To improve our understanding of the possibilities and difficulties for global interventions to successfully decrease deforestation, Focali conducted an assessment of the implementation of current REDD-initiatives. During 2009 Focali published a report outlining the initiatives that is currently investing in pilot REDD projects and building capacity in potential REDD countries. More specifically, the report presented four case studies of potential recipient countries (Bolivia, Cameroon, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka) with an analysis of their capability of establishing reference scenarios and implementing REDD-systems in support of a sustainable development. The report also included an analysis of a large donor (Norway) and its choice of funding options.

This overview was followed in 2010 by three country briefs: Guyana, Burkina Faso and Malaysia. These summaries outline the forest resources in these three countries, with a focus on REDD and how future investments for a reduced deforestation affect the possibility to reduce climate change and adapt to a changed climate. Since the countries represent different forest ecosystems and deforestation rates, case studies are valuable as an illustration of the different conditions for REDD in different parts of the world.

Focali is soon to publish a case study from Sri Lanka with a focus on the preparations and processes that have been undertaken in the country to initiate REDD+. During the latest year, Sri Lanka has shown a great interest to develop a REDD-strategy. A case study from Burkina Faso will also be published, with a deeper analysis of REDD+ and its possibility to make a difference in a land with dry and degraded forest with relatively low carbon content and high deforestation rate.

In December 2010 we published an update of our first report on global REDD+ initiatives. It is called Getting ready for REDD+. Focali will continue to follow the developments of REDD+ initiatives such as those being undertaken within the framework of the UN, the World Bank and GEF as well as bilateral agreements.

Finally, we will conduct a deeper analysis of Norway and its role as a donor of forest related aid for REDD+ activities.

To read a summary of the conclusions of our first report, click here.