Introduction to REDD+ governance in Cambodia: Briefing Paper of the Overcoming the Legal Barriers to REDD+ Implementation Project

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+) has emerged out of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)/Kyoto Protocol negotiations. It is intended to be a mechanism to channel funding (both public and private) for reducing emissions from the forest sector, and as an international climate change policy it relies on national implementation. In order to attract and manage REDD+ investments, countries need to implement appropriate policy choices supported by strong legal frameworks. Therefore, countries seeking to implement REDD+ need to address various different issues in their REDD+ policies, including the development of robust legal structures to facilitate REDD+ implementation. These legal frameworks could be based on existing laws, and could require new law making.

This Brief provides an overview of the existing policies, law and institutions relevant to REDD+ implementation in Cambodia, and also outlines current REDD+ initiatives in the country.