The forum discussed the progress and challenges of REDD+ reference emission levels in developing countries, highlighting advancements in measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) and submissions to the UNFCCC. Countries such as Brazil have begun submitting their Forest Reference Emission Levels (FRL), prompting a series of discussions on technical assessment and criteria for these submissions. The panel included representatives from various countries sharing their experiences with FRL construction and the associated challenges.

1. REDD+ Forest Reference Emission Levels:
Progress and challenges in developing
countries
Global Landscapes Forum | Paris
5 December 2015
Moderator: María José Sanz Sánchez

2. Context of this forum
• REDD+ readiness is shaping up nicely in several pioneer REDD+
countries
• Great progress has been made on several readiness components,
including MRV and Forest Reference Levels / Forest Emission
Reference Levels
• Following the first FREL submission by Brazil in 2014, more
countries are submitting their FRL/FREL to the UNFCCC
• The panel will provide an opportunity to hear from countries
about their experience with FRL/FREL construction, submission
and the technical assessment process

3. Decision 4/CP 15 “…transparently taking into account historic
data, and adjust for national circumstances…”
Decision 1/CP 16 FREL/FRLs one of the 4 REDD+ elements
Decision 12/CP 17Modalities for FREL/FRL
Submission guidelines for FREL/FRL information
Decision 13/CP 19Guidelines technical assessment
Procedure technical assessment (timing etc)
Decision 4/CP. 15
Decision 1/CP. 16
Decision
12/CP.17
Annex
Decision 13/CP.19
& Annex
4 decisions related to FRLs

4. UNFCCC submissions
Submission
Technical assessment report &
modified submission
Brazil
June 2014 November-December 2014
Colombia, Ecuador,
Guyana, Malaysia,
Mexico
December 2014 -
January 2015
October – December 2015
……… January 2016 November 2016
Overview FREL/FRL submissions to date

5. Today’s presentations
(10-12 Minutes each!)
Colombia
Cambodia
Rep. of Congo
Dem. Rep. of Congo
Zambia
Mr. Gustavo Galindo
Mr. Chivin Leng
Mr. Georges Boudzanga
Mr. Jean-Paul Kibambé
Mr. Deuteronomy Kasaro

6. Discussion
Questions to Panelists
(2 minute each)
Questions form the floor
(20 Minutes)

7. What have been key considerations for your
country in selecting the scale of the FREL?
Zambia

8. Do you think that your emissions from degradation
are significant and if so, how do you plan to
eventually include degradation in the future?
Democratic Republic of Congo

9. How did you choose your approach for adjusting
your FREL?
Republic of Congo

10. What are the linkages between your country’s
proposed FREL and the development of your NFMS?
Cambodia

11. What were the key challenges/areas for
improvement for your country related to data
needs for the construction of the FREL?
Colombia