The Potential of REDD+ in Supporting the Transition to a Green Economy in the Congo Basin

This study explores how the proposed activities by the Congo Basin countries to reduce drivers of land emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) could support the transition to a green economy and low carbon development future. By employing a content review and analysis of national REDD+ strategies and REDD+ readiness proposals submitted to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, we found out that many of the proposed REDD+ activities by the Congo Basin countries including: climate smart agricultural practices and certification of large scale agricultural plantations; establishment of wood fuel energy plantations and improvement in energy efficiency; forests certification and implementation of the VPA-FLEGT; land use planning and zoning of mined sites; and the implementation of construction projects in low forested areas aligns with several green economy sectorial programmes of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). We conclude that the effective implementation of forestry and REDD+ programmes are instrumental in supporting outcomes of human wellbeing, reduced environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and social equity in the Congo Basin which are the main components of a green economy.