1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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:

5. 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

6. 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?

7. 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?