| Abstract |
The project will pilot a sub-national REDD+ strategy in the Albertine Rift in south-west Uganda. This region ranks first out of the 119 terrestrial eco-regions of continental Africa in terms of biodiversity significance, but has one of the highest deforestation rates globally, losing 17000 ha/yr. By introducing REDD+, the project will apply a transformational approach to the management of the 329000 ha of remaining forests in protected areas, safeguarding carbon stocks of 390 M tCO2eq; without such action, Central Forests Reserves (CFRs) and private forests will be cleared in less than 20 years and pressures will mount on the national parks that protect the most important biodiversity and watersheds. The project will support development of a sub-national REDD+ strategy, develop standards for REDD+ projects for forest protected areas and adjacent lands, define a corresponding MRV system, and through co-benefit arrangements will improve land security and livelihoods for 14500 forest dependent households. |
