History and Mission

The concept of the Forum evolved from the recognition that successful implementation of REDD will require the informed participation and collaboration of all stakeholders who play a role in the management of forests in their country or region. Throughout 2008 several multi- stakeholder group meetings were held to provide information and education to developing countries vis a vis the UNFCCC process, and to ascertain the optimal design and function of the Forum. The initial conversations regarding the need for such a forum were influenced in large part by the World Bank FCPF, UN REDD Programme, and other key actors in REDD readiness. The UN-REDD Programme and the FCPF are both represented on the Advisory Committee, and therefore help to insure that the activities of the Forum are complementary to their own activities and do not overlap.

The Woods Hole Research Center initially served as the Forum Secretariat at its founding in 2008. The Secretariat now resides at the Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazônia (IPAM), following a transition in 2010. The Forum Secretariat carries out the organizational functions of the Forum, guided by the Advisory Committee representing leadership from a broad set of stakeholder groups to provide links between actors on the ground and the key institutions working at larger scales for strategic dialogue, capacity building and coordination of readiness activities and support.

The Forum held its first workshop from 19-21 August, 2008 in Accra, Ghana to discuss readiness needs and begin dialogue among REDD actors and stakeholders. Since then, the Forum has convened several events with various REDD stakeholders addressing readiness needs and produced educational materials for advancing peoples’ knowledge of REDD.