Kenya Unveils Africa’s First REDD+ Registry: A Game-Changer for Climate Action in Partnership with the UK

Kenya recently took a bold step in climate action by launching its first-ever REDD+ Registry. This initiative, in partnership with the United Kingdom, aims to tackle deforestation and improve transparency in carbon markets.

The REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Registry is Africa’s first digital platform for tracking and managing emissions reductions. It was developed with the help of Conservation International, positioning Kenya as a leader in forest-based climate solutions.

At the launch, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa highlighted the registry as a game-changer for forest governance. She noted that it would enhance Kenya’s ability to participate in international carbon markets and ensure accountability in environmental practices. This aligns with Kenya’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, specifically Article 6, which calls for cooperation in carbon trading.

The registry not only serves as a hub for emissions tracking but also helps prevent issues like double-counting of carbon credits. It aligns with recent climate legislation, including the Climate Change (Amendment) Act of 2023 and the Carbon Market Regulations of 2024.

Moreover, this initiative includes the newly launched Kenya REDD+ Nesting Guidelines. This framework integrates various local and national REDD+ efforts into a cohesive accounting system.

Neil Wigan, British High Commissioner to Kenya, pointed to the importance of this registry as a symbol of the Kenya-UK partnership focused on climate and nature.

Dr. Seif Hamisi from Conservation International stressed that this platform places Kenya in a unique position, emphasizing transparency in its REDD+ program. As one of the few countries with such a registry, Kenya is setting high standards for carbon credit verification.

The UK will host the registry for two years while Kenya builds its own infrastructure. This effort not only engages government bodies but also benefits local communities and conservancies.

Kenya is the first African nation to create a REDD+ emissions tracking system, second only to a handful of countries globally. This development is expected to attract international investment, including funding from technology and climate service firms.

In 2022, the global carbon market was valued at $272 billion, highlighting the potential for substantial economic benefits from initiatives like the REDD+ Registry. Kenya’s new platform might open doors to profitable green investments and ensure that local communities receive fair compensation for their conservation efforts.

As the world grapples with climate change, Kenya’s leadership in carbon market transparency offers a hopeful path forward for sustainable development.



Source link

Kenya launches Africa’s first REDD+ registry in landmark UK partnership to boost climate action, Headlines, Climate Change, Climate action, kenya climate change, climate change kenya, REDD+ Registry, forest conservation