RE-FRAMING REDD+: Unlocking the potential of jurisdictional REDD+ as a policy framework for low-emission rural development: research results and recommendations for governments

REDD+ is at a crucial crossroads. It’s early promise of providing a global framework thatwould deliver fair compensation to those developing nations that succeed in reducing theirgreenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation must be re-examined.After six years of negotiations and experimentation, the compensation mechanism has notmaterialized at scale. The frustration with REDD+ is best illustrated by the states of the Brazilian Amazon, which have achieved a ~1.5% decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions (for 2011) by reducing deforestation 67%. This was possible via a combination of new/better law enforcement and policy measures reinforced by unfavorable market conditions for Amazon soy producers. These reductions were achieved with limited support from the international community. This report suggests that there should be an increased recognition of Brazil's efforts and includes recommendations for governments embarking upon jurisdictional REDD+ programmes.