Deforestation and forest degradation in the tropics account for around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and most comes from developing countries. Tackling this forest loss is crucial for stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding the worst effects of climate change. Reducing deforestation will stem the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services upon which poorer populations depend. Well-developed national strategies to reduce deforestation can contribute multiple benefits: climate change mitigation, poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation.
WCS Cambodia is committed to helping government and local community partners to mitigate the effects of climate change through protecting forest carbon in high-carbon landscapes. WCS' long-term presence in two key landscapes, the Seima Forest and the Northern Plains, will help to ensure that permanent reductions in carbon emissions are secured, and that the economic benefits of these reductions are equitably distributed among stakeholders.
WCS Cambodia is assisting the government in the design and implementation of effective national and sub-national strategies to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD). REDD activities are currently underway in two demonstration sites - Project Design Documents are being prepared in Seima, while a REDD feasibility study is being implemented in the Northern Plains. The results from these demonstration sites will contribute to the development of a national REDD strategy.