Kenya Unveils Africa’s First REDD+ Registry: A Game-Changing UK Partnership to Accelerate Climate Action

Kenya recently celebrated a major milestone by launching its first-ever REDD+ Registry in collaboration with the United Kingdom. This new digital platform is unique to Africa and aims to track and verify efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation.

The platform was developed with assistance from Conservation International. It acts as a central hub for managing emissions reductions from REDD+ activities across the country. During the launch, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Deborah Barasa, emphasized that this registry is more than just a technological achievement. It’s a pivotal step towards better forest governance and climate financing. She highlighted Kenya’s dedication to environmental integrity and people-centered conservation.

Barasa explained that the registry is a crucial part of Kenya’s National Carbon Market. It records, tracks, and verifies emission reductions and forest-based carbon credits. The launch aligns with Kenya’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, particularly Article 6, which encourages countries to collaborate on carbon markets. This registry not only supports the environment but also ensures that stakeholders can participate with transparency and accountability.

The Kenya REDD+ Registry is designed to prevent double-counting and comply with the Climate Change (Amendment) Act of 2023. It also integrates with the upcoming National Carbon Registry, reinforcing Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under global climate agreements. The initiative is supported by UK PACT and Conservation International, marking a step toward a trustworthy carbon market system in Kenya.

In addition, the launch included the Kenya REDD+ Nesting Guidelines, which outline a consistent framework for integrating various REDD+ activities into national carbon accounting. British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, noted that this registry symbolizes the strong partnership between Kenya and the UK, furthering shared climate goals.

Dr. Seif Hamisi from Conservation International remarked that this registry showcases Kenya’s commitment to transparency in managing its REDD+ program. He stressed that it sets a new standard for carbon credit achievement. The platform also opens up avenues for international financial support, especially from UK-based investors in finance and technology.

Interestingly, Kenya becomes the first African nation to establish such a registry and the second globally to launch a dedicated REDD+ emissions tracking system. This initiative not only enhances transparency but also alleviates environmental concerns by allowing international verification, which is crucial for generating trust among investors.

By addressing forest preservation and promoting fair benefit-sharing, the registry ensures that local communities, including Indigenous Peoples, are rewarded for their conservation efforts. As global focus on climate change intensifies, Kenya’s actions may inspire other nations to follow suit and invest in sustainable solutions.

For additional insights on climate cooperation efforts, you can check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) resources.

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