REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing countries) is now a commonly shared concept of conserving forests as a climate mitigation strategy by providing incentives for the conservation of carbon stored in existing forests. REDD is considered a cost-effective way to reduce emissions which could contribute to sustainable forest management in developing countries.

The COP 13 Decision on "reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries: approaches to stimulate action" paved the way for further work on REDD by encouraging the Parties to build capacities for i) data collection, ii) emissions estimations and monitoring and iii) to undertake demonstration activities to enhance forest carbon stocks.

On 24 March 2008, the Forestry Agency and the Forest Conservation, Livelihoods and Rights Project (IGES) held Japan-Asia REDD Seminar in Hayama, Japan.

Approximately 40 participants including Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute(FFPRI), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA), National Institute for Environmental Studies(NIES), Waseda University, JICA, MARD Viet Nam, MAFF Cambodia, DOF Laos, MOF Indonesia attended the Seminar and actively contributed to discussions.

	Pioneering experiences in field activities and national responses was shared among participants for short-cutting the approach for other countries joining the REDD agenda.
	Key personnel in the forest sector of the governments of selected Asian countries were invited and shared information on the current status of their forests and impediments for sustainable forest management (SFM) in order to identify appropriate strategies for active participation in the REDD agenda.
	The outcomes of the Seminar may contribute to the discussion on REDD at the UNFCCC SBSTA workshop to be held in June in Tokyo, from the viewpoint of the unique potential of implementing countries.