Protecting Ecosystems and Restoring Forests in Malawi (PERFORM): A Rapid Assessment of REDD+ Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Capabilities and Potential in Malawi

The assessment aimed to evaluate the current MRV capabilities in Malawi and identify potential areas for improvement. The evolution of REDD+ in international agreements is a critical aspect of the assessment. REDD+ is a mechanism that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides guidance on the measurement, reporting, and verification of REDD+ activities. The National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) is a critical component of REDD+ implementation, and it requires the development of a robust MRV system. The rapid assessment was conducted to evaluate the current MRV capabilities in Malawi. The assessment involved the evaluation of prior projects, expertise, and readiness, as well as data management capabilities, human resources, and the capacity to implement the pillars of a NFMS. The assessment also involved the characterization of key stakeholders, including governmental institutions, academic institutions, civil society, and nongovernmental organizations. The results of the assessment indicate that Malawi has a strong foundation for REDD+ implementation, with a well-established NFMS framework. However, there are areas that require improvement, including the development of a robust MRV system, the enhancement of data management capabilities, and the strengthening of human resources. The assessment recommends immediate actions to support the Government of Malawi in improving its MRV capabilities. These actions include collaborative activities with UN-REDD and GIZ-supported projects, support to the Government of Malawi, and activities developed within the PERFORM project team using the described NFMS framework. The assessment also recommends long-term human capacity building, including policymakers and decision-makers, technical personnel, community-level training, and training the next generation of foresters. The development of a robust MRV system is critical to the success of REDD+ implementation in Malawi, and the assessment provides a roadmap for improving MRV capabilities in the country. The assessment was conducted using a range of methodologies, including the evaluation of prior projects, expertise, and readiness, as well as data management capabilities, human resources, and the capacity to implement the pillars of a NFMS. The assessment also involved the characterization of key stakeholders and the development of a roadmap for improving MRV capabilities in Malawi. The PERFORM rapid assessment of REDD+ MRV capabilities and potential in Malawi provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current MRV capabilities in the country and identifies areas for improvement. The assessment provides a roadmap for improving MRV capabilities in Malawi and supports the country's efforts to implement REDD+ effectively. The assessment highlights the importance of a robust MRV system in supporting REDD+ implementation in Malawi. The development of a robust MRV system is critical to the success of REDD+ implementation, and the assessment provides a roadmap for improving MRV capabilities in the country. The PERFORM rapid assessment of REDD+ MRV capabilities and potential in Malawi was conducted in collaboration with the Government of Malawi, UN-REDD, and GIZ-supported projects. The assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current MRV capabilities in Malawi and identifies areas for improvement. The assessment recommends the development of a robust MRV system, the enhancement of data management capabilities, and the strengthening of human resources. The assessment also recommends long-term human capacity building, including policymakers and decision-makers, technical personnel, community-level training, and training the next generation of foresters. The PERFORM rapid assessment of REDD+ MRV capabilities and potential in Malawi provides a roadmap for improving MRV capabilities in the country and supports the country's efforts to implement REDD+ effectively. The assessment highlights the importance of a robust MRV system in supporting REDD+ implementation in Malawi and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current MRV capabilities in the country.