Safeguarding people and biodiversity

Safeguards are principles or measures that aim to protect or to avoid risks: “do no harm”. They promote social benefits: “do good”. Examples of such benefits are improved livelihoods, clarification of land tenure and the inclusion of women and indigenous people in decision-making processes.   The aim of firm social and environmental safeguards is to ensure the social and environmental integrity of carbon emissions reductions.

Safeguards are an integral part of the REDD+ framework, ensuring that efforts to reduce emissions and conserve forests are carried out responsibly, equitably, and sustainably.

As countries ramp up their REDD+ activities, the need for a comprehensive approach to implementing safeguards becomes increasingly important. These safeguards are designed to prevent harm, promote benefits, and ensure that REDD+ interventions contribute positively to environmental objectives and human rights.

Through the UN-REDD Programme, UNEP provides vital support to governments in promoting the respect of rights by addressing and respecting safeguards. UNEP’s work encompasses:

• Assessing the social and environmental benefits and risks of proposed REDD+ interventions.
• Mainstreaming socio-economic benefits into integrated land-use planning.
• Ensuring social and governance considerations are integrated into the design of funding mechanisms for sustainable landscapes.
• Facilitating compliance with international safeguard requirements by advising on policies, laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks.
• UNEP’s guidance and tools are tailored to enable countries to adopt a robust and flexible approach to meeting the Framework Convention on Climate Change’s safeguards requirements, reflecting different national circumstances and facilitating access to REDD+ results-based payments.

The impact of UNEP’s work in supporting countries to implement REDD+ safeguards is significant and widespread. For example, one of the key achievements includes the development and implementation of National Safeguards Information Systems (SIS) in numerous countries. These systems are essential for tracking how safeguards are addressed and respected, providing a transparent and accountable framework for REDD+ implementation.

By helping countries to establish and refine their SIS, UNEP has played a pivotal role in enhancing the global REDD+ landscape. These systems not only ensure compliance with international requirements but also build confidence among stakeholders and donors in the integrity and effectiveness of REDD+ activities.

More info in UN-REDD’s work on safeguards and multiple benefits.