Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) is considered as a cost-efficient option for carbon offsets. REDD+ extends to include conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stock. Implementation of REDD+ could potentially provide developing countries a significant source of funding for development.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in 2012, Quang Binh has highest forest coverage in the country with forest cover reached 67.1% in 2011.

Realized the potential benefits from REDD+, the provincial leaders expressed their interests to the MARD and various development agencies, especially with GIZ.
With an additional funding from the Government of Germany through the Nature Conservation and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Region Project (GIZ PNKB) a number of initial activities for REDD+ has been realized in the last months of 2012.

At the meeting, the PSC focused on discussing its working regulations and next steps for implementing REDD+ related activities with the supports from GIZ and the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Readiness Fund.

In 2013, followings are the main focuses of the up-coming support from GIZ for the implementation of REDD+ related activities, including organization support and capacity building; forestry cover change analysis to establish forest carbon map and reference emissions levels; solutions for safeguards, especially social safeguards; determination of objectives and provincial-level REDD+ action planning.

Addressing the meeting, head of the PSC Tran Van Tuan highly evaluated assistances of GIZ and REDD+ program in Vietnam in the past time. He stressed the importance of REDD+ program in forest protection and socio-economic development of the province.

In the forthcoming time, Vice Chairman Tuan expressed his hope that GIZ and REDD+ Vietnam will continue supporting the REDD+ activities in Quang Binh, especially technical and professional supports to successfully implement the REDD+ related activities in Quang Binh.

Reported by Hong Luu
(www.quangbinh.gov.vn)