Forest Conservation and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Training Course

Forest Conservation and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Training Course

Introduction

The Forest Conservation and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) training course is an intensive program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to combat climate change through sustainable forest management. This course delves into the intricate mechanisms of REDD+, an international framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which provides financial incentives to developing countries to reduce forest-related carbon emissions. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the drivers of deforestation, the technical aspects of carbon accounting, and the crucial role of stakeholder engagement in successful REDD+ implementation.

The curriculum focuses on translating global climate policy into actionable local strategies. It covers critical themes such as developing a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS), setting Forest Reference Emission Levels (FRELs), and ensuring social and environmental safeguards. By exploring real-world case studies from around the globe, participants will learn how to design, implement, and monitor forest carbon projects that not only mitigate climate change but also deliver significant co-benefits for local communities and biodiversity conservation. This training is essential for anyone seeking to be a climate change champion in the forestry and environmental sectors.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the evolution of REDD+ within the international climate policy landscape.
2. Identify and address the root causes of forest loss and degradation.
3. Apply methodologies for measuring, reporting, and verifying (MRV) forest carbon stocks and emissions.
4. Formulate and implement effective National REDD+ Strategies and action plans.
5. Establish and update Forest Reference Emission Levels (FRELs/FRLs) for accurate carbon accounting.
6. Ensure REDD+ projects are socially equitable and ecologically sound.
7. Navigate the voluntary and compliance carbon markets to secure climate finance.
8. Facilitate effective participation and secure Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from indigenous peoples and local communities.
9. Apply remote sensing and GIS for forest monitoring and data analysis.
10. Plan and manage sustainable forest management and reforestation initiatives that generate carbon credits.
11. Conduct project feasibility studies and risk assessments for REDD+ initiatives.
12. Link REDD+ activities to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
13. Effectively communicate the benefits and challenges of forest-based climate mitigation to various audiences.

Organizational Benefits

• Develop an internal team with expertise in global climate policy and sustainable land use.
• Position the organization to secure funding from international climate funds and carbon markets.
• Strengthen the organization's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, attracting investors and partners.
• Reduce operational and financial risks associated with deforestation-linked supply chains and climate change.
• Drive innovation in forest conservation technologies and stay ahead in the emerging carbon economy.

Target Audience

1. Government Officials.
2. NGO and Civil Society Leaders.
3. Forestry and Natural Resource Managers.
4. Project Developers.
5. Indigenous Peoples and Local Community Representatives.
6. Academics and Researchers.
7. Private Sector & Corporate ESG Teams.
8. Donors and Investors.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Forest Conservation & REDD+

• The role of forests in global climate change and the carbon cycle.
• Historical context and evolution of international climate policy.
• Defining REDD+ and its five key activities.
• Key institutions and agreements (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, UNFCCC Decisions).
• Case Study: The jurisdictional REDD+ program in Acre, Brazil, and its success in reducing deforestation rates.

Module 2: Drivers of Deforestation and Land Use Change

• Identifying direct and indirect drivers of forest loss.
• Analyzing the socio-economic, political, and cultural factors.
• Cross-sectoral policy linkages (e.g., agriculture, energy, infrastructure).
• Strategies for addressing drivers at national and sub-national levels.
• Case Study: Analyzing the role of palm oil and soy expansion as drivers in Indonesia and Brazil, respectively.

Module 3: Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV)

• Principles of MRV for REDD+: Transparency, consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
• Establishing a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS).
• Using remote sensing and GIS for activity data (e.g., forest area changes).
• Ground-based carbon inventory and emission factor data.
• Case Study: Guyana's MRV system, which enabled it to become one of the first countries to receive large-scale results-based payments.

Module 4: Forest Reference Emission Levels (FRELs/FRLs)

• Understanding the purpose and methodology of FRELs/FRLs.
• Steps for constructing and submitting a FREL to the UNFCCC.
• The role of historical data vs. future projections.
• Assessing uncertainties and technical corrections.
• Case Study: The process of a country like Colombia or Vietnam in developing and submitting their FRELs.

Module 5: REDD+ Safeguards and Governance

• The Cancun Safeguards and their importance for social and environmental integrity.
• Building a Safeguards Information System (SIS).
• Ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) with indigenous communities.
• Addressing issues of land tenure, benefit sharing, and good governance.
• Case Study: A case study on the importance of community consultation and benefit-sharing in a REDD+ project in the Mai Ndombe region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Module 6: REDD+ Finance & Carbon Markets

• Overview of REDD+ financing options (public, private, and hybrid).
• How carbon credits are generated, verified, and traded.
• Understanding voluntary and compliance carbon markets (e.g., CORSIA).
• Navigating the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other climate finance mechanisms.
• Case Study: The REDD+ project in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, Peru, and its successful financing model through the voluntary carbon market.

Module 7: Project Design and Implementation

• Designing and planning a REDD+ project from scratch.
• Assessing feasibility, baselines, and additionality.
• Developing a project document (PDD) and implementation plan.
• Monitoring, reporting, and adapting to on-the-ground challenges.
• Case Study: The Noel Kempff Climate Action Project in Bolivia, a pioneering REDD+ pilot project that provided valuable lessons for future initiatives.

Module 8: Co-benefits and Future of REDD+

• Identifying and measuring non-carbon benefits (e.g., biodiversity, livelihoods, water regulation).
• Integrating REDD+ with other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The role of nature-based solutions in national climate strategies.
• Future trends and challenges in forest-based climate action.
• Case Study: Nepal's Community Forestry program and its role in delivering both carbon and livelihood benefits.

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.