REDD countries

Laos’ Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP) sets out the planned activities, the schedule and estimated costs for getting ready for REDD+ implementation in Laos. The activities include organising and consulting, and developing the REDD+ strategy, REL and MRV system. The Forestry Strategy is the official document that guides development of the national forestry sector up to 2020. Forestry sector objectives and strategy are nested within and consistent with the overall National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy (NGPES). The Government’s goals are to increase forest cover to 65% by 2015 and 70% by 2020.

The National Climate Change Strategy, the 7^th National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2011-15, the Agricultural Development Strategy 2011-20 and the Agricultural Master Plan 2011-15 indicate Laos’ interest in carbon market mechanisms and REDD+. The Climate Change Strategy notes the high GHG contribution of the forestry and land use sector and specifies mitigation potential and options for this sector including REDD+.  The National Environmental Management Strategy focuses on environmental protection needs and measures in the process of national socio-economic development. Besides the national level strategies and plans implemented at local levels, there are also provincial and district level plans related to natural resource management and use. Laos is in the pre-negotiation phase of a FLEGT voluntary partnership agreement to establish a credible timber legality assurance system (FLEGT, 2011).