National Programmes

The Policy Board congratulated Cambodia for the completion of its National Programme, took note of the final evaluation and its recommendations, and encouraged the Government of Cambodia to maintain its efforts to further advance on REDD+.

National Programmes

The Policy Board welcomed the excellent submissions and presentations of their REDD+ efforts and funding requests; these processes are clearly driven by a strong political will, consultative processes and drive towards results. Given the uncertainty of available resources in the fund to support existing commitments, the funding request for Peru is approved on a provisional basis, pending the confirmation of additional contributions. Once these contributions are received by the Administrative Agent, the funding request approval shall be confirmed by the new governance body of the UN-REDD Programme. Upon approval of the fund allocation request, recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews and the secretariat will be incorporated into the National Programme Document prior to signature and fund transfer.

National Programmes

The Policy Board welcomed the excellent submissions and presentations of their REDD+ efforts and funding requests; these processes are clearly driven by a strong political will, consultative processes and drive towards results. Given the uncertainty of available resources in the fund to support existing commitments, the funding request for Myanmar is approved on a provisional basis, pending the confirmation of additional contributions. Once these contributions are received by the Administrative Agent, the funding request approval shall be confirmed by the new governance body of the UN-REDD Programme. Upon approval of the fund allocation request, recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews and the secretariat will be incorporated into the National Programme Document prior to signature and fund transfer.

National Programmes

The Policy Board welcomed the excellent submissions and presentations of their REDD+ efforts and funding requests; these processes are clearly driven by a strong political will, consultative processes and drive towards results. Given the uncertainty of available resources in the fund to support existing commitments, the funding request for Chile is approved on a provisional basis, pending the confirmation of additional contributions. Once these contributions are received by the Administrative Agent, the funding request approval shall be confirmed by the new governance body of the UN-REDD Programme. Upon approval of the fund allocation request, recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews and the secretariat will be incorporated into the National Programme Document prior to signature and fund transfer.

Overview of progress and results since the 14th Policy Board

The Policy Board took note of the update of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme Fund and the UN-REDD Programme 2015 Semi-Annual Progress Update

SNA Update

The Policy Board acknowledged and congratulated Ecuador on the completion of their National Programme and their significant progress on REDD+. The Policy Board endorsed the recommendations from the final evaluation and associated responses and encourages Ecuador to sustain its efforts.

Funding Allocation Request

1. The Policy Board welcomed the informal presentations of Chile, Myanmar and Peru.

2. In view of the thorough presentations and advanced stage of preparation and the need to close National Programmes by the end of 2017, the Policy Board recommended that the full submissions be considered for approval of fund allocation on an inter-sessional basis.

3. The Policy Board requested the Secretariat to provide it with the background information for consideration, once available, and in particular, for ensuring all national level approval and consultation processes are applied. Furthermore, the secretariat is requested to enable intercessional discussions and endeavour to overcome any technological or language barrier that could prevent participation of all relevant stakeholders.

4. These inter-sessional decisions are to be taken on exceptional basis.

Overview of progress and results since the 13th Policy Board

The Policy Board approved the Sixth Consolidated Annual Progress Report of the UN-REDD Programme Fund 2014 (UNREDD/PB14/2015/II/2a) and took note of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme.

Strategic and Policy Issues

The Policy Board:
1. Welcomed the outcome of the process to develop the strategic framework 2016-2020 and endorsed the overall direction of the strategy as outlined in the UN-REDD Programme Strategic Framework 2016-2020 (UNREDD/PB14/2015/III/3);
2. Recognized that  the strategic framework 2016-2020 will be complemented by a fully narrated results framework, further refining the arrangements for Programme delivery at global and national level, and a governance structure that ensures effective and operational governing of the Programme; and
3. Requested the Secretariat to share a thorough and referenced response to how the strategy follows up to the findings and recommendations of the external evaluation.

Strategic and Policy Issues

The Policy Board acknowledged the consultative process carried out to date on the new governance structure for the 2016-2020 UN-REDD Programme and welcomed a process to finalize this as follows:
1. A revised information paper with a complete description of the governance structure will be circulated by the Secretariat no later than 15 June 2015, on which Policy Board members and observers will have one month to provide comments;
2. Comments received will be considered in the governance arrangements underpinning the Memorandum of Understanding between the UN agencies and the Standard Administrative Agreement between donors and the Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
3. Furthermore, the Policy Board discussed the following features of the governance structure of the UN-REDD Programme:                                                                                               a. One Policy Board, one Executive Board and National Steering Committees will work under the guiding principles of inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, consensus-based decisions, and participation;                                                                                                 b.The current Policy Board constituencies will have the right to be represented at all levels of Programme governance;                                                                                                     c. Members of the different governing bodies should ensure consultation and feedback to their respective constituencies. The UN-REDD Programme should endeavor to support these consultations;                                                                                                                     d. The Executive Board will be composed of at least one representative per constituency. Partner Countries will have one representative per region;                                                       e. National Steering Committees will be established according to country needs and national circumstances following a minimum composition of government, indigenous peoples, civil society organizations and the UN. Donors may be part of the National Steering Committees and other relevant stakeholders may be invited as per agreement at country level;                   f. UN-REDD National Steering Committees may also service other platforms as appropriate and decided at country level in line with UN-REDD requirements;                                           g. The Policy Board will provide overall advice to the Programme; and                                     h. A small and lean Executive Board will take operational decisions, including allocation of funds.

Strategic and Policy issues

The policy board.

1. Took note of the draft strategic framework proposed for 2016-2020 (UNREDD/PB13/2014/IV/4).

2. Requested the Secretariat circulate a revised draft strategic framework 2016-2020 for comments, including an outline of management arrangements and governance options, by 28 February 2015. The new draft should reflect inputs from the Board provided at its Thirteenth meeting, as well as any additional inputs  submitted to the Secretariat by 30 November 2014.

3. Requested the Secretariat propose to the Board by 15 March 2015 a consultation process for finalizing the governance arrangement options to support the revised strategic framework 2016-2020.

4. Requested the Secretariat submit the revised strategic framework 2016-2020 for consideration by the Board at PB14.

Funding Allocation Requests

The Board approved Uganda’s funding request of US$ 1,798,670 for its National Programme, as per the budget on the submission form, including the proposed budget allocation, taking into account the recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews and the Secretariat in the preparation of the National Programme.

Funding Allocation Requests

The Policy Board approved Honduras’ funding request of US$ 3,609,645 for its National Programme, as per the budget on the submission form, including the proposed budget allocation. The recommendations of the Policy Board, independent technical reviews and the Secretariat should be included in the National Programme document prior to finalization and be taken into consideration as necessary during implementation.

Funding Allocation Requests

The Policy Board requested the Secretariat provide guidance to countries on the opportunities to include relevant civil society and/or indigenous peoples organization(s) in the development of Targeted Support proposals when appropriate and in a voluntary manner, primarily on issues of participation, consultation, safeguards, land tenure and benefit sharing, and requests the Secretariat to report on the number of approved Targeted Support proposals with the inclusion of relevant civil society and indigenous peoples organizations.

Funding Allocation Request

The Policy Board approved the revised Work Plan and Budget for Year 4 (2015) (additional activities) of the ‘Support to National REDD+ Action: Global Programme Framework 2011-2015’ (SNA) and allocation of US$ 6,955,000, as per the submission form.

Overview of Progress and Results

The Policy Board took note of the update of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme Fund and of the UN-REDD Programme 2014 Semi-Annual Progress Update.

Strategy and Policy Issues: Programme Evaluation

The Policy Board agreed to the management response to the three recommendations in the external evaluation that are addressed to the Policy Board and acknowledged the draft response to the nine recommendations directed to and responded by the UN-REDD Agencies. The Policy Board requested the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat to compile and finalize the consolidated management response and circulate to the Policy Board for information. The Policy Board encouraged the countries to take note of the recommendations addressed to them.

Strategy and Policy Issues: Development of the Programme Strategy

The Policy Board approved the roadmap (UNREDD/PB12/2014/VIII/8a/INF1) presented at the 12th Policy Board meeting and requested the agencies and Secretariat to initiate the process as described in order to develop the UN-REDD Programme 2016 – 2020 Strategy and to bring a proposed strategy forward for discussion at the Thirteenth Policy Board meeting.

Funding Allocation Requests: Presentation of National Programmes

The Policy Board approved Mongolia’s funding request of US$ 3,996,450 for its National Programme, and associated budget allocation, as per the submission form, taking into account the recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews, and the Secretariat. These recommendations should be included in the R-PP and National Programme document prior to the finalization.

Funding Allocation Requests: Presentation of National Programmes

The Policy Board approved Cote D’Ivoire’s funding request of US$ 3,210,000 for its National Programme, and associated budget allocation, as per the submission form, taking into account the recommendations from the independent technical reviews, and the Secretariat. The serecommendations should be included in the R-PP and National Programme document prior to the finalization.

Funding Allocation Requests: Presentation of National Programmes

The Policy Board approved Argentina’s funding request of US$ 3,842,370 for its National Programme and associated budget allocation, as per the submission form, taking into account the recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews, and the Secretariat. These recommendations should be included in the R-PP and National Programme document prior to the finalization.

Funding Allocation Requests: SNA Workplan and Budget 2015

The Policy Board approved the revised Work Plan and Budget for Year 4 (2015) of the ‘Support to National REDD+ Action: Global Programme Framework 2011-2015’ (SNA) and allocation of US$ 24,432,943 as per the submission form.

Update on National Programmes

The Policy Board approved the proposed approach for establishing the National Programme pipeline through a request for expressions of interest as indicated in the session background document (UNREDD/PB12/2014/4a/pipeline). Furthermore, the Policy Board reactivated the Policy Board Working Group with a mandate to review Expressions of Interest and to select new countries to receive support from National Programmes. Policy Board members were requested to volunteer to participate in the Working Group to be established within two weeks after the 12th Policy Board meeting.

Update on National Programmes

The Policy Board took note of the estimated budget needs for Honduras and Uganda and of their progress on the preparation of R-PPs and encourages them to formally submit their National Programmes by the Thirteenth Policy Board meeting, taking into consideration recommendations made by the Policy Board.

Overview of Progress and Results since the 11th Policy Board meeting.

The Policy Board took note of the update of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme Fund and approved the 2013 Annual Report of the UN-REDD Programme Fund.

Overview of Progress and Results since the 11th Policy Board meeting

The Policy Board took note of the update of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme Fund and approved the 2013 Annual Report of the UN-REDD Programme Fund.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, that the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Chad are accepted as partners of the UN-REDD Programme.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, that Guinea Bissau is accepted as a partner of the UN-REDD Programme.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, an extension for Colombia to submit its signed full National Programme document by 28 February 2014

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, that Malawi are accepted as a partner of the UN-REDD Programme.

Update on the Review of the Policy Board Structure

a. Rotation of countries:
i. Programme country members will rotate twice per year, with one member from each region prior to each Policy Board meeting;
ii. For each region, the Programme country member that has served the Policy Board for the longest period at the occasion of rotation will be the one to rotate;
iii. The tenure of Programme country members lasts 3 Policy Board meetings;
iv. As of the Eleventh Policy Board meeting, Programme country members resume rotation to allow two new countries per region to take their position at the Twelfth Policy Board meeting;
v. The UN-REDD Programme Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance will be amended accordingly.

b. Observers:
i. Additional sponsorship of observers (up to 2 partner countries per region) to attend Policy Board meetings.
ii. Sponsored observer partner countries will be selected to observe one meeting only and will be selected annually.
iii. The UN-REDD Programme Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance will be amended accordingly.

c. Budget:
i. Policy Board members are to be invited to provide guidance on priorities to consider in preparing the draft work plan and budget for the SNA. The guidance will be sent to the Secretariat 80 working days prior to the Policy Board meeting when the SNA funding allocation decision is expected.
ii. The draft SNA work plan and budget, with a response matrix explaining how inputs received from Policy Board have been considered, will be circulated by the Secretariat to the Policy Board at least 35 working days before the Policy Board meeting that will consider the proposed budget for decision.
iii. The Secretariat will endeavour to organize an Information Session prior to consideration of budget proposals by Policy Board.

d. Roadmap for addressing longer term issues:
i. Issues classified as longer term will be dealt with in 2015, given that form follows function and that the functions of the Programme will be defined in the Post-2015 Strategy which will be developed in 2014.

National Programmes

The Policy Board congratulated the government and indigenous peoples of Panama on the progress achieved, took note of the management response to the independent investigation and evaluation of Panama’s UN-REDD National Programme, and endorsed the proposed changes to the National Programme, including the no-cost extension request up to June 2015, and recommended that the agencies assess the feasibility for Panama to be considered as a pilot country for Support to Community-Based REDD+ (CBR+). (Session 5c)

National Programmes

The Policy Board took note of the estimated budget needs for Argentina and Côte d’Ivoire and of their progress with the preparation of their R-PPs and encouraged them to formally submit their National Programmes by the Twelfth Policy Board meeting, taking into consideration recommendations made by the Policy Board. (Session 5b)

National Programmes

The Policy Board approved Bangladesh’s funding request of US$ 2.3 million for its National Programme, as per the budget of the submission form, including the proposed budget allocation, taking into account the recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews, and the Secretariat. These recommendations should be included in the R-PP and National Programme Document prior to finalization. (Session 5a)

Sharing Experiences from Implementation

The Policy Board took note of the preliminary recommendations from the draft final independent evaluation of Indonesia’s UN-REDD National Programme and the final independent evaluation of Tanzania’s UN-REDD National Programme and congratulated both countries for completing their National Programmes. (Session 4a)

SNA Work Plan and Budget Revision 2014

The Policy Board approved the revised work plan and budget for Year 3 (2014) of the ‘Support to National REDD+ Action: Global Programme Framework 2011-2015’ (SNA) and allocation of US$ 24,725,978, as per the submission form. (Session 3a)

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, the funding allocation request for year 3(2014) of the Support to REDD+ National Action: Global Programme Framework 2011 – 2015 (SNA).

Implementation of National Programmes

The Board encouraged the Secretariat to further work on analysing means of enhancing implementation of National Programmes, and to prepare a document, to be submitted to the Policy Board for its consideration. The Board also requested the Secretariat to develop a guiding note on operational matters related to National Programmes, for inter-sessional consideration.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, a no-cost extension for Zambia’s National Programme until December 2014.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, a no-cost extension for PNG’s National Programme until December 2015.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, that Madagascar and Zimbabwe are accepted as a partners of the UN-REDD Programme.

UN-REDD Programme Evaluation

The Policy Board approved the proposed work-plan and process for the UN-REDD Programme Evaluation. (Session 6a)

Funding Allocation Requests

The Policy Board approved the revised work plan and budget for year 2 (2013) of the ‘Support to National REDD+ Action: Global Programme Framework 2011-2015’ (SNA) and the associated additional budget allocation of US$4,380,000 for 2013 within Outcome 4 as follows
a. US$380,000 to restore part of the reductions applied to Outcome 4 of the SNA (Outputs 4.1, 4.3 and 4.4, related to strengthening capacity of indigenous peoples and Civil Society in REDD+); and
b. US$4,000,000 to be allocated to the new Output 4.6, “Stakeholders at the community level engage in and contribute to the implementation of REDD+ Readiness through community-based REDD+, focused on support to CBR+.”
(Session 5b)

Funding Allocation Requests

The Policy Board approved Colombia’s budget allocation request as per the budget presented in the submission form and provided the following recommendations:
a. Clarify in the Readiness Preparation Plan (R-PP) document the channels through which the National REDD+ roundtable members could present their proposals to the decision-making bodies from the National Climate Change System.
b. Look into the existing coordination structures of IPs to ensure consultation is done through the proper channels and that it covers the diversity of these groups, as Colombia prepares its R-PP implementation plan.
c. That attention should be paid to trade-offs of the different strategy options during implementation of the R-PP.
d. Consider funding for gender activities in the detailed National Programme document work-plan and budget.

Policy Board Review

Recalling that, following up on the presentation by the independent consultant on the review of the Policy Board structure, the Policy Board requested the Working Group on the Review of the Policy Board to consider the findings and recommendations of the review and to report back at the end of the meeting with a roadmap for addressing the issues raised in the Policy Board Review report , the Board decided that:

A. Membership and Representation
In consideration of the need to enhance participation and partnership of key stakeholders in the Policy Board, and in consideration of the desire of all Policy Board Members and stakeholders to expand the potential funding base for the Programme, the UN-REDD Programme Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance are amended as follows, with regard to the membership of countries and donors on the Board of the UN-REDD Programme:
a. Three (3) Members of the UN-REDD Programme countries per region, up to a total of nine (9) Programme Country Members. The Programme countries ineach region select the period (at least once per year) and order of rotation. All the Programme Countries members of the Board are full members and no member should be henceforth considered alternate.
b. Up to nine (9) donors, increased from the current limit of the three (3) largest donors. If and when there are more than nine (9) donors, a rotational system will be applied.
c. The representation of other constituencies (indigenous peoples, Civil Society Organizations and UN Agencies) on the Policy Board remains as per standing Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance.

B. Guidance Note to Enhance Preparation and Conduct of Meetings
The Secretariat prepares an information note on operational aspects to improve preparation and conduct of meetings, including on consultation of the Policy Board in preparation of meetings, informal consultations during meetings and formulation of decisions.

C. Process and Roadmap
The Policy Board decided that the Policy Board Review Working Group should continue as follows:
a. The Working Group will work intersessionally between the Tenth Policy Board and the Eleventh Policy Board meetings.
b. The Working Group composition in the Eighth Policy Board decision is maintained with two (2) representatives per Policy Board constituency, with the exception of increasing the Programme country representatives to three (3) (1 per region).
c. The Secretariat will facilitate the work of the Working Group and make every effort to make sure that all members of the Working Group are given the chance to participate in the Working Group discussion.
d. The constituencies will have up to one month to consult upon and confirm their representatives in the Working Group.
e. The representatives to the Working Group should consult with their constituencies as the work progresses.

Implementation of National Programmes

The Policy Board requested that a document on implementation challenges be presented at the Eleventh Policy Board Meeting. (Session 3c)

Implementation of National Programmes

The Policy Board welcomed the guiding note on operational matters for National Programmes and requested that the Secretariat circulate a revised version inter-sessionally with information on how decisions from the Policy Board are followed up on included in Annex 1 of the note. (Session 3c)

Implementation of National Programmes

The Policy Board congratulated Viet Nam on the completion of their UN-REDD National Programme, recognized the progress in REDD+ readiness, and encouraged Viet Nam and the UN Agencies to address the recommendations of the final independent evaluation, including interagency coordination, in the second Phase of Viet Nam’s REDD+ readiness efforts. (Session 3a)

Implementation of National Programmes

The Policy Board endorsed the recommendations from the final independent evaluation of Viet Nam’s UN-REDD National Programme and associated responses. (Session 3a)

Sharing Information, Progress and Results

The Policy Board approved the Fourth Consolidated Annual Progress Report 2012 of the UN-REDD Programme Fund and took note of the update of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme. (Session 2b)

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, to approve the revision of Bolivia’s National Programme as per the revised budget allocation in section 4 of the submission form.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, that Tunisia be accepted as a partner of the UN-REDD Programme.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, to invite Argentina, Bangladesh, and Cote d’Ivoire to submit National Programmes for consideration at the eleventh Policy Board meeting. Based on previous experience of delivery in other countries, these National Programmes shall have a maximum duration of three years with work-plans and budgets being realistic for this duration, and responding to the existing needs and absorption capacity of the countries. If time for preparation is not sufficient, the above mentioned countries are asked to submit an estimate of their budgetary needs and confirm their intention to submit National Programmes by the twelfth Policy Board meeting.

Nomination of focal points to the UN-REDD Programme
Each UN-REDD Programme country and organization designates one focal point, one alternate focal point and, if desired, an administrative focal point using the UN-REDD Programme Contact Information Form (accessible on http://www.un-redd.org/PolicyBoard/tabid/102628/Default.aspx).
Procedurally, the Secretariat will send a courtesy reminder twice a year to the designated focal points prompting them to review the current list and to submit a new Contact Information Request Form if any changes have taken place. In addition, designated focal points can also access the form online and make submissions to the Secretariat as and when needed.
Each focal point acts as the main contact person(s) to the Programme, and will subsequently receive all relevant communications, whereas the alternate focal points and administrative focal points will be copied in such communications. It is then their responsibility to share the information further.
Attendance at Policy Board Meetings and in Policy Board Working Groups
Members and alternates can designate a representative to participate in a given Policy Board or a Policy Board Working Group should they be unable to attend in person. In such cases, the member and/or the alternate must provide a written note to the Secretariat.
Registered participants of each Policy Board meeting would receive the relevant information about the meeting, but all messages with general information on the Programme or for inter-sessional PB decisions will continue to be sent only to the official focal points/PB members, copied to the alternates and administrative focal points.
The Rules of Procedures and Operational Guidance for the UN-REDD Programme should be updated accordingly.

Any other Matters, Decisions, Conclusion and Closing of Meeting

The Board recommended that the independent expert tasked to undertake the Policy Board review, assesses and makes proposals to clarify, when relevant, the functions and prerogatives of the Policy Board in relation to all other governing bodies within the overall structure of the UN-REDD Programme, including looking at rules of procedures and the terms of reference for all respective governing bodies.

Any other Matters, Decisions, Conclusion and Closing of Meeting

The Board requested the Secretariat to propose an enhanced process to nominate and revise country focal points for the Programme, and to circulate it to the Policy Board for approval.

Any other Matters, Decisions, Conclusion and Closing of Meeting

The Board approved that starting in 2013, the Policy Board meeting in March be moved to June, whilst the second annual meeting remain in October or November. The suggestion of having only one meeting per year will be considered as part of the Policy Board review.

Strategic and Policy Issues

The Board endorsed the association of the Viet Nam and the DRC Tier 2 proposals with the UNREDD Programme, subject to the Secretariat confirming that both proposals are in accordance with the Tier 2 Terms of Reference.

Strategic and Policy Issues

The Board endorsed the association of the Viet Nam and the DRC Tier 2 proposals with the UNREDD Programme, subject to the Secretariat confirming that both proposals are in accordance with the Tier 2 Terms of Reference.

Strategic and Policy Issues

The Board approved the establishment of the Tier 2 modality and the attached Terms of Reference and requested to review the Terms of Reference periodically, as appropriate, as part of the learning process.

Funding Allocation Requests

The Board requested the Secretariat to provide information on the possibilities of financial reporting by the UN-REDD Programme, including at activity level, and present the cost implications associated to the different levels of reporting (outcome, output and activity level).

Funding Allocation Requests

The Board requested the Secretariat to improve reporting by PB10, including financial reporting at output level per agency and per categories of support. The Board also requested the Secretariat to develop a results-based monitoring framework, circulate its draft inter-sessionally for comments of the Policy Board and apply the finalized monitoring framework to the Annual Report 2012.

Funding Allocation Requests

The Board recommended the participating UN agencies to explore possibilities of strengthening support to Civil Society Organizations and Indigenous Peoples under all Support to National REDD+ Action outcomes. Additionally, the Board recommended that if additional funding become available, particular attention be given to stakeholder engagement and related outputs under Outcome 4.

Funding Allocation Requests

The Board approved the two year work plan and budget for years 2 and 3 (2013 and 2014) of the Support to National REDD+ Action – Global Programme Framework 2011-2015 and approved the funding allocation request for Year 2 (1 January - 31 December 2013) as per the submission form.

Funding Allocation Requests

The Board agreed to align the budget cycle with the reporting cycle and the calendar year (1 January – 31 December), and approved a two-month no-cost extension of Year 1 budget to 31 December 2012.

Implementation of National Programmes

The Board welcomed the presentation by Bolivia and the report of the high-level mission, and acknowledged all the documents considered during the session. The Board requested Bolivia to prioritize the activities within the approved National Programme document to contribute to Bolivia’s Joint Mitigation and Adaptation Mechanism for the Integral and Sustainable Management of Forests, and implement those with the first tranche of funds already disbursed, in accordance with the rules, procedures and guidelines of the Programme.
Further, the Board requested that the National Programme budget is revised and adjusted to fit the size of the first tranche, to reflect these priorities, and is circulated inter-sessionally for consideration by the Policy Board. Finally, the Board recommended Bolivia to engage in a constructive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders.

Implementation of National Programmes

The Board decided that requests for no-cost extensions of National Programmes with a duration of more than three years should be submitted for consideration by the Board inter-sessionally, justifying the reasons for the request, including proposed actions to enhance implementation.

Implementation of National Programmes

The Board encouraged countries that are implementing National Programmes to, when
reporting to the UN-REDD Programme, include all REDD readiness activities funded by other sources, in addition to the activities funded by UN-REDD.

Sharing information and progress

The Board approved the report of the working group on the Roadmap to Review the Global Programme budget, and requested the Secretariat and the participating UN agencies to implement its recommendations.

Sharing information and progress

The Board approved the response by the UN-REDD Programme to the CNA and took note of the response by the FCPF

Sharing information and progress

The Board welcomed the conclusions and recommendations of the report of the joint UN-REDD and FCPF Country Needs Assessment (CNA).

Sharing information and progress

The Board took note of the Semi-annual report presented by the UN-REDD Secretariat, and of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme presented by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) Office.

Sharing information and progress

The Board requested an external evaluation of the UN-REDD Programme be undertaken in 2013. The Secretariat is requested to propose a work-plan and process to the Policy Board intersessionally.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, that Morocco and Lao PDR be accepted as partners of the UN-REDD Programme.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, an extension for the Republic of the Congo to submit its signed full National Programme document by 27 December 2012.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, an extension for Sri Lanka to submit its signed full National Programme document by 27 December 2012.

1. The UN co-Chair be designated the sole signatory on documents on behalf of the Policy Board and to report to the ninth Policy Board meeting on such activities;

2. Should Paraguay be unable to designate someone in time for the ninth Policy Board meeting, to authorize the Secretariat to consult other LAC countries on the selection of a new country co-Chair.

1. The updated document on Criteria to Prioritize Countries for New National Programmes.

2. To invite Colombia to submit a National Programme Document for consideration at the ninth Policy Board meeting, or tenth Policy Board meeting if time for preparation and submission is not sufficient.

The Board approves, on a non objection basis, the allocation of funds for a four month period (July – October 2012) to the Secretariat component of the Support to National REDD+ Actions- Global Programme Framework as per the Submission Form, by 18 June 2012.
The amount requested is US$ 1'440'565, allocated as follows: (see table in the report)

The Board approves, on a non objection basis, the insertion of the following clause into the UN-REDD Programme Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance, by 25 May 2012:
“Members of the Policy Board directly benefiting from or with a specific personal interest, or appearance of an interest, in projects/activities to be approved by the Policy Board, shall disclose such real, perceived or potential conflict(s) of interest to the Co-chairs of the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board, and abstain from any decision or vote on the matter involving the conflict(s)”.

The Board approves, on a non objection basis, an extension for Nigeria to submit its signed full National Programme document by 31 August 2012.

Any other matters and closing of the meeting

The Board requests the Secretariat:
(i) to re-circulate the Tier 2 Terms of Reference for comments to the Policy Board members; and
(ii) the Secretariat to circulate a review of the procedures adopted to develop and share the Tier 2 Terms of Reference

a. Following up (i) and (ii) above, the Secretariat will circulate an updating note consolidating comments received and advising the Board on possible next steps.

The Board requests an information session on Tier 2 to be held at the ninth Policy Board meeting.

Any other matters and closing of the meeting

The Board took note of Bolivia’s request to create an addendum to reallocate financial resources of the Bolivian NP towards the elaboration and implementation of a mechanism for the holistic and sustainable management of forests and recommends:

a. A high level mission to Bolivia be urgently undertaken, with the participation of representatives of the Policy Board and the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat, with the objective of discussing proposed revision to the NP

b. The mission will report back to the Board inter-sessionally on whether the proposed changes are within the boundaries of the UN-REDD Programme. The Policy Board will decide inter-sessionally whether or not to invite Bolivia to submit a revised NP at the Ninth Policy Board meeting.

c. In case a revised NP Document is submitted, it should meet all requirements for NPs submitted to the Policy Board for funding requests.

International suport functions

The Board welcomed the Social and Environmental Principles and Criteria (SEPC) as a voluntary guiding framework and recommends further work.

Funding allocation requests

The Board approved Sri Lanka’s funding request of US$ 4,000,000 for its NP based on their RPP, including the proposed budget allocation, taking into account the recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews, and the Secretariat. These recommendations should be included in the NP document prior to the finalization.

Funding allocation requests

The Board approved Republic of Congo’s funding request of US$ 4,000,000 for its NP based on their Readiness Preparation Proposal (RPP), including the proposed budget allocation, taking into account the recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews, and the Secretariat. These recommendations should be included in the NP document prior to the finalization.

Strategic / Policy issues

The Board approved the Disclosure of Interests Form that Policy Board members would sign upon appointment or reappointment to the Policy Board. The Secretariat will inform at the beginning of each Policy Board meeting the conformity of all Policy Board members.

Strategic / Policy issues

The Board took note of a clause to be inserted into the UN-REDD Programme Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance on conflict of interest as follows:

a) “Members of the Policy Board directly benefiting from or with a specific personal interest, or appearance of an interest, in projects/activities to be approved by the Policy Board, shall disclose such real, perceived or potential conflict(s) of interest to the Co-chairs of the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board, and abstain from any decision or vote on the matter involving the conflict(s)”.

b) The Policy Board will decide inter-sessionally on the insertion of the disclosure of interest clause into UN-REDD Programme Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance by the end of April 2012.

Strategic / Policy issues

The Board welcomed the methodology of the countries needs assessment and approved the revised timeline.

Sharing information and progress

The Board took note of the Interim Annual Report and the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme presented by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) Office.

Sharing information and progress

The Board took note of the need to align the Secretariat budget with the UN-REDD GP (GP) budget and agreed to consider an inter-sessional submission of the Secretariat budget covering a period of four months (July-October).

Sharing information and progress

The Board welcomed the improvement in the UN-REDD National Programme (NP) reports and requested further improvements in coordination be made to ensure inclusion of the full range of information from government, stakeholders and UN agencies, and previous approval by the government and the UN Resident Coordinator.

Sharing information and progress

The Board agreed to establish a working group on the review of the Policy Board to guide the finalization of the terms of reference and to provide oversight to the implementation of the review. The Board’s constituencies self-selected two representatives each to the working group, as follows: partner countries (Papua New Guinea and Viet Nam); donors (Japan and Norway); UN Agencies (FAO and UNEP); Civil Society organizations (CAMV and Global Witness); and Indigenous Peoples (AMAN and UNPFII).

Sharing information and progress

The Board agreed to re-establish the working group to support national programming efforts. The Board constituencies self-selected one representative each to the working group, as follows: partner countries (Zambia); donors (Denmark); UN Agencies (UNDP); Civil Society organizations (IPAM); and Indigenous Peoples (CORDS).

The Board approves, on a non objection basis, that Malaysia and Uganda be accepted as partners of the UN-REDD Programme.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, the revised budget allocations for National Programme of Viet Nam as follows: (see table in the report)

Any other matters and closing of the meeting

Requested the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat to undertake a review of best policy board practices on policies for addressing conflict of interest and ensuring transparency and a draft report to be presented at the eighth Policy Board meeting.

Any other matters and closing of the meeting

Agreed to hold its next meeting, the eighth meeting of the Policy Board, in Paraguay in March 2012.

Global Programme

Endorsed the Global Programme budget for the first year (1 July 2011-30 June 2012).

Global Programme

Recommended that the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat presents by the eighth Policy Board meeting the communications and information tools available for Policy Board members, especially those which allow follow-up of implementation of the Global Programme and National Programmes.

Global Programme

Acknowledged the recommendation by CSO and IP representatives to enhance the process of dissemination of guidelines developed within the Global Programme and to promote regional consultations.

Global Programme

Requested the UN-REDD Programme to present at the eighth meeting of the Policy Board clarification regarding procedures for countries to access targeted support within the Global Programme.

Global Programme

Requested the UN-REDD Programme to enhance coordination of delivery of Global Programme activities.

Global Programma

Agreed to establish a self-selected working group, facilitated by the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat, for deciding a roadmap to review the Global Programme budget, taking into consideration the findings of the countries’ needs assessment. Papua New Guinea was agreed as a participating country representative for the working group. The remaining members for the working group should be nominated by 31 October 2011 after consultations to allow the self-selection of one representative of each member group of the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board, as follows: donor countries, civil society organizations (CSOs), Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and UN agencies. The draft roadmap should be presented at the eighth meeting of the Policy Board.

Global Programme

Agreed to establish a working group to guide the countries’ needs assessment process. A number of recommendations were made: (i) the working group should be nominated by 31 October 2011; (ii) the working group should review the budget for the countries' needs assessment to allow a more comprehensive assessment of countries' needs for funding and priorities for completion of their readiness on REDD+; (iii) the terms of reference for a consultancy to assess countries’ needs should be elaborated by the working group and submitted to the Policy Board for comments and approval.

National Programmes

Approved Nigeria’s funding request for its full National Programme (entitled Nigeria REDD+ Readiness Programme), and decided on the budget allocation as indicated in the table below. In addition, a number of final recommendations were made, with the expectation that they should be included in the finalization of the National Programme document, prior to its signature. They were as follows: (a) provide more details on the potential roles for the private sector, (b) improve the risk management matrix with linkages to the results framework, and (c) refine the approach to manage the risks of leakage, taking into account recent developments in the country to engage more states into REDD+.

Strategic and Policy Issues

Requested that the Programme establish a process for a comprehensive review of the Policy Board structure. The UN-REDD Programme Secretariat will propose a roadmap, including the scope and timeframe for such review as soon as possible and within the ninth Policy Board meeting.

Strategic and Policy Issues

Agreed to rotate member seats of REDD+ countries and donors, effective as of the eighth Policy Board meeting. In Latin America, Ecuador will replace Bolivia; in Africa, Nigeria will replace Tanzania; and in Asia-Pacific, Cambodia will replace Indonesia. The donor representatives announced they had agreed to rotate and share seats but would announce details on how this would happen before the end of the year.

Sharing Information and Progress

Requested the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat to improve the Global Programme reporting framework in order to allow assessment of progress in delivery of activities, disbursement of funds per outcome, portion of the targeted support and complementarities between Global Programme and National Programmes activities.

Sharing Information and Progress

Upon the presentation of the Independent Advisory Group, the Policy Board requested the UN-REDD Programme prepare a policy paper on land tenure issues. The Board advised on the need for this paper to be independent and to avoid prescriptive policy language.

Sharing Information and Progress

Requested a discussion on the recommendations made by the REDD+ Partnership regarding the effectiveness of multilateral initiatives.

Sharing Information and Progress

Requested the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat to share the terms of reference for Tier 2 funding with its members. The terms of reference should reflect how Tier 2 recipient countries will engage with donors and the procedure and specific bodies of the Programme that will ensure Tier 2 funding will be aligned with the UN-REDD Programme at the policy level. The Secretariat was also requested to look into how to engage Tier 2 donors in strategy and policy discussions.

Sharing Information and Progress

Welcomed the new reporting templates for National Programmes and requested the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat to a) include intermediate indicators to assess progress against the targets of the National Programme and b) to reflect the flow of contributions and expenditures by outputs.

Sharing Information and Progress

Approved the Semi-Annual Report as prepared by the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat, and took note of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme.

National Programmes

Requested that Bolivia submit its proposed changes in its National Programme to the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat so that it can assess if the proposed changes require that the National Programme be re-submitted to the Policy Board for approval.

The Board approves, on a no-objection basis, that Benin, Cameroon, Chile, Ghana, Myanmar, South Sudan and Suriname be accepted as partners of the UN-REDD Programme.

The Board in principle endorses the “Support to Country Action – REDD+ Global Programme Framework Document" and approves the general funding allocation for two years, for the period 31 July 2011 – 30 June 2013 for the Global Programme as per the Submission Form3. The amount requested is US$51,530,315 allocated as follows: (see table in the report)

1. The Board approves, on a no objection basis, the criteria for prioritizing new National Programmes.

2. The Board further approves, on a no objection basis, to invite Guatemala, Republic of Congo and Sri Lanka to each submit a National Programme Document for consideration at the seventh Policy Board meeting, or eighth Policy Board meeting if time for preparation and submission is not sufficient.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, an extension for Paraguay to submit its signed full National Programme document by 31 August 2011.

1. The Board approves, on a no objection basis, the revised budget allocations for the initial National Programme of the Philippines as follows: (see table in the report)

2. The Board approves, on a no objection basis, an extension for the Philippines to submit its signed initial National Programme document by 31 July 2011.

The Board approves, on a no objection basis, that Ethiopia, Honduras, Ivory Coast, Mongolia, Pakistan and Peru be accepted as partners of the UN-REDD Programme.

National Programmes

Colombia agreed to replace Argentina on the working group.

National Programmes

In order to ensure continued national programming, the Board agreed that the working group should apply the revised criteria to prioritize countries for new National Programmes, based on available funds. The revised criteria and the proposed priority country (s) will be circulated to the Policy Board for inter-sessional approval in May 2011.

National Programmes

The Board commended the work of the working group and provided comments to improve and strengthen the criteria proposed by them. Written comments can be submitted by 15 April 2011.

National programmes

The Board welcomed the presentation by Nigeria of its draft full National Programme, with a budget request of US$4million. The progress Nigeria has made in rapidly preparing its proposal was appreciated.
The Policy Board noted the draft full National Programme is almost complete and the information presented at the sixth Policy Board meeting represents an initial round of comments. Further comments on the draft will be provided by 15 April.
Nigeria is encouraged to continue its progress towards the seventh Policy Board meeting. During this time, the UN-REDD Programme agencies are encouraged to explore means of supporting Nigeria, including through the Global Programme.
The Policy Board will give priority consideration to Nigeria’s submission at its next meeting, following the usual submission and review process.
In addition, Nigeria was invited to continue finalizing its full National Programme so that implementation may commence as soon as possible, should the funding allocation be approved at the seventh Policy Board meeting.

National programmes

The Board approved Ecuador’s funding request for its full National Programme, and decided on the following budget allocation, taking into account the recommendations from the Policy Board, independent technical reviews, and the Secretariat. These recommendations should be included in the National Programme document prior to the finalization.

National Programmes

The Board also recognized that there are needs for additional funding for National Programmes and proposed that options, such as the Tier 2 funding window, be explored to meet such needs. The Board requested that the UN-REDD Programme develop options to utilize the Tier 2 mechanism.

National Programmes

The Board reconfirmed its stance not to earmark funds for any future requests for National Programmes.

National Programmes

For consistency between the different Policy Board documents, the Secretariat proposed that the co-Chairs sign the submission forms after the approval of the meeting report, which will record a summary of comments and the decisions made by consensus, and recommended that additional individual comments can be shared with the country by email, and posted on the workspace. The Board endorsed this proposal emphasizing that this should not cause delays in the approval process.

Global Programme

The Policy Board decided to establish a process that engages countries and stakeholders in a needs assessment leading to a framework to guide development of country programmes.
The framework will build on the UN-REDD Programme Strategy for 2011-2015. It will complement the “Support to National REDD+ Action – Framework for Global Programme”. Together, the two frameworks will provide comprehensive guidance for funding and programming, in line with the UN-REDD Programme Strategy.
The framework for country programmes will identify:
• Overall requirements for REDD+ phase I and II in the UN-REDD partner countries.
• Work areas and activities where potential contributions from the UN-REDD Programme at the national level would be effective and complementary.
After the endorsement of the framework for country programmes, the Board will consider its implications to the international support functions and the revision of the Global Programme Framework Document.
The framework for country programmes will be prepared through a consultative process, involving UN-REDD Programme partner countries, donors and other members and observers to the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board. To this end, the Board decided that a working group be established to develop the framework. The working group will be facilitated by the Secretariat. The draft framework should be presented at the seventh Policy Board meeting.

Global Programme

Following the comments on how the “Support to National REDD+ Action - Global Programme Framework“ document could be further improved, the Board endorsed the document with the following process to finalize the document and move it to implementation:

i. Board members and observers to provide written comments within three weeks, by 15 April 2011

ii. Secretariat, on behalf of the three agencies to submit by 6 May 2011 the revised final draft Global Programme Framework Document for decision by the Board by 20 May 2011, together with the request for the first budget allocation.

Global Programme

Based on the presentations on some key current developments within the Global Programme made at the meeting, the Board requested the UN-REDD Programme agencies to submit to the next meeting:

i. A report on Monitoring and Information for REDD+

ii. An interim report on the development of the Social & Environmental Principles and Criteria. The Board welcomed the proposal to engage in a consultative process to further develop and test this tool, and agreed to provide written comments.

Strategic/policy issues

The Board agreed to the proposal made by the IP and CSO representatives, that they remain in place until the end of the eighth Policy Board meeting to allow them time to maximize learning and develop best practices in representing their constituents.

Strategic/policy issues

Endorsed the proposal that the future CSO member and IP and CSO observers serve for a total of four meetings.

Strategic/policy issues

The Board noted the seat for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) is held by the Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), on a non-rotational basis.

Strategic/policy issues

The Board also welcomed the offer of Norway to facilitate the consultation among the donors to determine the donor member seats, and requested Norway to report the result at the next meeting.

Strategic/policy issues

The Board agreed that a facilitated and participatory consultation among all UN-REDD Programme partner countries (currently 29) would be the basis for applying the UN-REDD Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance to determine the rotation of the country member seats of the Policy Board. In this context, the Board

i. Welcomed the offer of Paraguay, supported by the Secretariat, to facilitate the consultation

ii. Requested the outcome be reported back to the Policy Board at the next meeting

iii. Emphasized that any proposal that would require a change to the Rules of Procedure would require a decision of the full Board.

Sharing information and progress

The Board welcomed the following pledges:

i. Japan reconfirmed the transfer of US$3,046,138 earmarked to the Global Programme.

ii. European Commission (EC) announced they have agreed to contribute €10 million (approximately US$14 million).

iii. Norway announced their pledge amounting at least to NOK240 million (approximately US$40 million) for 2011-2012, a portion of which would be earmarked to the Global Programme.

Sharing information and progress

The Board endorsed the Interim Progress Report on Activities Implemented under the UN-REDD Programme Fund, as well as the UN-REDD Programme Funding Framework, presented by the MDTF Office.

Opening

Responding to the request of the Northern Civil Society observer (Global Witness) to review the process of drafting decisions related to National Programmes, the co-Chairs proposed to summarize the decisions made by consensus at the conclusion of each session and recap all decisions at the end of the meeting, before they would be reproduced in the draft report.

National Programmes

Without amendment to the total allocation approved at the fifth meeting, the Board approved the budget revision for Cambodia’s full National Programme, as follows: (see table in the report)

Decides to allocate US$2,569,461 to the Global Programme (Secretariat component) as per the attached Submission Form, and distributed as follows:
(see table in the report)

Any other matters and closing of meeting

In keeping with its annual rotation procedure the Policy Board endorsed the selection of new co-chairs as follows:

a. On behalf of the UN‐REDD Programme countries – to be confirmed by the Asia Pacific region;

b. On behalf of the UN Agencies – FAO.

Any other matters and closing of meeting

The Board welcomed the offer of Viet Nam to host the sixth meeting of the Policy Board in Hanoi the week of 21-25 March 2011, back-to-back with the Participants Committee of FCPF.

Global Programme - Update and future plans

Given the time constraints that emerged at the end of the meeting, the Board also requested the Secretariat to provide the progress update on the Global Programme by email, including a proposed framework for social and environmental principles as guidance for the development of UN-REDD National Programmes – and national readiness processes more generally, as well as the developments with other work areas.

Global Programme - Update and future plans

Given the plan to develop a longer term funding framework for the Global Programme and the need to ensure staffing and operations of the Secretariat, the Policy Board agreed that the request for the Secretariat funding for one year (2011) may be submitted for decision by the Policy Board in December 2010.

Global Programme - Update and future plans

The Board welcomed the plan to move to a five year (2011-2015) funding framework for the new Global Programme, to be submitted for decision in March 2011 at the sixth meeting of the Policy Board. Such a framework would operationalize the UN-REDD Programme Strategy and align the secretariat and the international support functions by the agencies, which are both part of the Global Programme, according to calendar years.

National Programmes

The Board welcomed the presentation by Nigeria on their commitment and progress on REDD+, and invited Nigeria to submit a full National Programme for consideration by the Policy Board at its sixth meeting in March 2011. Beyond the sixth meeting, the new criteria would apply for submitting the funding request.

National Programmes

Given that Ecuador has been an observer since the first Policy Board meeting enriching discussions at the Policy Board by sharing their experiences and had presented a comprehensive report on the development of their National Programme, the Board approved, on an exceptional basis, an extension period for Ecuador which would allow them to submit a full National Programme for consideration by the Policy Board at its sixth meeting in March 2011. This exception and one-time extension, valid only until the sixth meeting, should not be considered a precedent for any future decisions on funding.

National Programmes

The Board requested the Secretariat to set out a proposal at the next meeting on how to further improve the independent review process; and to propose how targets for National Programmes might be set to enable assessment of progress.

National Programmes

The Board approved the following funding allocations (the signed submission forms are available at the workspace and website. They include the comments recorded from the Policy Board. As per usual procedure, the comments will be addressed prior signature of the documents and transfer of funds.

(a) Philippines Initial National Programme (see table in the report)

(b) Solomon Islands Initial National Programme (see table in the report)

(c) Cambodia Full National Programme (see table in the report).

(d) Paraguay Full National Programme (see table in the report)

(e) Papua New Guinea Full National Programme (see table in the report) In reviewing the funding request by Papua New Guinea, the Policy Board stipulated a number of conditions and recommendations that it required to be met before the finalization of the National Programme and transfer of funds. These requirements are listed in the signed submission form (available on the workspace). The Board also requested the co-chairs to confirm that members’ proposals to make some adjustments on the budget distribution to the participating UN organizations have been incorporated prior to the signature of the final submission form indicating the final distribution.

National Programmes

National programme pipeline , Working Group, Donors, UNDP, Indigenous peoples and civil society organizations, Secretariat

(a) The Board decided to form a small working group that was tasked with proposing selection criteria for prioritization of funding allocations for consideration by the Board at its sixth meeting. It was agreed that the working group will be composed of representatives of each member group of the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board, as follows: UN‐REDD Programme countries – Argentina and Zambia, Donor countries – Denmark, Civil Society – Global Witness (CSO-Developed Countries), Indigenous Peoples – Community Research and Development Services (CORDS) (IP-Africa), UN Agencies - UNDP

(b) The working group will be facilitated by the Secretariat that was also requested to review criteria used for similar purposes in other processes as an input to the development of proposed UN-REDD criteria;

(c) The group will work in a transparent manner, sharing its results through the UN-REDD Programme website.

Strategic / Policy Issues

The Board also took note of the forthcoming review of the UN-REDD Programme in 2011, announced already at the fourth meeting of the Policy Board.

Strategic / Policy Issues

The Board members welcomed the process and the finalization of the UN-REDD Programme Strategy 2011-2015 (UNREDD/PB5/2010/6). Board members proposed a few clarifications and recommendations to be incorporated into the final document. With this, the Board endorsed the UN-REDD Programme Strategy. Comments were made by: CSO, Norway, Vietnam, Tanzania, Argentina, Mexico, Denmark, IUCN and IPFII.

Sharing information and progress and pledges

The Board took note of the resolution of the Participants Committee of the FCPF on the Potential Delivery Partners, noting that it recognized the three UN-REDD agencies, among others, as potential delivery partners under the Readiness Fund alongside the World Bank.

Sharing information and progress and pledges

The Board took note of the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme, presented by the MDTF Office, and the funding status of the Programme which as of 15 October was as follows: (see table in the report)

Sharing information and progress and pledges

The Board approved the UN-REDD Programme Semi-Annual Progress Report, presented by the MDTF Office.

Sharing information and progress and pledges

The Board welcomed the announcements of new pledges as follows:

a) Spain confirmed it will support the Programme. Spain has guaranteed € 1 million for 2010. However due to the current unfavorable financial situation, announcement of further commitments will be deferred

b) Denmark announced a new pledge of DKK 33 million (approximately US$ 6 million)

c) Norway noted their ambition to continue to support the UN-REDD Programme and expected to announce a further pledge once the national budget for 2011 has been approved;

d) Japan announced that they are considering to contributing to the Global Programme.

Sharing information and progress and pledges

The Board welcomed the progress made in the Programme. It specifically noted the increased number of Partner countries; increased funding portfolio, as well as the significantly enhanced cooperation with FCPF and FIP, the REDD+ initiatives hosted by the Word Bank.

Opening

The Board welcomed Guyana and Gabon as partner countries of the Programme in response to their request to join the UN-REDD Programme.

The Board agrees that Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Panama are granted an extension to submit their signed National Programme Documents to the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat by 4 November 2010 at the latest; and 
Papua New Guinea is granted a six month extension to submit their Full National Programme to the Policy Board.

The Board agrees to the allocation of funds to the Global Programme as per the Submission Form4. The amount requested is US$8,688,584, allocated as follows: (see table in the report)
This allocation is to be funded from the portion of Norway’s contribution to be earmarked to the Global Programme as announced at the fourth Policy Board meeting. Also recognizing that the expected contribution has not yet been transferred to the MDTF, it is recommended that the Policy Board requests that the MDTF Office transfer funds as soon as the funding becomes available.

Other matters and closing of the meeting

The Board requested the Secretariat to explore in consultation with the FCPF (in view of the Policy Board decision to propose joint meetings with the FCPF Participants Committee) the options and to communicate proposals to the Board.

Programme budget allocation request

Other comments on the Global Programme activities included:
▪ Need for stronger guidance in the implementation of MRV
▪ Call for more opportunities for South-South cooperation and coordination
▪ Importance of addressing safeguards and recommendation to ensure monitoring of non-carbon components of REDD+ implementation is considered in the design of REDD+ monitoring methologies.
▪ A proposal for the UN-REDD Programme to provide a high level platform for IPs/CSOs to share experiences and perspectives during the International Year of Forests (IYF) in 2011 that could be part of the ▪ Forest Day during the UNFCCC COP 17 in Johannesburg and to participate actively in the ninth session of UNFF that is organizing the IYF.
▪ Importance of indigenous knowledge in MRV and a proposal to include such expertise in MRV meetings.

Programme budget allocation request

The Board also welcomed the planned evaluation of the UN-REDD Programme.

Programme budget allocation request

The Board requested the Secretariat to identify the capacity and gaps regarding the UN-REDD Programme support on governance, and to consider submitting a request for funding allocation for consideration by the Policy Board intersessionally.

Programme budget allocation request

The Board requested the Secretariat to develop a results-based work programme building on the draft strategic elements presented, including the work areas.

Programme budget allocation request

Confirming that MRV and IP/CSO engagement are among the priority areas of work, the Board accepted the request for funding for these work areas as well as for the Secretariat. The budget allocation as presented in the submission form, totalling US$3,763,577, was approved. (see table in the report)

Programme budget allocation request

The Board approved the budget allocation for the National Programme of Zambia as presented in the submission form, totalling US$4,490,000 (see table below), taking into account the recommendations from the Secretariat review, the Independent Technical Review and the Board members.

The Secretariat will provide written comments to the proponent to be incorporated in finalizing the National Programme document, as reflected in the Submission Form.

Comments from the Board included a call for:
▪Clarification of the complementarities with existing institutions and projects that collect and use land-use data
▪ Coordination with the ILUA (Integrated Land Use Assessment) project and other on-going initiatives
▪ Clarification concerning Zambia’s approach to monitoring of non-Carbon benefits and impacts
▪ Clarification of how Indigenous Peoples will be engaged and the modalities for including FPIC in the process
▪ Addressing better the issues of governance, including law enforcement and anti-corruption measures
▪ Stronger measures to improve law enforcement and address illegal cross-border trade, including through strengthening the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement on Co-Operative Enforcement Operations
▪ Directed at Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora to which Zambia is a party.
▪ Inclusion of indicators for civil society engagement in implementation of the National Programme
▪ Linkages with national programmes and the NAMAs
▪ Incorporation of the recommendations of the last validation meeting

Programme budget allocation request

A.The Board approved the budget allocation for the full National Programme of DRC as presented in the submission form, totalling US$5,500,000 (see table below), taking into account the recommendations from the Secretariat review, the Independent Technical Review and the Board members.

B. The Secretariat will provide written comments to the proponent to be incorporated in finalizing the National Programme document, as reflected in the Submission Form. Comments from the Board included a call for:
▪ Stronger implementation links with the UN agencies’ Governance programmes in DRC
▪ Stronger measures to improve law enforcement and address illegal cross-border trade, such as by joining the Lusaka Agreement on Co-Operative Enforcement Operations Directed at Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora.
▪ Request from the Civil Society and IP representatives from DRC and Africa that the MRV system in DRC's Readiness Plan be participatory, both in its design and functioning
▪ Ensuring that monitoring of non-carbon benefits and impacts is appropriately included during the implementation phase
▪ Clarification of the means to address governance issues
▪ Clarification of the priority actions in the work plan that will be implemented with initially available funds, pending the mobilization of additional resources to fund the full costs of DRC’s National Readiness Plan ▪ Clarification on how traditional land rights will be addressed during the implementation of the National Readiness Plan
▪ Coordination with initiatives in the Congo Basin including those of COMIFAC

C. The Board commended DRC for its leadership and progress made in addressing REDD+, including high level political engagement, IP and CSO participation, and a coordinated process between FCPF and the UN-REDD Programme and collaboration within COMIFAC. (see table in the report)

Programme budget allocation request

A. The Board approved the budget allocation for the National Programme of Bolivia as presented in the submission form, totalling US$4,708,000 (see table below), taking into account the recommendations from the Secretariat review, the Independent Technical Review and the Board members.

B. The Secretariat will provide written comments to the proponent to be incorporated in finalizing the National Programme document, as reflected in the Submission Form. Comments from the Board included a call for:
▪ Further clarification of engaging IPs and CSOs in the National Programme
▪ Additional consideration of law enforcement and anti-corruption measures, and involving CSOs in carbon monitoring as well as making sure that the monitoring system will feedback into the REDD+ system
▪ Highlighting the fact that the development of the programme document is just one part of a larger process

C. The Board commended Bolivia on coordinating across UN-REDD, FCPF and other institutions as well as on including the difficulties of understanding the drivers of deforestation in their presentation. (see table in the report)

Programme budget allocation request

To improve transparency in the process of revising National Programme documents, the Board requested that the Secretariat report back to the Policy Board on how recommendations from the Secretariat, Independent Technical Review, and Policy Board are incorporated into the final National Programme document and action plans.

Programme budget allocation request

The Board recommended that monitoring of non-carbon elements of REDD+ implementation should be included as part of National Programmes.

Programme budget allocation request

To improve transparency in the process of revising National Programme documents, the Board requested that the Secretariat report back to the Policy Board on how recommendations from the Secretariat, Independent Technical Review, and Policy Board are incorporated into the final National Programme document and action plans.

Programme budget allocation request

The Board asked that the Secretariat to review the submission form template to incorporate a review on governance issues, for consideration by the Policy Board.

Programme budget allocation request

The Board also decided that if it is not possible to finalize the document within six months, the submitting country is requested to ask the Board for an extension, justifying the reasons for it.

Programme budget allocation request

To encourage rapid progress from preparation to implementation of the National Programmes, the Board decided that the National Programme document should be finalized no later than six months from the dates of approval of funding allocations by the Policy Board. The Board also urged the Secretariat to provide all necessary support to ensure that the document is finalized as soon and as cost-effectively as possible.

Programme budget allocation request

The Board noted that there should be a balance between producing a “perfect NP document” and the need to get started and improve the process based on experience and lessons. The Secretariat will identify which recommendations must be addressed in the National Programme document prior to its signature, and which can be included in the action plan to be addressed during implementation. This information should be made available to the Policy Board.

Programme budget allocation request

To follow up on progress made with the development of the National Programmes and to ensure that the comments are included, the Board agreed that the National Programme documents should include an action plan (with priorities, benchmarks and timeframes for action) and that progress should be reported in the following Policy Board meeting.

Strategic issues

Given the opportunity, the Board invited all member countries that wish to do so to provide inputs to the preparatory process of the “REDD+ partnership”. It also requested the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat, in consultation with the Board members, to submit an input before the Oslo Conference on 27 May 2010 on the strategic approach of the UN-REDD Programme on its growing and continued work to support countries’ national readiness processes and implementation.

Strategic issues

The Board requested the co-chairs to convey the outcome of its 4th meeting to the 5th meeting of the FCPF Participants Committee regarding the collaboration between the REDD+ initiatives hosted by the United Nations and the World Bank, and specifically on the proposed joint platform between the FCPF Participants Committee/Assembly and the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board and on the coordination of the delivery mechanisms to REDD+ countries.

Strategic issues

A. Acknowledging the calls from member states and the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board members for REDD+ initiatives hosted by the United Nations and the World Bank systems to work more closely together, the Board requested:

(a) The UN-REDD Programme Secretariat work with the Facility Management Team of the FCPF to integrate Policy Board meetings and FCPF Participants Committee/Assembly meetings, including the proposal for a joint platform for sharing country experiences and lessons as well as policy discussions.

(b) The UN and WB systems to coordinate delivery mechanisms to REDD+ countries, and asked the Secretariat to report back to the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board on progress. Specific outcomes should include:
▪ Objective and targets of joint delivery services for countries
▪ Exploring joint fiduciary and operational arrangements
▪ Using single National Readiness formats and procedures when requested by countries

B. Related to the above decision, the Board requested the Secretariat to consult with the Facility Management Team of the FCPF on the options and seek guidance of the Policy Board intersessionally on coordination, as needed.

Strategic issues

The Board also emphasized the need to ensure appropriate participation by stakeholders in REDD+ initiatives.

Strategic issues

The Board recommended increased collaboration between the UN-REDD Programme and other initiatives, specifically FCPF, FIP, CBFF and liaison with secretariats of UNFCCC and UNFF. For example, close collaboration between the UN-REDD Programme and FCPF would strengthen their global contribution to REDD+.

Strategic issues

The Board welcomed the development of the draft elements of the UN-REDD Programme strategy, which will guide the implementation of the Programme by the agencies, and requested the Secretariat to incorporate the comments made at the meeting. The Board also recommended that its members and observers provide written feedback to the Secretariat within two working weeks, i.e. by 6 April 2010. Guidance to finalize the strategy included:
- focus on support to national REDD+ strategies and the work areas (specifically MRV, governance and IP/CSO engagement) that should support the national REDD+ readiness and implementation process
- suggestion to consider IP/CSO engagement as a cross-cutting work area
- request for further clarity and some reservations about the work area on “contributing to sector transformation”
- emphasis on capacity building and awareness raising on REDD+ readiness
- direction on collaboration especially with the World Bank hosted but also with other REDD+ initiatives
- flexibility of funding arrangements (tier 2)
- further clarification of the role of the UN-REDD Programme and synergies vis à vis other initiatives
- emphasis on country demand-driven support
- engagement of stakeholders at the ground level
- comments related to the implementation of the strategy, including indicators

Sharing information and progress

The Board recommended that countries identify how the UN-REDD Programme can support them in placing REDD+ in the larger development context. It also recommended that the Secretariat explore collaboration with regional entities and ways of sharing lessons at the regional level about the development and implementation of pilot projects at local level.

Sharing information and progress

The Board requested that contributions by countries and agencies be included in the future reporting of the UN-REDD Programme in order to provide a complete overview and recognize the contributions made.

Sharing information and progress

The Board recommended that each country establish a national coordination unit for all REDD+ related programmes and projects

Sharing information and progress

The Board welcomed the pledges by Norway (NOK175 million, approximately US$30 million for 2010, with a portion earmarked) and Spain (€15 million, approximately US$20 million between 2010-2012). It thereby accepted the earmarking of funds to the Global Programme, and the MDTF Office responded that they would accept the contribution as noted.

Sharing information and progress

It also approved the Funding Framework of the UN-REDD Programme, presented by the MDTF Office, and took note of the funding status of the Programme which as of 1 March was as follows: (see table in the report)

Sharing information and progress

The Board approved the interim progress report for 2009, presented by the MDTF Office, and noted that significant progress had been made in country programmes, work on MRV, IP/CSO engagement, and collaboration with the World Bank. It also noted the increased visibility of the Programme.

Sharing information and progress

The Board welcomed the new countries and the progress made in the UN-REDD Programme’s “Quick Start” phase. It specifically noted the rapid progress in programming the funds since the First Policy Board meeting in March 2009, 12 months ago, but also noted with concern that funds are being rapidly depleted. In this context, the Board requested the Secretariat to urgently mobilize new funds.

The Board agrees that given the role of the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat in managing partnerships and liaising with other REDD+ initiatives, the Secretariat is requested to work further with other REDD+ initiatives to explore options for strengthening cooperation and seeking coherence among them to support countries’ REDD+ efforts. The Secretariat should present any findings to the Policy Board, as appropriate, and no later than at the 5th meeting.

Other matters and closing of the meeting

Recognizing the amount of paper used for copies, the Board agreed to minimize the printed copies of the meeting documents, and preferred the distribution of the meeting material in electronic copies.

Other matters and closing of the meeting

Given the wish to continue close cooperation with FCPF, the need to take into account the outcome of COP‐15 and the practicality of flight connections, the Board expressed its preference of having the next meeting in Africa. It requested the Secretariat to explore the dates and the venue and inform the board without delay.

Next steps in the UN‐REDD Programme

IUCN pointed out the need to clarify how the UN‐REDD programme will manage the expectations raised and the importance to manage trade offs and recommended that this work should involve all stakeholders and go hand‐in‐hand with work on MRV.

Next steps in the UN‐REDD Programme

A. In response to questions from Paraguay and the representative of CSOs of Africa, the Board concluded that involving local people is already a part of the inventory practices in some countries but agreed that MRV at the local level should be further developed.

B. The representative of CSOs from developed countries suggested that the terms ‘robust’ and ‘transparent’ should be included in the REDD negotiation text on MRV.

C. A number of participants highlighted that monitoring systems need to go beyond carbon.

D. Confirming that MRV is a high priority and comparative advantage of UN‐REDD Programme, Norway asked the programme to develop a proposal for a more extensive plan to support national MRV systems.

Next steps in the UN‐REDD Programme

Bolivia proposed FPIC should be a prerequisite for funding and reminded the Board that information rarely reaches the local levels of the society.

Next steps in the UN‐REDD Programme

A number of participants stressed the importance of due diligence, transparency,
safeguards, harmonization of the UN‐REDD and FCPF efforts and stressed the role of independent monitoring.

Next steps in the UN‐REDD Programme

Norway, UNFPII, the regional representatives of Indigenous Peoples, the representative of CSOs from developed countries and IUCN commended the progress made on engaging stakeholders. Many participants noted that the responsibility for inclusion is a continuous and shared task and countries need to concretely demonstrate support for stakeholder participation.

National Programmes

Having heard the presentation of Panama and the response by the Secretariat, the Board approved Panama’s funding allocation request for its National Programme of US$5.3 million. It requested the Secretariat to ensure the issues raised in the Submission Form and those highlighted in the discussion are incorporated in the final National Programme document.

National Programmes

The Board gave feedback on the arrangements for joint work with FCPF; additional steps to study and address key drivers of deforestation; and emphasized the need for explicit linkage with national development processes.

National Programmes

The Board also emphasized the need to build on existing initiatives, and encouraged countries to engage in regional activities, such as the SADC REDD event, noting that similar activities could be considered in Latin America and Asia Pacific.

National Programmes

The Board agreed that earmarking does not represent an approved allocation of funds. A funding allocation request for the subsequent National Programme must still be submitted for consideration in accordance with the UN‐REDD Programme Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance, including a stakeholder consultation and necessary reviews.

National Programmes

With regard to the intersessional decision taken to earmark an additional US$3.8 million for the full National Programme of Papua New Guinea, the Board confirmed the process for earmarking of funds.

National Programmes

The Board took note of emerging approaches, particularly as regards establishing national readiness management arrangements and increasing stakeholder engagement. It welcomed the Secretariat’s commitment to the document and shared them and expressed the need for better disclosure of National Programme Documents prior to Policy Board meetings.

National Programmes

The Board thanked all country representatives for their comprehensive presentations, and noted with appreciation the significant and rapid progress made by countries in developing their National Programmes, having them approved by the Board, finalizing them and releasing the funds for implementation. It supported the intention of countries to highlight REDD and their readiness progress at COP‐15.

Requests to join the UN‐REDD Programme

Upon their formal request to join the programme, the Board granted Argentina, Cambodia, Ecuador, Nepal and Sri Lanka observer status to the Policy Board.

Requests to join the UN‐REDD Programme

The Board welcomed the inclusion of new countries to the UN‐REDD family, called on donors to provide adequate funding, and requested the Secretariat to circulate future requests to participate in the UN‐REDD Programme for approval as observers intersessionally, in advance of Policy Board meetings.

Sharing information and experienceSharing information and experience

The Board expressed its satisfaction with the growing cooperation between the UN‐REDD Programme and FCPF and emphasized their complementary roles. It welcomed the idea of the working group on options for collaboration. Given that the recommendations would concern both FCPF and the UN‐REDD Programme, it requested the UN‐REDD Programme Secretariat and the FCPF FMT to jointly develop the Terms of Reference, and further requested that the working group report also to the UN‐REDD Programme Policy Board on its findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Sharing information and experience

The Board applauded the successful outcome of the September 23 High‐Level Event, the involvement of the Secretary‐General, the commitment and the attention it gave to REDD issues. It encouraged the Programme to continue its involvement in advancing international commitment to REDD.

Sharing information and experience

The Board requested that the Secretariat allocate more time for discussion the key strategic items on the agendas of the future Policy Board meetings.

Sharing information and experience

The Board welcomed the progress made in the UN‐REDD Programme, and acknowledged the need to develop a strategy for the UN‐REDD Programme 2010‐2015, including a fundraising strategy. In this context it also noted that the main themes of the Global Programme, i.e. IP/CSO engagement, MRV and multiple benefits are closely interlinked and should be further integrated in the future.

The Board agrees to earmark an amount of up to $3.8m for PNG’s Full National Programme, upon the condition that all required submission elements will be completed. The Full National Programme for PNG will be submitted for funding approval consideration by the Policy Board through the UN Resident Coordinator with the agreement of the UN-REDD Agencies.

Wrap-up

The Board noted that the next Policy Board meeting was proposed to be held during the week of 26 October 2009 in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with FCPF. The exact date and location was to be determined in consultation with FCPF.

Wrap-up

The Board welcomed the indication of possible funding by the Government of Denmark.

National Programmes

The Board acknowledged the progress made by Paraguay, the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Zambia and looked forward to receiving funding requests in the future.

National Programmes

Regarding Panama, the Board invited Panama to submit its national programme for intersessional consideration and agreed to earmark up to $5.3 million in the expectation that all required submission elements would be completed. The Board requested that the Secretariat and United Nations agencies expedite the process of the intersessional decision.

National Programmes

On Viet Nam, the Board welcomed its written submission, noting that it was an active member that had made considerable progress.

National Programmes

With regard to Papua New Guinea, the Board took note of the Government’s additional funding request that would be submitted and considered by the Board during the intersessional period or at an actual Policy Board meeting.

National Programmes

The Board requested that the Secretariat consider alternative ways of reflecting funding allocations in the submission form to clarify the fact that, while funding was passed through the United Nations agencies, the ultimate recipient was the national Government.

National Programmes

The Board requested that the Secretariat reflect on what could be achieved by each country by the end of 2009 and synthesize that work to inform deliberations at the fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Copenhagen.

National Programmes

The Board requested that the Secretariat consider opportunities with FCPF to hold a joint one-day workshop at which to explore issues raised pertaining to increased harmonization between the two processes, possibly during the next meeting of the Board.

National Programmes

The Board requested that the Secretariat and United Nations agencies continue the process of harmonization with FCPF on the components of readiness, paying due attention to issues raised during the current meeting such as the importance of engaging stakeholders and involving indigenous peoples, and also continue to align the UN-REDD Programme and FCPF guidelines for indigenous peoples and civil society organizations.

Discussion of technical advice to the UN-REDD Programme

The Board agreed that, with a view to forging synergies and enhancing cooperation and collaboration between entities, no new advisory body should be established at the current time. The Secretariat was requested to propose a procedure to use existing rosters of experts to obtain technical advice as needed.

Strategic issues

The Board stressed the need for significant involvement of indigenous peoples and civil society organizations, especially at the national level.

Strategic issues

The Board requested that the Secretariat assess the financial resources needed to carry out its work with indigenous peoples and civil society.

Activities of the global programme

The Board approved the budget revision with its allocations as per the results framework presented in the background note, incorporating the establishment and operation of the Programme Secretariat (new output 4.4) and including funds for regional technical support. The total amount approved was $2,888,415.

Activities of the global programme

The Board welcomed the establishment of the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat in Geneva and urged the agencies to ensure that the Secretariat was fully staffed and functional without delay.

Opening of the meeting

The Board took note of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund report and expressed the need to expand the financing base and to increase the number of financial contributors to the Programme.

Opening of meeting

The Board accorded observer status for the meeting to the representatives of Australia, Ecuador, Honduras, Uganda and the United States of America.

Conclusions & Closing remarks

The Co‐chair Angela Cropper highlighted the key conclusions of the meeting and recognized the importance for the UN‐REDD Programme to collaborate with the FCPF. Furthermore, the date and location for the next Policy Board meeting was raised and proposed to be held the week following the SBSTA in Montreux, Switzerland.

Measurement, Assessment, Reporting and Verification (MARV)

A. The Policy Board emphasized the importance of the MARV work and agreed that the issue will be on the agenda of the next Policy Board meeting.

B. The Policy Board members stressed the need for capacity building, institution strengthening, and cost effectiveness.

C. The Policy Board requested further development of the presented discussion paper.

Terms of Reference for Civil Society Advisory Group and Operational Guidance on the Engagement of Indigenous Peoples and other Forest Dependent Communities

The Policy Board acknowledged the Operational Guidance on the Engagement of Indigenous Peoples and other Forest Dependent Communities and requested the continued consultation with Indigenous Peoples and other members of civil society, as well as the presentation of progress at Policy Board meetings. The Policy Board recognized the importance of sharing experiences in stakeholder engagement issues among UN‐REDD pilot countries and requested that country experiences are shared in future Policy Board meetings.

Terms of Reference for Civil Society Advisory Group and Operational Guidance on the Engagement of Indigenous Peoples and other Forest Dependent Communities

The Policy Board endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Independent Civil Society Advisory Group, and asked for a plan to ensure the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples from developing countries.

International Support Functions

A. The Policy Board confirmed that the GJP is consistent with the framework document and thereby confirmed the budget agreement.

B. The following budget allocations were affirmed: FAO US$2,192,926, UNDP US$1,890,851, UNEP US$2,854,814, amounting to a total of US$6,938,591 (as per the Global Joint Programme Document).

C. The Board directed that future budget revisions shall be brought to the Policy Board.

D. It also recommended that the next budget revision incorporates the change of title of outcome four to read “Knowledge management, out‐reach and communication”

E. The Policy Board requested the Secretariat to prepare a work plan for the GJP and present it to the next Board meeting.

Approval of National Joint Programmes

A. Future NJP Submission Forms shall provide specific information on the proportion of the NJP interventions supporting in‐country capacity development.

B. Detailed work plan budgets will be made available for any interested Policy Board members.

C. The Secretariat will provide an analysis of Readiness costs among approved NJPs.

Approval of National Joint Programmes

Papua New Guinea (see Papua New Guinea)
The following budget allocation was approved for the initial NJP:
• (see table in the report)
• The Co‐chairs signed the Submission Form.
• The Policy Board endorsed the note on p.2 of the draft NJP document that further consultation be undertaken before the NJP document is signed.
• PNG informed the Policy Board that the NJP will be subject to formal consultation with its development partners (through the arrangements set out in Annex 1 of the draft NJP) before it will be signed.
• Should there be a change in the overall budget allocation, or aggregate allocations to the Participating UN Organizations, the revised initial NJP must be re‐approved by the Policy Board.

Approval of National Joint Programmes

Democratic Republic of Congo (see Democratic Republic of Congo)
The following budget allocation was approved for the initial NJP:
• (see table in the report)
• The Co‐chairs signed the Submission Form.
• Reference to the GEF Tropical Forest Account regional REDD project will be included in the final NJP document.
• The Secretariat will provide written comments to the proponent to be taken into consideration in finalizing the NJP document.

Approval of National Joint Programmes.

Indonesia (see Indonesia)
The following budget allocation was approved:
• (see table in the report)
• The Co‐chairs signed the Submission Form.
• The Policy Board endorsed the Secretariat’s recommendation, as set out in the Submission Form, that stakeholder consultations be undertaken prior to the signature of the NJP document.
• Funds from the Global Programme may be made available for this process.
• The Secretariat is requested to ensure the conclusions of the process are validated and reflected in the signed NJP document.
• Should there be a change in the overall budget allocation, or aggregate allocations to the Participating UN Organizations, the revised NJP must be re‐approved by the Policy Board.

Approval of National Joint Programmes

Viet Nam (see Vietnam)
The following budget allocation was approved:
• (see table in the report)
• The Co‐chairs signed the Submission Form.
• The Secretariat will provide written comments to the proponent to be taken into consideration in finalizing the NJP document

Approval of National Joint Programmes

Tanzania (see Tanzania)
The following budget allocation was approved:
• (see table in the report)
• The Co‐chairs signed the Submission Form.
• The Secretariat will provide written comments to the proponent to be taken into consideration in finalizing the NJP document, as reflected in the Submission Form.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

The Policy Board recommended that dates and venues for up‐coming Policy Board meetings are to be determined in consultation with Policy Board members and coordinated with the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

The Policy Board stressed the importance of ensuring the UN‐REDD Programme is complementary to Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and other initiatives. This shall be reflected in future work of the UN‐REDD Programme.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

The Policy Board requested the Secretariat to establish a Technical Advisory Group and to prepare the Terms of Reference and present them to the next Policy Board meeting.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

The Policy Board requested the Secretariat to revise the budget for the Global Joint Programme to reflect the additional budget for the Secretariat and the expanded participation in the Policy Board meetings.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

Decisions shall be made by the consensus of full and alternate Policy Board members. In their participation, the Policy Board members will be guided solely by the interest of the overall UN‐REDD Programme.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

Civil society representatives will follow a self‐selection process to be facilitated by the Secretariat to identify the full member and the three observers.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

Indigenous peoples will be represented by the chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNFPII) and supported by three observers (one from each region).

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

Civil society will be represented by one full member and three observers (ensuring a full member or observer from each of the three regions the UN‐REDD Programme operates in: Africa, Asia & the Pacific, Latin American & the Carribean – and also one civil society representative from a northern country). The Civil Society observer from the north will participate at their own expense and is not covered by the UN‐REDD Programme.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

Costs of participation in Policy Board meetings for the one full member per region and the two alternate countries per region will be covered by the UN‐REDD Programme. The Board decided on a maximum of 9 country representatives, with 3 per region, even if the number of participating countries increases.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

The countries selected as full members for their regional groupings: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Indonesia, and Panama. Full members of each regional grouping shall rotate on the basis of alphabetical order.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

The Policy Board agreed on co‐chairs for each Policy Board meetings ‐ one participating country and one participating UN agency. The country co‐chairs will be selected from the 3 full members and will rotate among the 3 regional groupings, starting with Latin America. Subsequently, the Policy Board elected Panama, represented by Mr. Eduardo Reyes, as Co‐chair.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

Each region shall have one full member and two alternate members, up to a maximum total of 9 country representatives. The full members and alternate members shall be invited to participate in Policy Board meetings and inter‐sessional decisions.

Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the Policy Board

The Policy Board Terms of Reference, Rules of Procedure and Operational Guidance were approved as attached (see annex 3 and 4).

UN‐REDD Programme Overview and Strategic Direction

The Policy Board initiated a discussion on priorities, future directions and requested the Secretariat to develop a discussion paper for consideration at the next Policy Board meeting.