Defining REDD+ Success

This briefing summarizes the outcomes of an April 2012 expert workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on two primary determinants for the success of REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation): the development of safeguard information systems (SIS) and the engagement of the private sector.

• REDD+ safeguard information systems (SIS) do not necessarily require the creation of new indicators or methodologies, as they can leverage existing architecture, including national legislation, international agreements, and pilot-level initiatives.
• The implementation of REDD+ SIS should be flexible and country-driven, with a focus on keeping transaction costs low. Potential tools for reporting include online inventories and existing systems such as Vietnam’s Forest Management Information System, Madagascar’s Environmental and Social Dashboard, Ethiopia’s Participatory Forest Management approach, and the biodiversity registry of the Philippines.
• Private sector engagement is essential to bridge the financing gap and provide technical expertise for REDD+, but its success depends on policy clarity and certainty, specifically regarding the rights to own and trade carbon credits.
• To enhance private sector investment, the document suggests a 'nested approach' using national baselines to unify accounting for project and subnational baselines, alongside clear benefit-sharing and dispute settlement arrangements.
• Private sector motivation for REDD+ investment is driven by both monetary returns and 'reputational returns' linked to corporate social responsibility.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (2012). Defining REDD+ Success. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_main_messages_safeguard_nairobi.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Defining REDD+ Success. 2012. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_main_messages_safeguard_nairobi.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Defining REDD+ Success |date=May 2012 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_main_messages_safeguard_nairobi.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment2012defining, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Defining REDD+ Success}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2012}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_main_messages_safeguard_nairobi.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }