National REDD+ Strategy and Action Plan (2020).

The National REDD+ Strategy and Action Plan (Plan) outlines Bhutan’s commitment to achieving a perpetually carbon-neutral, climate-resilient, and prosperous society. As the only carbon-negative country in the world, Bhutan has embraced REDD+, an initiative under the UNFCCC focused on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and enhancing carbon sequestration through sustainable forest management. This Plan consists of six chapters: 1. Background; 2. Land Use and Land Use Change, Deforestation and forest Degradation; 3. The Strategy; 4. Policies and Measures; 5. Feasibility Assessment of Strategy Options; and 6. Strategy Implementation.
Chapter 1 provides for the geographic, economic, social, environmental and forestry context. Chapter 2 describes the deforestation and forest degradation patterns and drivers in Bhutan. Chapter 3 contains the guiding principles, vision and mission, and the strategy options. The four strategic options identified are: 1. Strengthened Forest Management Practices; 2. Climate Smart Primary Production; 3. Integrated Land Use Planning & Management; and 4. Improved Rural Livelihoods. Chapter 4 lays down the policies and measures, and strategic interventions under each of the strategic options. A total of ten policies and measures are laid down and the objectives and target actions are provided for each of them. Chapter 5 contains the feasibility analysis while considering the regulatory and policy framework, potential barriers, cost-benefit analysis, and financing requirements. Chapter 6 provides for the implementation strategies, in particular, the institutional arrangements and coordination, monitoring and evaluation, the National Forest Monitoring System, baselines, social and environmental impact, and feedback and grievance redressal mechanism.