REDD+ Social and Environmental Standards (REDD+ SES)

All policies, measures and activities in a national or jurisdictional REDD+ programme.

National or subnational/jurisdictional.

The assessment of social and environmental impacts are “relative to the reference scenario which is the most likely land-use scenario in the absence of the REDD+ program.”

Additionality is assumed through the setting of the reference scenario (see Reference Levels).

Leakage is not addressed under REDD+ SES.

Reversals are not addressed under REDD+ SES. 

The following principles apply to the REDD+ SES assessment, i.e. the REDD+ programme:  recognises and respects rights to lands, territories and resources (Principle 1); shares benefits equitably among all relevant rights holders and stakeholders (Principle 2); improves long-term livelihood security and well-being of Indigenous Peoples and local communities with special attention to women and the most marginalized and/or vulnerable people (Principle 3); contributes to good governance, to broader sustainable development and to social justice (Principle 4); ensures all relevant rights holders and stakeholders participate fully and effectively in the REDD+ programme (Principle 6).

Principle 5 states that the REDD+ programme maintains and enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services. Criteria mandate that biodiversity and ecosystem services potentially affected by the REDD+ programme are identified, prioritised and mapped, and that the REDD+ programme maintains and enhances the identified biodiversity and ecosystem service priorities. Further, the REDD+ programme should not lead to the conversion or degradation of natural forests or other areas that are important for maintaining and enhancing the identified biodiversity and ecosystem service priorities. 

There are a number of procedural safeguards that address integration in policies, laws, regulations; transparency; stakeholder participation; provision of information; and avenues for stakeholders to air grievances. Principle 7 seeks to ensure that the REDD+ programme complies with applicable local and national laws and international treaties, conventions and other instruments. Transparency is highlighted throughout REDD+ SES (benefit sharing, stakeholder engagement and governance). Particular emphasis is given with regards to governance structures, accountability, and finances under Principle 4.

All relevant rights holders and stakeholders must be identified and “fully involved through culturally appropriate, gender sensitive and effective participation.” Regarding provision of information, Principle 6 states ensures that ‘stakeholders have the information that they need about the REDD+ program, provided in a culturally appropriate, gender sensitive and timely way’.

In addition, the ‘Guidelines for the Use of REDD+ SES at Country Level’ support the development of a country’s safeguards information system by providing guidelines and good practice guidance for the identification of country-specific indicators through a multi-stakeholder process, the collection of information against each indicator, preparation of monitoring and assessment plans and a multi-stakeholder review of the assessment report.

A process must be instituted for resolution of grievances and disputes, including specific guidelines on response, redress, timeliness and consideration of customary processes.

The assessment requires the development of a monitoring plan that defines what specific information is required, methods and responsibilities for information collection, and an assessment plan defining the process for preparation, review, approval and dissemination of the assessment report.  The report is reviewed by stakeholders, approved by a country-level multi-stakeholder committee and made publicly available. 

The REDD+ SES does not have a registry associated with it.