How REDD+ forest protection projects work
Why forest protection matters
Forests are among the most important carbon sinks on Earth. They store large amounts of carbon and help stabilise the climate. At the same time, they are home to vast biodiversity and support the livelihoods of millions of people.
Despite this, global forest areas continue to decline due to agriculture, resource extraction, and illegal logging. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that global wood consumption will rise by 50% by 2050. Protecting existing forests remains essential.
What REDD+ projects are about
REDD+ stands for “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation”. It is a mechanism developed under the United Nations to address emissions from deforestation and to protect forests over the long term.
REDD+ projects create financial incentives to conserve forests rather than clear them.
The approach:
- Forests are preserved and continue to store carbon
- Emissions from deforestation are avoided
- These avoided emissions are certified as verified emission reductions (VERs)
A key element is collaboration with local communities. Revenues from carbon credits are reinvested in:
- sustainable livelihoods
- education and infrastructure
- forest protection and management
This links climate action with local economic and social development.
| REDD+ projects create impact across several dimensions | |
|---|---|
Climate action | Forests remain intact and continue to act as carbon sinks. |
Biodiversity | Protecting forests preserves habitats for a wide range of species. |
Ecosystem services | Forests regulate water cycles, protect soils, and stabilise local climates. |
Local development | Projects support communities through jobs, education, and improved infrastructure. |
How quality and impact are ensured
REDD+ projects follow defined requirements and are independently verified on a regular basis.
This includes:
- conservative accounting of emission reductions
- consideration of risks such as forest loss or natural disturbances
- long-term protection of project areas
- transparent monitoring and reporting
Recent developments in the voluntary carbon market – including updated REDD+ methodologies – aim to further improve baseline accuracy, transparency, and overall project integrity.