-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

THE Federal Government has launched the Nigeria’s National Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Strategy document to tackle the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation.

The journey towards the development of the REDD+ Strategy document has been with the support of the UN-REDD Programme, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility of the World Bank and the technical guidance of other development partners like the United Nations Development (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Speaking at the Launch in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar said the launch was a strong indication of the commitment and effort of the Nigerian government in reducing the rate of deforestation and forest degradation as well as contributing to the objective of the Paris agreement in addressing climate change, a process would build momentum for a decarbonized and a more inclusive and resilient economy.

He said: “The importance of a National REDD+ Strategy hinges on the premise that it stands tall as one of the pillars of REDD+ Readiness components for those seeking results-based payment for REDD+. The Strategy identified drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, analysed existing and proposed policies and measures, with commensurate options for addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation.

“It also integrates various systems to establish baselines, monitor and report performance, and enables validation of claims of emissions reduction attributed to the REDD+ programmes or activities within the country.”

The Minister disclosed that Nigeria’s vision for implementing REDD+ is “to establish a climate resilient economy through sustainable management of forests, to enhance carbon sinks, and reduce GHG emissions by at least 20% by year 2050”.

He said recognizing the significance of the forest and land sector as a source of Nigeria’s GHG emissions, and the need for international support to help develop and implement nature-based solutions identified in the Strategy, Nigeria will implement its REDD+ Strategy in phases over a thirty-year period from 2021 to 2050 to achieve the short, medium, and long-term goals.”

Mohammad revealed that the nation over the next decade, propose to reduce projected total forest sector emissions by 20%, or approximately 150 MtCO2e through the implementation of REDD+ strategies and programmes and other initiatives.

He said Nigeria anchors its National REDD+ Strategy on one general objective, which is: “To reduce the rate of carbon emissions and enhance removals from the forest sector while creating benefits for resilience building and green economic development”.

He noted that Nigeria’s National REDD+ Strategy has identified four broad options as a set of strategic response to enable the country to achieve the objectives of this Strategy, which includes focus REDD+ activities to address drivers of deforestation, improve forest and climate change governance, attract incentives, and enable equitable access to benefit and grievance redress.

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