REDD+

Activities that destroy tropical forests contribute significantly to the release of carbon dioxides at the atmosphere.  It is estimated that deforestations and forest degradations are responsible for almost 20% of the world’s green house gases.  It is now clear that in order to minimize the impacts of climate change within limits that society would reasonably able to tolerate, we need efforts to reduce the emissions level from the sector of forestry as soon as possible.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus (REDD+) mechanism is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests.  With REDD+, developed countries offers incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions by keeping their forests standing tall, and  invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.   The term REDD+ goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation.  After United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 13^th Conference of the Parties (COP 13 in Bali, 2007) and COP 15 in Copenhagen (2009), the term includes three additional aspects; the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.   Furthermore, maintaining the forest ecosystem contributes to climate change mitigation.  After COP 13 in Bali, 2007, through Bali Action Plan, Parties are encouraged to participate in REDD+ initiatives.