Co-Chairs’ Summary : First Dialogue on REDD Finance Mechanism

The success of REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) in contributing to Climate Change mitigation in the post-Kyoto regime is contingent upon many factors. Primary among them is the design and implementation of a reliable, robust and predictable finance mechanism that is transparent, equitable and enjoys the support of key stakeholder groups. The design of such a mechanism is a fundamental determinant as to whether REDD will be able to bring more of the world’s forests into the framework of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). Building upon the consensus statement developed in 2008  which now enjoys a wide degree of support among leaders in the forest community, The Forests Dialogue (TFD) has initiated a series of three multi-stakeholder dialogues on REDD Finance with a view to:

  • Define the challenges and opportunities of the financial mechanism options currently debated in the international community;
  • Elaborate on the possible solutions for identified challenges;
  • Develop a series of recommendations to be considered by leaders in the negotiations leading the COP-15 in Copenhagen.

The first dialogue in the series was convened on 25-26 April, 2009. It was hosted by the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat (UNFF-S) during its 8th Session in New York City, USA. The dialogue brought together over 50 leaders from a wide spectrum of stakeholders within the forest community.