REDD+ Readiness progress across countries: time for reconsideration

Efforts towards Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus conservation, sustainable management of
forests and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) have grown in importance in developing countries following negotiations within
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This has favoured investments in processes to prepare
countries for REDD+ at the national level (a process referred to as REDD+ Readiness). Yet, little attention has been given to how
Readiness can be assessed and potentially improved. This article presents a framework for Readiness assessment and compares
progress in REDD+ Readiness across four countries, namely Cameroon, Indonesia, Peru, and Vietnam. The Readiness assessment
framework comprises six functions, namely planning and coordination; policy, laws, and institutions; measurement, reporting, verification
(MRV), and audits; benefit sharing; financing; and demonstrations and pilots. We found the framework credible and consistent
in measuring progress and eliciting insight into Readiness processes at the country level. Country performance for various
functions wasmixed. Progress was evident on planning and coordination, and demonstration and pilots. However, MRV and audits;
financing; benefit sharing; and policies, laws and institutions face major challenges. The results suggest that the way national forest
governance has been shaped by historical circumstances (showing path dependency) is a critical factor for progress in Readiness
processes. There is need for a rethink of the current REDD+ Readiness infrastructure given the serious gaps observed in addressing
drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, linking REDD+ to broader national strategies and systematic capacity building.