This Policy Brief explores the scope for complementarities and synergies in actions under the two Conventions, and illustrates through case studies some ways in which developing countries have started to address these. The majority of developing countries have ratified both the UNFCCC and CBD, and therefore may voluntarily participate in REDD+ and have committed themselves to achieve progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. As recognized in CBD Decision XI/195, it may be helpful for countries to consider how activities under REDD+ and those aimed at achieving the Aichi Targets may complement one another, and to promote synergies between them. Ensuring that policies advance both sets of goals may be cost-effective in terms of financial expenditure and land allocation.

Where responsibilities for REDD+ and CBD implementation are held by different ministries (or departments within ministries), coordination of their efforts could help to enhance likely synergies and minimize any conflicts. This also applies to wider cross-sectoral coordination with ministries responsible for agriculture, energy, infrastructure and extractive resources. Coordination may be particularly fruitful during policy development, information-sharing and stakeholder consultations. Without coordination on policy, REDD+ decisions could place constraints on the range of options feasible for Aichi Biodiversity Target implementation, or vice versa. Complementary efforts on information collection, management and sharing could improve datasets on forests, biodiversity and on other national priorities that will influence land-use decisions. For example, some countries have undertaken a gap analysis of how well biodiversity priorities are covered by the existing protected areas system. The results could be of use in land-use planning for REDD+ that also delivers biodiversity conservation benefits.