REDD+ and FLEGT Linkages

REDD+ and the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process are two forest related initiatives that can be mutually supportive. For example, FLEGT can support REDD+ by promoting improved forest governance and law enforcement, addressing some of the causes of deforestation and forest degradation, and by establishing effective multi-stakeholder processes. In turn, REDD+ can strengthen FLEGT through increased momentum to support forest sector reform, access to finance and increased political attention.

The design and implementation of REDD+ and FLEGT face common challenges: unclear/inconsistent legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly on land use and access to resources; poorly developed information systems and transparency mechanisms; corruption, weak law enforcement and judicial systems; rights/livelihood risks to local communities.

Many tropical forest countries are already engaged in both the REDD+ and FLEGT processes. By understanding the overlaps and common challenges of REDD+ and FLEGT, synergies can be found in a number of areas:

  • Addressing the drivers of forest loss. Tackling the drivers of deforestation is key to successful REDD+ implementation, and FLEGT can be a tool to help achieving this, in particular by addressing illegal logging and forest exploitation. 
  • Addressing challenges of governance and illegality. FLEGT can improve forest governance and law enforcement in the forest sector, which are necessary for effective REDD+ development. 
  • Building effective processes relating to forest governance and management. The two processes can be mutually supportive by sharing the experience gathered through consultations, negotiations and stakeholders identification and engagement.
  • Designing and implementing robust and effective mechanisms for monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV). A sound MRV system is necessary for both processes, and there are considerable potential synergies to build upon, including opportunities for information sharing and capacity building.
  • Promoting harmonised aid delivery. In the short-term FLEGT and REDD+ preparations will require significant development assistance. Coordination between the two initiatives can help maximise efficiency and avoid duplication.

It should be clear however, that while the two processes present clear overlaps and contribute to the same overall aims, there also are important differences. FLEGT is a bilateral process between a partner country and the EU, while REDD+ is essentially a multilateral initiative, entailing substantial differences in both the preparatory and implementation phase. In addition, while the FLEGT framework is relatively clear and predictable for stakeholders to engage with, REDD+ still involves a substantial degree of uncertainty as multilateral negotiations are still ongoing and institutional and policy preparations at country level are developing. Also, FLEGT is mainly focused on the forestry sector, while REDD+ requires strong coordination with a number of other economic sectors (such as the agriculture and mining sectors) and actors.

The EU REDD Facility is currently focusing primarily on countries involved in both processes, supporting governments and stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of their REDD+ policies, with a specific focus on links and areas of synergy with FLEGT (supporting multi-stakeholder dialogues; addressing governance challenges; developing social and environmental safeguards).

Use the box on the right to find more information on REDD+ and FLEGT linkages.

Print Back to top of page Sitemap
Share this page