Emissions from land use change mainly forest loss contribute 17 4% of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC 2007). The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is currently discussing incentives for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries (REDD). In addition to securing carbon, REDD can deliver co‐benefits, including conservation of forest biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem services.

To help secure co‐benefits, it is useful to find out where high carbon, high biodiversity priority and ecosystem service values overlap. In November 2009, UNEP-WCMC conducted an initial illustrative study of the relationship between carbon and biodiversity in Honduras.