UN-REDD Reflects on Zambia’s REDD+ Strategy

UN-REDD ProgrammeJuly 2014: Reflecting on key experiences and lessons learned in Zambia, the UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (UN-REDD) has published a report titled 'Strategy in the Making – How Zambia approached REDD+ development.'

The report notes that the REDD+ readiness phase is nearing completion in Zambia, where threats from agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, charcoal production and forest fires result in losses of up to 300,000 hectares of forest per year. However, significant progress has been made in Zambia as a result of a comprehensive and inclusive strategy to address deforestation and forest degradation, according to the report.

In particular, the publication notes the importance of strong political will and stakeholder participation during strategy development. It also stresses the need for analytical work and strategic partnerships to drive the process, and mainstreaming of REDD+ across sectors and development processes in order to effectively address drivers of forest loss.

With regard to engagement, the report calls for the development of strategic partnerships, while ensuring that expectations from REDD+ are managed so that practical approaches that address stakeholder needs can be identified.

Finally, the report highlights the need to build on existing policies and programmes and ensure unity of purpose such that the REDD+ strategy can ultimately deliver practical solutions to address deforestation and forest degradation while contributing to climate change mitigation. [Publication: Strategy in the Making – How Zambia approached REDD+ development]