The Democratic Republic of the Congo is moving ahead with its Forest Reference Emission Level
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is progressing with the development of its Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) which is a benchmark for assessing performance in implementing REDD+ activities. Getting closer to the country’s presentation at COP23 and the submission of the FREL to UNFCCC, a workshop was hosted by FAO Headquarters (18-22 September). It was an opportunity for the country to present its draft and receive technical feedback from FAO’s REDD+/National Forest Monitoring teams. DRC is part of the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) and these developments - led by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and the National Forest Monitoring System Technical Consultation Platform - have involved a range of stakeholders. Prof. Jean-Paul Kibambe Lubamba, Technical Coordinator of the Forest Reference Emission Level Development in DRC, Wildlife Conservation Society - DRC / FAO /CAFI is summarizing DRC’s lessons and way forward.