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This August 2016 discussion paper by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and Natural Justice proposes a set of draft conservation standards to protect the human rights of indigenous peoples. The authors argue that while international law provides a broad framework, there is a lack of practical, rights-based guidance for conservation actors, leading to documented cases of evictions and abuses in the name of biodiversity protection.

This guide provides an introduction to the social and environmental safeguards and standards associated with REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). It details the frameworks established by the UNFCCC and other international bodies, such as UN-REDD and the World Bank, to mitigate risks to forest-dependent communities and Indigenous peoples while enhancing the social and environmental benefits of carbon-focused forest conservation.

This policy briefing examines the ecological importance and governance challenges of the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania and Kenya. It highlights that approximately 70% of the original forest cover has been lost due to deforestation and degradation, driven largely by population growth and a heavy reliance on biomass for energy. Despite a comprehensive policy framework and significant donor funding—including REDD+ initiatives—the document argues that governance failures, lack of state funding, and poor enforcement of local by-laws have hindered conservation efforts.

This policy briefing examines South Africa's role as the host and president of the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC in November and December 2011. It analyzes the geopolitical challenges of the climate negotiations, South Africa's efforts to coordinate a common African voice, its participation in the BASIC alliance, and the necessity of aligning its domestic climate policies with its international leadership ambitions.

The revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of Mali outlines the country's updated commitments to the Paris Agreement for the 2020-2030 period. Mali aims to maintain its status as a carbon sink while increasing its mitigation ambitions across four sectors: energy, agriculture, forestry and land-use change, and waste. The document details specific emission reduction targets, adaptation strategies to combat desertification and food insecurity, and a comprehensive financing and monitoring framework, with a strong emphasis on gender integration and the involvement of non-state actors.

This working paper analyzes 32 REDD+ readiness proposals submitted to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and the UN-REDD Programme to evaluate how countries are addressing governance challenges in programs designed to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute and its partners evaluates the achievements and challenges of independent forest monitoring (IFM) in the Congo Basin from 2001 to 2020, offering recommendations to institutionalize the practice and expand its scope to agricultural commodities.

This working paper assesses Germany's Fast-Start Finance (FSF) contributions for the 2010-2012 period, analyzing the distribution of funds, the definition of additionality, and the transparency of reporting. It finds that Germany exceeded its self-defined pledge, providing EUR 1.29 billion, with a primary focus on mitigation and a significant reliance on multilateral channels and EU ETS auctioning revenues.

This World Resources Institute working paper, the eighth in a series, reviews Readiness Preparation Proposals (R-PPs) and National Programme Documents (NPDs) submitted to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and the UN-REDD Programme. The analysis focuses on how REDD+ Country Participants address forest governance, transparency, accountability, participation, and coordination during the readiness phase.

This working paper by ClientEarth and the World Resources Institute (WRI) summarizes 26 submissions (14 from Parties, 12 from Observers) provided to the UNFCCC's SBSTA. These submissions offer input on the design and implementation of a "safeguard information system" (SIS) for REDD+, as requested by COP 16 to ensure the safeguards of the Cancun Agreements are respected.

This working paper compares deforestation estimates from 33 national and subnational forest reference emission level (FREL) submissions to the UNFCCC against the Global Forest Change (GFC) tree cover loss data from Hansen et al. (2013). It evaluates the accuracy, cost, and consistency of global monitoring approaches versus national systems to assist climate policymakers in REDD+ countries.

This working paper examines the data and information requirements for effectively implementing national strategies to reduce forest emissions, with a specific focus on addressing illegal logging in Peru and Indonesia. It discusses the role of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) within the context of REDD+ and other international climate financing frameworks.

This research paper discusses the jurisdictional approach (JA) to REDD+ and low emissions development, defining it as a government-led strategy for forest and land use across legally defined territories, and outlines key lessons learned from its implementation across the tropics.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute assesses Japan's Fast-Start Finance (FSF) commitments between January 2010 and February 2012, analyzing the composition, transparency, and additionality of the funds provided to developing countries for climate change activities.

This working paper by the World Resources Institute assesses Norway's 'fast-start finance' (FSF) contributions for 2010 and 2011, examining the distribution, reporting transparency, and additionality of these funds within the context of UNFCCC pledges.

This working paper argues for better coordination of REDD+ financing to avoid fragmented, donor-driven approaches that may overwhelm national institutions in developing countries. It recommends shifting focus toward national capacity building and developing broader performance metrics beyond emission reductions to ensure the sustainability of international climate agreements.

This report provides a framework for REDD+ countries to establish national systems for implementing the seven UNFCCC REDD+ safeguards. It details a structure based on goals, functions, rules, and institutions, and advises governments to assess existing institutional gaps before implementing new laws or agencies to protect biodiversity and local people's rights.

The document discusses the increasing demand for credible forest monitoring data to meet international and national goals for climate change and conservation, noting a gap between research capabilities and practical application in tropical forest countries.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute provides a framework for REDD+ countries to strengthen accountability mechanisms. Based on a review of 20 Emissions Reduction Program Idea Notes (ER-PINs) submitted to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’s (FCPF’s) Carbon Fund, the paper identifies critical gaps in power relationship definitions, the formalization of rules, and the implementation of grievance redress mechanisms.

This briefing examines the role of accountability tools in land-use planning and permitting through case studies in Brazil and Indonesia to provide recommendations for the design of national REDD+ programs.