20 March 2014: The International Resource Panel (IRP) and the UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (UN-REDD) have released a report on the role of REDD+ in transitioning to a green economy. The report, titled ‘Building National Capital – How REDD+ can support a Green Economy,’ highlights the urgent need for US$30 billion in funding to ensure REDD+ implementation and to contribute to green economy transformations, noting that this is less than 7 percent of annual fossil fuel subsidies.

The report’s main message is that REDD+ can contribute to a green economy by increasing the resource efficiency of many sectors and supporting green industries, ecotourism and other components. On the other hand, as economic activities and agricultural expansion are the major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, shifts to a green economy may reduce pressure on unsustainable forest use and, as such, contribute to REDD+ objectives.

In order to maximize links between REDD+ and a green economy, the report presents a number of recommendations including: enhancing coordination among governments, international agencies and the private sector dealing with forests and a green economy; expanding REDD+ to include benefits beyond carbon; and engaging all relevant stakeholders, including through the creation of new economic opportunities for local communities and forest-dwelling people.

The report also notes that additional scientific information is required in order to balance forest conservation and carbon sequestration. [UNEP Press Release] [UN REDD News] [Publication: Building National Capital – How REDD+ can support a Green Economy] [Publication: Building National Capital: How REDD+ Can Support a Green Economy. Summary for Policy Makers]