USAID Greening Prey Lang Northern Plains Landscape REDD+ Feasibility Assessment

The assessment aimed to evaluate the feasibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects in the Northern Plains Landscape of Cambodia. The assessment was based on a comprehensive review of existing materials, including stakeholder identification, assembly, and checklist development. A site visit was conducted to gather additional information and assess the technical feasibility of the project. The assessment also involved a technical analysis, including GIS analysis, carbon accounting, and financial projections. The assessment identified several key pathways to crediting, including historical crediting, early nesting, and benchmark scenarios. The historical average-low FREL (Forest Reference Emission Level) scenario was used as a benchmark to evaluate the project's potential for reducing emissions. The assessment also considered the use of verified carbon standard (VCS) methodologies, joint crediting mechanism (JCM), ART TREES, and CARB TFS. The design framework for the project was developed based on the assessment's findings. The framework included grouping and scalability, historical reference region, and leakage buffer. The assessment also evaluated the performance crediting requirements, including baseline emissions and issuance projections. The historical average-low FREL scenario was used to estimate the project's potential for reducing emissions. The assessment identified several key challenges and opportunities for the project, including the need for additional data on forest cover and carbon stocks, the importance of engaging local communities in the project design and implementation, and the potential for leveraging funding from international carbon markets. The assessment concluded that the Northern Plains Landscape has significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of REDD+ projects, and that further development of the project design framework is necessary to move forward with project implementation. The assessment was conducted by a team of experts from Tetra Tech, including Kyle Holland, PhD, Jeff Silverman, and Colin Moore, with contributions from Matthew Edwardsen, Chief of Party, and Patricia Caffrey, Project Manager. The assessment was funded by USAID through the Greening Prey Lang Activity, and was produced for review by USAID.