PROJECT BACKGROUND<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Arepo was conducting the evaluation of the project Implementation of the Lao PDR Emission Reductions Programme through Improved governance and sustainable forest landscape management for the German International Cooperation (GIZ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project seeks to slow decades of tropical rainforest degradation and contribute to emission reductions. The project aims to support a REDD+ emissions reduction program. It will create an enabling environment for REDD+ by strengthening the legal and regulatory framework of the forest sector and improving the availability of finance. In addition, it aims to promote agroforestry and agriculture that do not contribute to deforestation by increasing agricultural productivity. Central to the project are performance-based payments to participating communities and institutions in three provinces that have high rates of deforestation and forest degradation. These financial incentives promote land use practices that lead to emission reductions. The overall target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.6 million metric tons of CO2<\/sub> equivalents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and private sector partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n