Climate change and biodiversity loss are currently two of the key global challenges facing people and ecosystems. REDD+ policies aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the forest sector and so contribute to climate change mitigation. REDD+ policies also have the potential to provide biodiversity benefits, although, there are also some potential risks. Understanding the potential impacts of REDD+ on biodiversity can help support the development of policies which enhance the potential benefits and minimise risks.

Therefore, this report highlights how spatial analysis and land-use modelling can help in understanding the potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems services (and thus Convention on Biological Diversity objectives) of policy options for achieving REDD+ objectives. The report is a deliverable of the REDD-PAC project. Options for the REDD-PAC project’s analyses in Brazil are used to illustrate the report’s main points.

This brochure was produced by UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, as part of the REDD-PAC project under the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundenstag.