Safeguards and Co-benefits in a REDD+ Mechanism Garanties et co-bénéfices liés au mécanisme REDD+ With support from the Norwegian Development Agency

REDD+ Safeguards in the Cancun Agreements REDD+ programs to include a system for providing information on how safeguards are being addressed and respected, while respecting national sovereignty Annex I sets out the safeguards to be promoted and supported Annex II calls on SBSTA to develop guidance for the information system for reporting on safeguards, for consideration at COP 17

Safeguards for REDD+ REDD+ Safeguards included in the Cancun Agreements: To ensure that REDD+ actions do not cause negative social or economic impacts –conversion of natural forests to plantations, loss of biodiversity, displacement and relocation of forest-dependent communities, elite capture of benefits, leakage, lack of permanence If safeguards designed properly, can promote co-benefits –biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, improved community livelihoods, technology transfer Safeguards can be viewed as the “do no harm” principle, and co-benefits are additional benefits beyond the status quo.

Safeguards Standards UN-REDD Programme's Social and Environment Principles and Criteria World Bank Safeguards and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) REDD+ Social and Environmental Standards (REDD+ SES) Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Principles and Criteria

System for Sharing Information What is the purpose of the safeguards information system? How will the system respect national sovereignty? What safeguards information should be shared? How often should countries report on safeguards? Are international minimum standards needed? What review and/or verification of safeguards is needed? How does the safeguards information system fit in the broader REDD+ institutional framework?

Important Considerations Building synergies –CBD, information gathered in SESAs, systems to MRV changes in carbon stocks Cost effectiveness –Little information available about costs, but concerns could make REDD+ more complex and more expensive –Estimates of costs to set up system and undertake initial monitoring range from US$35,000 in Costa Rica to $600,000 in DRC in R-PPs submitted to FCPF

Outstanding Issues in the lead-up to COP 17 Design of system for providing information on how safeguards are being addressed and respected, while respecting national sovereignty Determining how this system will link to the MRV of REDD+ emissions and sinks How to encourage that REDD+ national activities go beyond “do no harm” to encourage co-benefits

Safeguards: Example Questions 1.What lessons can be learned from activities in your country that can inform the negotiations? 2.How can we encourage REDD+ activities that go beyond do no harm and encourage multiple benefits? 3.What safeguard information systems are needed for REDD+?