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Multiple benefits behind REDD+ Carbon Credits

REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and is an essential tool for achieving net-zero targets. It is a global initiative that aims to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from avoiding deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable forest management. There are many benefits of REDD+ for the environment and the people who live in forested areas.

Tropical forests play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Deforestation and forest degradation are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 10-15% of global emissions.

REDD+ provides a mechanism to address this challenge by providing financial incentives to countries that reduce deforestation and enhance forest carbon stocks. By supporting sustainable land use practices, REDD+ can help to mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity conservation, and support sustainable development.

The History of REDD+

REDD+ is an initiative that was originally launched by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  It is aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

The program recognizes that tropical forests play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Deforestation and forest degradation, however, contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 10-15% of total annual emissions. REDD+ aims to address this issue by incentivizing developing countries to reduce their carbon emissions through the implementation of sustainable forest management practices and REDD+ projects.

REDD+ Carbon Credits

One of the key components of the REDD+ mechanism is the issuance of carbon credits. These are tradeable certificates that represent a reduction or removal of one tonne of CO2 equivalent from the atmosphere. These credits can be sold in carbon markets to companies that need to offset their carbon emissions.

REDD+ carbon offsets are generated through the implementation of sustainable forest management practices, such as conservation, reforestation, and afforestation. Projects such as the Trocano Araretama Project in Brazil – a public-private partnership between the Municipality of Borba and Go Balance Limited – are instrumental in the protection of at-risk areas of rainforest. The project generates Natural Capital Credits for successfully implementing the project and following independent, third-party verification.

Benefits of REDD+ Carbon Credits

REDD+ carbon credits have several benefits for both the environment and the people who live in forested areas.  There are also benefits for use as a tool for mitigating climate change and achieving net-zero.

Reduce Emissions

Firstly, REDD+ carbon credits can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a large scale. By incentivizing developing countries to reduce their carbon emissions through sustainable forest management practices, the program has the potential to significantly reduce global carbon emissions. According to the UNFCCC, the implementation of REDD+ could potentially reduce emissions by up to 4.5 billion tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030. This is equivalent to approximately 10% of global emissions.

Economic Benefits

Secondly, REDD+ carbon credits provide economic benefits to forest-dependent communities. Many people who live in forested areas rely on the forest for their livelihoods, such as for subsistence agriculture, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products. However, poverty and lack of alternative income sources can lead to unsustainable practices, such as slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging. REDD+ projects can provide alternative livelihoods that are compatible with forest conservation, such as ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and forest management. These projects can generate income for local communities, improve their living standards, and reduce their dependence on forest resources. A recent program implemented in the Trocano project empowered local farmers to breed stingless bees, providing them with the opportunity to sell the honey and generate income for their families and wider community.

Biodiversity Conservation

Thirdly, REDD+ carbon credits can promote biodiversity conservation and support the rights of local communities. By incentivizing the implementation of sustainable forest management practices, REDD+ can help to reduce pressure on forest ecosystems and promote the conservation of biodiversity. In addition, the program recognizes the rights of local communities, who are often the primary stewards of forest ecosystems. REDD+ projects must adhere to a set of social and environmental safeguards, which include the protection of the rights of local communities, the promotion of gender equality, and the conservation of biodiversity.

Collaborative Approach

Finally, REDD+ is important for promoting international cooperation and coordination on climate change. Forests are a global public good, and their protection requires cooperation and collaboration from many stakeholders. REDD+ provides a mechanism to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable land use practices. This can help to build trust and cooperation between stakeholders and promote a shared vision for a sustainable future.

How REDD+ Offsets can help to achieve Net-Zero

REDD+ is a critical tool for achieving net-zero targets. By providing financial incentives for the reduction of emissions from avoided deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable land use practices, Go Balance can help to reduce emissions, promote sustainable development and support biodiversity conservation. REDD+ can also promote international cooperation and coordination, and promote innovation and learning on climate change. It is crucial that there is continued support and investment in REDD+ to achieve a sustainable and resilient future for all.

The multiple benefits of REDD+ carbon offsets

In conclusion, REDD+ is crucial for promoting innovation and learning on climate change. REDD+ involves a complex set of activities, including forest monitoring, reporting, and verification, and the development of sustainable land use practices.

REDD+ carbon credits have several benefits for both the environment and the people who live in forested areas. They can help to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, provide economic benefits to forest-dependent communities. They also promote biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

Supporting these activities, including the development of new technologies and approaches to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, Go Balance is able to generate robust, meaningful and credible benefits for the Trocano Project area, and the wider environment.