Safeguards and Multiple Benefits in a REDD+ Mechanism

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of safeguards and the pursuit of 'multiple benefits' within the REDD+ mechanism established by the Cancun Agreements. It explores how safeguard systems can move beyond a 'do no harm' approach to actively promote sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity conservation. The document analyzes various international safeguard standards, reviews how developing countries are integrating these into their Readiness Preparation Proposals (R-PPs), and discusses the institutional and financial challenges of creating a transparent information-sharing system for monitoring compliance.

• The primary objective of REDD+ is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but a properly designed mechanism can provide 'multiple benefits' including biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, technology transfer, and improved community livelihoods.
• Safeguards in REDD+ are intended to prevent negative social and environmental impacts, acting as a 'do no harm' principle, but they can also be used to identify and maximize positive impacts to achieve a 'REDD+ Development Dividend'.
• No single existing safeguard standard provides comprehensive coverage of all criteria set out in the Cancun decision; some focus on sustainable forest management while others better address poverty alleviation and biodiversity.
• Effective implementation of safeguards requires broad stakeholder participation, transparency, and accountability, specifically involving local communities in the measurement of safeguards.
• The principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is identified as a critical element for respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and affected communities within REDD+ programs.
• Developing countries are integrating safeguards into their Readiness Preparation Proposals (R-PPs) in various ways, with some linking safeguard monitoring to carbon MRV systems and others maintaining independent systems.
• The cost of establishing safeguard and benefits monitoring systems during the readiness phase varies significantly by country, ranging from US$35,000 in Costa Rica to US$600,000 in the Democratic Republic of Congo over a three-year period.
• A critical challenge for the UNFCCC is designing an information-sharing system that respects national sovereignty while providing the transparency needed for international supervision and verification.
• Equitable benefits sharing is essential for moving beyond 'do no harm' and requires clear definitions of land tenure and property rights over carbon.

APA

Murphy, D. (2011). Safeguards and Multiple Benefits in a REDD+ Mechanism. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_safeguards.pdf

Chicago

Murphy, Deborah. Safeguards and Multiple Benefits in a REDD+ Mechanism. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2011. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_safeguards.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Murphy |first1=Deborah |title=Safeguards and Multiple Benefits in a REDD+ Mechanism |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=May 2011 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_safeguards.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{murphy2011safeguards, author = {Murphy, Deborah}, title = {{Safeguards and Multiple Benefits in a REDD+ Mechanism}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2011}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/redd_safeguards.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }