The overall goal of the project is to enhance ASEAN's ability to coordinate efforts for REDD-plus at the regional and international levels to address the issue of climate change and its impact in ASEAN Member States. Moreover, the specific objectives are to: (1) promote the utilization of the ASEAN strategy and common positions on REDD-plus in the international arena; and (2) develop and promote the application of guidelines for measuring and reporting emissions and removals, forest carbon stocks and area changes and establishing Reference Emission Levels as key entry requirements for REDD-plus programs in ASEAN Member States. Fundamentally, the project is aimed at developing Guidelines for Measuring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), and establishing Reference Emission Levels and/or Reference Levels (REL/RL).
Taking into consideration the different levels of engagement, policy development and technical capability amongst the ASEAN Member States, it is also expected to strengthen ASEAN cooperation and contribute to the pool of knowledge regarding REDD-plus methodological requirements. These are necessary for the establishment of an accountable and transparent monitoring mechanism at the national and regional levels.
SEARCA coordinates with the ASEAN Member States and provides guidance in addressing methodological issues as key entry requirements for REDD-plus and its subsequent implementation. This includes providing technical leadership in designing feasible, scalable and cost-effective MRV and REL guidelines under ASEAN Member States conditions.
