17 August 2009: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published a technical paper, entitled “Cost of implementing methodologies and monitoring systems relating to estimates of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, the assessment of carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions from changes in forest cover, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks” (FCCC/TP/2009/1), on the REDD information sharing web platform.

The paper provides, inter alia, an overview of the possible steps and requirements needed to develop and implement a monitoring system for estimating emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, assessing carbon stocks and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from changes in forest cover, and assessing the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. It also provides information on the indicative costs associated with the possible steps and requirements of a national monitoring system and illustrates elements that developing countries may need to take into account when developing a national monitoring system.[The Technical Paper]