Development of JCM REDD+ and REDD+ Readiness in Lao PDR

Lao PDR and Japan signed a bilateral document for the introduction of the JCM on 7 August, 2013. The first JCM meeting was held on 16 May 2014 to discuss (1) rules of implementation for JCM and JCM rules of procedures for the Joint Committee, (2) JCM project cycle procedure and ten forms related to the procedure, and (3) including REDD+ in the sectoral scope of JCM. The JCM REDD+ will be other opportunity to get private sector involve in the carbon market mechanism and contribute to GHG emission reduction in the country.

In Luang Prabang Province, Waseda University developed the feasibility study of the JCM REDD+ project in the former PAREDD project (JICA) area at project level . JCM/REDD development survey is being carried out in Phonxay District, Luang Prabang Province, that will be verified and registered in 2016 with 2016-2020 as the 5 year baseline period (at present JCM is until 2020, and can be extended by bilateral agreement). Monitoring, issue of credits, and sale is envisaged in 2020.

This report provides an independent review of the state of JCM REDD+ and REDD+ Readiness in Lao PDR. Information for the report is drawn from the literature and from interviews with REDD+ stakeholders in Lao PDR.