We have striven for a systemic change to make trees worth more alive than dead since 2004. From the original inspiration of Chief Sir Michael Somare, the then-Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, through years of tough international negotiations to the successful inclusion of our mechanism– Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD)–within the Paris Agreement, we never lost sight of our goal

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) is the innovative concept introduced by CfRN at UN Climate Summit (COP11) in 2005. After over a decade of persistence, and with over 50 rainforest countries in support, the Coalition of Rainforest Nations finally succeeded in establishing REDD+ within a global climate agreement between the members of the United Nations. REDD+ is also viewed as one of the pillars of low-carbon development strategies for countries who depend on rainforests as a major component of their economy.

While we were successful in our mission to mandate REDD+ as part of the Paris Agreement, we still have work to do ensure that rainforests as a climate solution remain recognized in the Paris Agreement; that participating countries receive results-based payments for stopping deforestation, and to support countries with domestic policy efforts. REDD+ initiative has still not yet been implemented at its full potential, and the lack of international funding is our primary challenge.

CfRN delegates in India learning about forest inventories in a South-South learning experience.

Participants, including Alfred Gichu, Head of the Climate Change Response Program at Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and national REDD+ coordinator, of the CfRN training in Nairobi, 2019.