilience to natural disasters and improving human well-being. In this regard, the study argues that REDD+ also contributes to improved forest governance and enhanced stakeholder participation, all of which are important components of a successful transition to a green economy.

In order to maximize the contribution of REDD+ to the green economy transition, the study emphasizes the need for a strong knowledge base and planning tools, political will, good forest governance, enhanced coordination, and adequate financing. [Publication: Integrating REDD+ into a Green Economy Transition: Opportunities and Challenges]