12 October 2011: The 11th Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) Dialogue convened under the theme “Status and Role of Public and Private Finance to Reduce Forest Loss and Degradation.” The Dialogue discussed lessons learned regarding the possibilities of a global forest carbon market, and the scope for individual projects.

The Dialogue was held on 12 October in London, UK, and was organized by RRI, the Forest Peoples Programme (FPP) and Forest Trends. The meeting examined the current state of public and private financial mechanisms for REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, as well as conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks), with the aim of contributing to developing an updated vision for the deployment of finance to reduce forest loss and degradation, while respecting the rights and development needs of local people.

Representatives from governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations and the academic community, attended the Dialogue. Participants convened in three panel sessions for discussions on: financing for forests and climate in the context of a global crises; perspectives from communities and indigenous peoples on how financing reaches the ground; and the next steps for reducing emissions and promoting livelihoods, in Durban and beyond.

Following the Dialogue, several participants attended the Seminar on Forests, Governance and Climate Change, chaired by UK parliamentarian Martin Horwood. They presented the results of the Dialogue and heard an address by Stephen O’Brien, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development, UK, followed by a discussion session. [IISD RS Coverage] [11th Dialogue Website]