"Decade-Long UN Forest Climate Talks Reach Breakthrough"

"A surprise agreement has been reached by envoys from about 190 nations after about a decade of talks on how to reduce deforestation in developing countries to help curb climate change.

The deal agreed on at a United Nations meeting in Bonn this week provides clarity on safeguards such as helping protect indigenous communities and ensuring biodiversity, which countries need to report on when seeking funds in exchange for protecting forests, Niranjali Amerasinghe said.

“We were surprised that countries came to an agreement” on REDD+, the UN’s Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation program, Amerasinghe said Wednesday in an interview in Bonn. “While there’s an international legal basis that recognizes the rights of indigenous people, the success of REDD+ will depend on its actual implementation on the ground,” said Amerasinghe, who monitors the talks for the Washington-based Center for International Environmental Law."

Stefan Nicola reports for Bloomberg June 10, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Bonn Meeting Ends With Last-Minute Compromise on Paris Climate Text" (Guardian)

"What Countries Have Offered for Paris Climate Agreement" (AP)

"Forest Protection Scheme Sewn Up At U.N. Climate Talks" (Reuters)