ASB Partnership / ICRAF Strengthening MRV (Measurement, Reporting and Verification) for REDD+ Renforcer MRV (Mesure, Rapports et Vérification) pour REDD+ Florence Bernard ASB Partnership / ICRAF With support from the Norwegian Development Agency

MRV Definition - UN-REDD Programme Measurement – The process of data collection over time, providing basic datasets, including associated accuracy and precision, for the range of relevant variables Reporting – The process of formal reporting of assessment results to the UNFCCC, according to predetermined formats and according to established standards (IPCC Guidelines and GPG) Verification – The process of formal verification of reports

MRV for REDD+ in the Cancun Agreements The Cancun Agreement calls for : A national forest reference emission level (REL) and/or forest reference level (RL) A robust and transparent national system for forest monitoring Alternatively, such reference levels and monitoring system can be developed at the sub-national level as an interim measure. MRV is included in the Cancún Agreements as one of the most critical elements necessary for the successful implementation of any REDD+ mechanism. Annex II of the COP 16 AWG-LCA decision requires SBSTA to provide: Methodological guidance on modalities for developing national forest REL and/or RL and national forest monitoring systems

Why MRV/ REL&RL are so important for REDD+? They determine the historical deforestation and forest degradation trends and provide a baseline against which emission reductions shall be measured assessing additionality This impacts on the amount and costs of emission reductions obtained MRV system determines the overall success and integrity of the REDD mechanism profound implications for the environmental effectiveness, cost efficiency, and distribution of REDD The REL is the amount of gross emissions from a geographical area estimated within a reference time period. The RL is the amount of net or gross emissions and removals from a geographical area estimated within a reference time period. Establishment of Reference (Emission) Levels for REDD+ is critical for three main reasons:

Practical questions in terms of implementation What is a forest within the REDD context? MRV institutional set up versus Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Equity Step-wise MRV approach (Phases 1, 2, 3) : Transition criteria for graduating from one readiness phase to another

Outstanding Issues in the lead-up to COP 17 Establishment for reference levels : scale? time? Nested approach for baseline deforestation rates? National versus subnational levels Accuracy thresholds/carbon pools and leakage Costs and financing of MRV Scope and characteristic of a REDD MRV system going beyond carbon?

MRV: Example Questions What lessons/best practices can be learned from activities in your country to inform the negotiations (e.g. REL & RL, subnational versus national level, institutional set-up) ? How can countries make decisions regarding MRV that are realistic in their own context (e.g., according to costs, data availability, capacities, tier) ? What are priority capacity building areas?