Fundamentals on REDD+ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradations

• Level: Introductory
• Time commitment: 12 hours over 6 modules
• Learning product: online syllabus
• Sector: forestry, energy, mining, finance and development
• Language: English
• Certificate available: yes

This course is hosted on UN CC:e-Learnfunded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation – see the SDC Climate Change and Environment Network on weADAPT for more information. Please find the Fundamentals of REDD+, where you can download the syllabus and enrol for full access.

Introduction

Fundamentals on REDD+ covers the basics of REDD+, from the elements required under the UNFCCC to how to prepare and implement REDD+ at the national level including financial resource available. It is structured into 6 modules, and each module takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.

*This article provides an overview of the course with selected videos acting as tasters. The full course with all videos, quizzes plus learning material can be accessed here through a free registration on the UNCC:e-Learn website.

Institutional background and trainer

All modules include an introductory video lecture, an interactive lesson and a learning journal in PDF format. The modules also include links to other UN resources on REDD+, which provides a gateway to more in-depth and specific information.

The modules have been developed and peer-reviewed by UN-REDD and UN CC:Learn.

The REDD+ e-Academy comprises two e-courses which aim to ensure the material developed for the REDD+ Academy is accessible to all. The two courses are Fundamentals on REDD+ and Advancing on REDD+. While the first course provides the basics for a good understanding of REDD+ principles, the second provides content for a deeper understanding of how countries can benefit from applying REDD+ at a national level. Overall, the two courses provide an overview of key REDD+ issues with the aim of empowering participants to contribute to a well-informed national REDD+ process.

Who would find this useful?

The REDD+ e-Academy aims to train REDD+ decision-makers in economic and policy areas – essential for the success of Results-based Actions – in sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, finance and development planning. Other REDD+ stakeholders, such as civil society and academia, will also find useful information in the two courses.

The course on Fundamentals on REDD+ is directed at the above-mentioned individuals, who are at the beginning of their REDD+ journey and who do not have pre-existing knowledge of the principles of REDD+.

Training material

The course on Fundamentals on REDD+ is structured around six modules. The first three modules present a general introduction on the topic. The last three modules present various REDD+ elements which are required under the UNFCCC and how to prepare and implement REDD+ at the national level, including what financial resources are available.

• Forest, Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change;
• Understanding REDD+ and the UNFCCC;
• Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation;
• Policies and Measures for REDD+ Implementation;
• National Strategies and Action Plans;
• REDD+ Finance.

The course is self-paced and adapted to the schedule of full-time working professionals. Participants are provided with the opportunity to learn through various experiences: absorb (read); interact (activity); and reflect (relate to one’s own reality).

The six modules of the course are self-standing and can be completed in any order. However, it is recommended that learners complete the modules in a chronological order, if they do not have pre-existing knowledge of all the topics.

The successful completion of each module rewards learners with a badge. Users who receive all six badges, associated with the six modules of the course, will receive a certificate of completion of the course.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course Fundamentals on REDD+, participants will be able to:

• Explain the role of deforestation and forest degradation in the process of climate change;
• Define REDD+ aspects in the context of the UNFCCC;
• Explain the importance of analysing and prioritizing direct and indirect drivers of deforestation and forest degradation;
• Explain the relationship between policies and measures (PAMs) and the five REDD+ activities;
• Describe the process of developing a National REDD+ Strategy or Action Plan;
• Identify the variety of perceptions of REDD+ finance in each of the three REDD+ phases.