NEWS

"Forest Day 3"
The Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the other members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) are inviting expressions of interest for "Forest Day 3" on 13 December 2009, an entire day during UNFCCC COP 15 dedicated to learning about and discussing the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. One of the Learning Events is focusing on "Forest Biodiversity and Climate Change". More: http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/Events/ForestDay3/Introduction/

Online course on REDD
The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance, GTZ, the Rainforest Alliance, and the World Wildlife Fund, have created a self-guided online course on REDD. The course features 14 fun and interactive lessons that provide a comprehensive overview of REDD. The course is free and available to all at: http://www.conservationtraining.org/

Forest Footprint Disclosure (FFD) Project launched
The Global Canopy Programme has launched the FFD project in collaboration with DFID, UNEP FI, PRP, CDP and others. The FFD Project seeks to identify how businesses and supply chains drive deforestation through the use of 'forest risk' commodities like beef, soy, palm oil, and timber. The FFD Project also launched the new 'Global Forest Footprints' report. More: http://www.forestdisclosure.com/

REDD Methodology Modules Project
A group of forest carbon experts are completing the first modular methodologies for REDD projects under the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS). When released in late 2009, the REDD modules will enable development of REDD projects without investing in new methodologies on a project-by-project basis. More: http://www.climatefocus.com/us/REDDMeth.html

Carbon offset projects within the Sierra Nevada region of California
The Sierra Business Council (SBC) is currently developing forest carbon offset projects, located within the Sierra Nevada region of California, using recently nationalized Climate Action Reserve standards. The SBC has developed the first avoided conversion project to be listed under these protocols. Projects are intended to create a reliable funding stream dedicated to conservation and restoration of our carbon-rich forestlands. More: http://www.sbcouncil.org/Projects/SNCC/

REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

"Multiple benefits – issues and options for REDD"
The UN REDD Programme is stepping up its work on the multiple benefits from REDD. Over the next 12 months it will be working with UN REDD pilot countries to promote understanding of the potential for multiple benefits and to provide tools and guidance to assist decision-making that will deliver those benefits in the implementation of REDD. Publication available at: http://www.un-redd.org/Portals/15/documents/events/Montreux/UN-REDD_PB2_Multiple_Benefits_Issue_Paper.pdf; More information on the UN REDD Programme: http://www.un-redd.org/

"Tenure in REDD: Start-point or afterthought?"
As new mechanisms for REDD are being negotiated in international climate change talks, resource tenure must be given greater attention. Tenure over land and trees will affect the extent to which REDD will benefit, or marginalise, forest communities. This report aims to promote debate on the issue. Drawing on experience from seven rainforest countries, it develops a typology of tenure regimes across countries, explores tenure issues in each country, and identifies key challenges to be addressed if REDD is to have equitable and sustainable impact. To download or order the publication visit: http://www.iied.org/pubs/display.php?o=13554IIED

"Incentives to sustain forest ecosystem services: A review and lessons for REDD"
Paying people to protect forests can be an effective way to tackle deforestation and climate change but only if there is good governance of natural resources, claims this study funded by Norway’s Government. This report explores existing efforts to pay people in developing nations to protect ecosystems in return for the services they provide. It aimed to see if such payments could be used to help tackle climate change REDD. A review of 13 schemes in Africa, South-East Asia and Latin America concluded that they can be part of REDD but only if important preconditions are met. To download or order the publication visit: http://www.iied.org/pubs/display.php?o=13555IIED

"Avoided Deforestation: Prospects for Mitigating Climate Change"
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology recently published the book "Avoided Deforestation: Prospects for Mitigating Climate Change". The edited volume brings together important research contributions on the policy and economics of avoided deforestation as a strategy for climate change mitigation. It is aimed at policy makers as well as academics interested in the theme. For a list of chapters as well as ordering information: http://www.cbd.int/forest/doc/redd-flyer.pdf