Draft Methodological Framework for Developing Reference Levels for REDD+

The framework is intended to guide countries in understanding the methods and data required, the timeframe for implementation, and how to adjust historic emissions for national circumstances. The framework is based on a stepwise approach to developing RL/RELs, allowing for improvements over time in data and methodologies. It also provides flexibility, allowing countries to develop subnational RL/RELs before national scale if appropriate, as an interim measure. Additionally, the framework allows for some choice in pools, gases, and activities, and requires countries to submit information and a rationale to ensure transparency. The framework focuses on the technical components of developing the RL/REL, including the creation of a historic emissions estimate and adjustments for national circumstances. It also provides the option of making the projection spatially explicit. The framework is designed to operate as multiple linked flowcharts, allowing users to "zoom in" and "zoom out" from each step in the process. Historic emissions, upon which a country's RL/REL will be based, is the product of activity data and emission/removal factors. Activity data refers to the extent of deforestation, degradation, or carbon stock enhancement, typically measured in hectares on an annual basis. Emission/removal factors are used to calculate the emissions or removals associated with each activity. The framework outlines the steps required to develop a historic emissions estimate, including the collection of activity data and emission/removal factors. It also provides guidance on how to adjust historic emissions for national circumstances, such as changes in land use or forest cover. The framework also provides the option of making the projection spatially explicit, using geospatial models to estimate emissions location. The development of a RL/REL involves several steps, including the collection of activity data and emission/removal factors, the calculation of historic emissions, and the adjustment of historic emissions for national circumstances. The framework provides guidance on how to conduct these steps, including the use of statistical tests, assessments of policies and programs, and third-party studies. The framework is designed to be flexible and practical, allowing countries to adapt it to their specific needs and circumstances. It is intended to be used in partnership with the separate document Decision Support Tools, and is expected to be useful for countries and analysts designing a REDD+ RL/REL and monitoring system.