11 December 2012: The UN Collaborative Programme on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (UN-REDD) has released the report of the workshop titled “REDD+ Beyond Carbon: Safeguards and Multiple Benefits.”

The workshop, which was convened by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) from 13-15 November 2012, in Cambridge, UK, aimed to: share experiences and build capacity on safeguards and multiple benefits from REDD+; learn about UN-REDD Programme decision-support tools and processes; and identify relevant gaps and needs within the framework of UN-REDD.

The workshop brought together 46 participants who agreed that there has been significant progress in REDD+ safeguards and multiple benefits, which are interlinked issues. However, participants concluded that implementation challenges remain, including with regards to definitions, stakeholder participation and technical capacity.

Furthermore, the workshop stressed the importance of adopting an integrated land-use planning approach to REDD+, while assessment tools and improved data in priority areas can assist with decision making and stakeholder engagement.

Finally, the workshop identified criteria for a good Safeguards Information System including: affordability; coordination with existing systems; the inclusion of a variety of data types and sources; and support for community participation. [Publication: UN-REDD Workshop Report: REDD+ Beyond Carbon]