Written By: Yisehak Dinku NRS
UNFCCC published on its website Ethiopia’s modified FRL. Accordingly, the forest reference emission level for deforestation is 17,978,735 tCO2 /year and the forest reference level for afforestation is 4,789,935 tCO2 /year. As stated by UNFCCC the version of the FRL estimates have been improved and the data was constructed from the national forest inventory by estimating the emission factors and activity data based on new satellite image analysis. The report in the meantime indicates that the FRL covers the countrywide territory of Ethiopia.
The National REDD+ Secretariat is determined to follow the UN framework convention and safeguard the country’s natural forest while putting effort to restore lost forest areas. Currently, REDD+ Ethiopia is on the verge of completing the Readiness program and entering the implementation program. It has so far accomplished important activities such as several research works, which were made by distinguished consultants; a number of awareness training workshops, which were organized and conducted by NRS experts as well as RCU experts and the National Forest Inventory accomplishment during the Readiness phase.
Yet, encouraging activities are underway to keep restoring degraded areas and preventing loss of carbon stock. The current forest reference level is so promising that the future endeavors will lead to much better climate. It is therefore high time for REDD+ Ethiopia and its partners to come up in unison and combat deforestation.