Lessons from Early REDD+ Experiences in the Philippines

There is growing interest globally in REDD+ initiatives to help mitigate climate change; the Philippines is no exception. In this
paper, we review early REDD+ project experiences in the country. The guiding document for REDD+ in the Philippines is the
National REDD+ Strategy (PNRPS) which was prepared by a multisectoral group of authors.There are five REDD+ projects that
are underway.Thecritical factors emerging fromthese early REDD+ actions are the following: external support, local participation,
free prior and informed consent, capacity building, sustainability, national laws and policies, biodiversity conservation, and use of
safeguards.The pioneering projects reviewed here as well as the emerging lessons from them will hopefully provide a firmer basis
for future REDD+ actions in the country.