General

For Vietnam and Lao PDR, which contain large areas of degraded forests the issue of forest carbon stock enhancement should be an integral part of any National REDD+ Strategy. To date, in these countries, like in most others, the focus of REDD+ efforts has been on deforestation and to a lesser extent forest degradation. Accordingly, there is a matching deficiency in guidance material and national approaches to forest carbon stock enhancement as part of the REDD+ Strategy. This project aims to advance understanding of forest carbon stock enhancement as part of any future REDD+ Agreement through exploring the technical and economic feasibility of different forest carbon stock enhancement strategies in pilot sites, across Vietnam and Lao PDR. The sites will be chosen to reflect representative forest ecosystems of the region. The results and operational guidance will feed into the National REDD+ Strategies, which will ensure their replication across the respective countries. The project also aims to better understand the economic feasibility of different options and the incentives which need to be in place to engage local communities and improve their living conditions. To bring the results to a wider audience, publications, regional and international workshops and communications platforms will be used to disseminate the lessons to the many individuals working on REDD+ and interested in advancing understanding of Forest Carbon Stock Enhancement as part of REDD+. The project has earmarked support to ensure the results can feed into the international discourse on REDD+.

General

The goal of the first phase of the project is to make sustainable the use of the scarce resource water along the Akhouryan River, taking into account various competing interests. Consistent water availability (even in dry years), because of the new water storage system and its integration into a coordinated water management plan, should reduce the vulnerability of the target group and ecosystems to the effects of climate change. In addition, by addressing the needs of surrounding ecosystems (Lake Arpi National Park, Wetlands, River Ecology), management plans will contribute to the conservation and biodiversity in the region. Finally yet importantly, the rehabilitation and completion of the existing rudimentary dam reduces the risk of dam failure.

General

The objective of this project is to improve the management of the marine and coastal biodiversity of high volcanic islands (Fiji, Solomons, Vanuatu) and flat atolls (Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu). The project will undertake economic analyses of marine and coastal ecosystems (TEEB) in six partner countries as well as regionally (Ocean – TEEB) and incorporate the results into national development planning. It will also spatially expand marine protected area systems, target them towards preserving ecosystems and demonstrate approaches to effective management in pilot areas, including payment for environmental ecosystem services. The project results will be applied in communities across the Pacific through regional organisations. Preserving marine and coastal biodiversity has positive impacts on climate change adaptation, carbon storage and the livelihoods of the population.