Deforestation and land-use change are a leading cause of global warming. They account for 20-25% of global carbon emissions, and over a third of emissions from developing countries. In Indonesia, deforestation and land-use change are estimated to account for 80% of Indonesia’s carbon emissions and 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions released from the logging, burning and conversion of Indonesia’s forests and peatlands have helped make Indonesia the world’s fourth largest greenhouse gas polluter after the USA, European Union and China.

Curbing deforestation in Indonesia is a highly cost-effective way to mitigate climate change. This is because avoided deforestation can prevent carbon being released into the atmosphere from the burning and logging of forests. Conserved forests also have the potential to absorb global emissions into their biomass, soils, and products. Moreover, avoided deforestation efforts offer additional benefits, such as protecting biodiversity, preventing soil erosion and protecting the livelihoods of forest dependent populations.

SEKALA has worked with REDD+ since its inception in Indonesia and are able to provide analytical support for REDD+ strategies and methodologies. We are also able to provide information and training on REDD+ to various stakeholders and to help stakeholders to develop Reference Emissions Levels (REL) and to monitor forest cover change.