7 Findings on REDD Baseline and Monitoring

A baseline is a projection of emissions from deforestation and degradation and allows reductions in emissions to be measured. It is a function of projected area change combined with the corresponding change in carbon stocks. Both parameters must be estimated with an acceptable level of certainty, or the least certain measure will lend its accuracy to the assessment [1].

The baseline can be expressed as a benchmark forest cover map showing forests locations and how they vary in relation to carbon, or for other national needs. The map may also include locations of likely planned development goals, and, with outputs from spatial modeling, where unplanned changes are likely to occur.

In the following, 7 findings on REDD baseline and monitoring I re-write:

1. REDD is a new mechanism on emissions from deforestation and degradation for which many terms, activities, definition and other elements are not yet clear and no definitions have been agreed. These will be negotiated between the Parties.

2. There are means and guidance from the UNFCCC processes that provide a starting point for consideration of REDD methodologies that may be relevant. These approaches are not yet accepted for use in REDD.

3. Whatever decisions are made regarding a market based system or not, it will be a performance based standard. Such a standard requires a baseline and a system to monitor emissions through time.

4. A baseline is a future projection of emissions from deforestation and degradation and serves as a reference for measuring and monitoring reductions in emissions.

5. There are a number of methods that might be used to prepare a baseline for Indonesia; Historical trends; Modelling of trends, and a Moderated negotiation/development adjustment factor for a trend.

6. Under REDD mechanisms; countries will need to show credible reductions in emissions from deforestation and degradation measured against the baseline at specific intervals in time so Monitoring is crucial.

7. The technical and human capacity exists for Indonesia to make the needed improvements in the near future. FOMAS and The Forest Resource Information System (FRIS), currently being considered, provide a potential basis for a Government-wide integrated decision and policy support system.

Source: [1] Indonesia Forest Climate Alliance & The Ministry of Forestry Republic of Indonesia, 2007. REED in Indonesia.

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