COP19 (19/11/13) – Tim Christophersen, UNEP talks about the breakthrough that has been made in Warsaw where an agreement has been reached over the technical details of the Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) programme.

He says emissions from deforestation and forest degradation constitute approximately 10-15% of global greenhouse emissions. Under the REDD programme, countries will be paid for their performance in reducing their greenhouse gas emission rates.

Christophersen says the REDD programme will also improve environmental governance and land tenure rights and will give a better understanding of how indigenous communities can be involved in local decision-making.

He says it is encouraging to see 48 countries joining the REDD programme. He anticipates that if a global climate change agreement is adopted in 2015, the payment phases for the REDD programme will be able to commence as early as in 2020.

He says the UNEP now needs to discuss how the programme will be financed. Nevertheless, Christophersen says this is a great step forward.