What are the ecosystem-derived benefits of REDD+ and why do they matter?

The paper provides an analysis of the ecosystem-derived multiple benefits of REDD+.

The terminology around multiple benefits is not yet clear cut. Here, the different terms in use are reviewed and suggestions are made about how terms can be used in a consistent way.

The range of different ecosystem-derived benefits is surveyed and the most important ones identified. There is the risk of environmental harms as well as benefits from REDD+. Some of the benefits are closely related to each other, and tend to co-occur. Benefits are delivered at different scales; some are primarily local while others may be national or global. Different REDD+ activities may give rise to different benefits and risks.

Assessing the magnitude of the benefits from REDD+ is often not easy; nevertheless, in some cases it may be possible to provide an estimate of the economic value of the ecosystem-derived benefits. In all cases, the monitoring of benefits can play an important role.

A number of equity issues arise in connection with ecosystem-derived benefits which should be addressed in the implementation of REDD+.