Safeguards
REDD+ has the potential to deliver social and environmental benefits that go beyond the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but which may also entail potential risks to people and the environment. These benefits and risks will depend on a number of factors related to national circumstances – such as how REDD+ actions are designed, as well as where, how and by whom these actions are implemented. Safeguards are measures to protect or to avoid risks (do no harm), while promoting benefits (do good).Seven safeguards, also known as the "Cancun safeguards", were agreed for REDD+ at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate (COP16) in 2010.
The UN-REDD Programme’s guidance and tools are designed to enable countries to take a flexible approach to meeting these, and other, safeguard requirements in a way that reflects different national circumstances, contexts and capacities. Country approaches to safeguardsThis refers to the existing governance arrangements and processes – policies, laws, regulations, institutions, etc. – that countries can draw on to respond to international REDD+ safeguards requirements in a way that is harmonious with national policy goals. Country approaches to safeguards can help stakeholders explore what the safeguards mean in their specific context; inform the design of more sustainable REDD+ actions; engender country ownership; and build confidence among private and public investors in REDD+ actions that will benefit people and nature. The main elements of country approaches are presented in the figure below.
Safeguards information systemsThis is a system for providing information on how safeguards are being addressed or respected throughout the implementation of REDD+ activities. This system, commonly known as safeguards information system and abbreviated as SIS, needs to:
The development of a SIS does not necessarily require establishment of an entirely new system. It may be more cost-effective in the long term, to develop a SIS from a combination of existing information systems, sources and institutional arrangements. SIS provides a strong basis for developing summaries of safeguards information. Some the key design considerations for this system are summarized in the figure below. Summaries of information These summaries of information are country reports on how all the Cancun safeguards are being addressed and respected. These summaries of information should be provided periodically upon commencing implementation of REDD+ activities, at least every four years or at any time by submitting them to the UNFCCC. Countries are encouraged to improve the information contained taking into account a stepwise approach. The content should include information on:
Summaries of information are key tools to ensure legitimacy of REDD+ as a policy option contributing to Sustainable Development Goals and provide an opportunity for promoting confidence in safeguards processes. |
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Key Contacts

Safeguards Coordinator, UN-REDD Programme

Safeguard Specialist UN-REDD Programme
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Find the latest country Safeguards outputs at the Safeguards Country Resources Hub.
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