REDD+ Social and Environmental Standards Factsheet

The REDD+ Social & Environmental Standards initiative aims to build support for government-led REDD+ programs that make a significant contribution to human rights, poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation.

While activities that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) and contribute to conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) have the potential to deliver significant social and environmental co-benefits, many have also highlighted the serious risks, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Recognizing growing awareness at both international and national levels of the need for effective social and environmental safeguards, the REDD+ Social & Environmental Standards initiative aims to define and build support for a higher level of social and environmental performance from REDD+ programs.