Kenya has made a major step in fighting climate change with the launch of its first-ever REDD+ Registry. This initiative is a partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom, aimed at promoting forest preservation and emissions reduction.
The REDD+ Registry, supported by Conservation International, is unique as it’s the first of its kind in Africa. It acts as a digital platform to track and verify emissions reductions from deforestation activities. This is crucial for maintaining transparency in carbon markets.
During the launch event, Deborah Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, highlighted how this registry will strengthen forest governance and attract climate finance. She pointed out that it will help Kenya participate in international carbon markets with accountability.
The registry is part of Kenya’s climate mitigation strategy. It ensures that all reductions are accurately recorded, preventing any double-counting. This aligns with the Climate Change (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the Carbon Market Regulations, 2024.
Furthermore, it prepares Kenya for the upcoming National Carbon Registry, reinforcing the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. The registry is not just a tool; it’s a pathway to an equitable carbon market system in Kenya.
Alongside the registry, the Ministry launched the Kenya REDD+ Nesting Guidelines. This provides a clear framework for integrating local projects into the national system. Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, remarked on how this registry symbolizes the Kenya-UK partnership in tackling climate issues.
Experts like Dr. Seif Hamisi from Conservation International stressed that this registry sets Kenya apart through transparency and accountability. It opens doors for international investment, especially from UK firms focused on finance and technology.
With this initiative, Kenya is the first African nation to create a deforestation-reduction registry and the second worldwide to implement a dedicated emissions tracking system. This advancement promises to enhance transparency and environmental integrity while ensuring that local communities gain real benefits from conservation efforts.
For further details, you can check the full announcement on Conservation International.
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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