Decree No. 23/2018 approving the Regulation for the Implementation of Projects to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, Conservation and Increase of Carbon Reserves (REDD+ Regulation).

This Decree approves the Regulation for the Implementation of Projects to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, Conservation and Increase of Carbon Reserves (REDD+ Regulation). It aims to regulate, define principles and standards for the implementation of the above mentioned Programmes and Projects, defining the institutional framework and competencies. This Regulation shall apply to REDD+ Programmes and Projects to be implemented in any area of the national territory. Exceptions to the application of this Regulation are: The conversion of forests into forest plantations should not be considered as an increase in reserves reduction in terms of REDD+; Any activity that is being developed under the forestry legislation and not been licensed under this Regulation. In applying this Regulation, the following principles must be observed: a) The legitimacy and ownership of the State in the creation, generation, emission, validation, verification and withdrawal of emission reductions and corresponding titles; b) The compatibility of REDD+ activities with the conservation of natural environments, biological diversity and scientific research that support the sustainable use of forest resources, etc.
The purpose of this Regulation is to: a) Define rules for REDD+ Programmes and Projects in the national territory; b) promote the conservation and restoration of degraded natural ecosystems and enhance their ecosystem and environmental services; c) Define rules for generation, transfer, transaction and withdrawal of emission reduction titles; d) Ensure the monitoring and transparency of information on REDD+ emissions and removals at the national, provincial and district levels; e) Promote the adoption of good practices in sustainable forest management.