1. Introduction to Malawi REDD+ Process and Outlook
William Chadza & Dalitso Kafumbata
29th April 2015

2. Some Facts on Malawi (1) Malawi is in the REDD+ Readiness Phase;
The Readiness Phase is getting support from GoM, USAID, USFS and UN- REDD;
DoF is the National REDD+ Focal Point;

3. Some Facts on Malawi (2)
The pursuit of REDD+ is in line with GoM’s medium term national development strategies - MGDS II priorities;
Revision of Forestry Policy and development of Climate Change Policy are considering inclusion of REDD+ as a strategy for mitigation; and
Malawi’s efforts related to REDD+ date back to 2006 – DoF, FRIM, LEAD SEA initiatives.

4. Overview of Malawi REDD+ Process
Designation of National REDD+ Focal Point
Institutionalization of management arrangements
Visioning and Goal setting
Study tours
Commissioning of studies
Development of 5-year Action Plan
Commissioning of additional studies
Site-based implementation (PERFORM)
Development of National Road Map to Strategy
Development of National Strategy
Implementation
Monitoring and Evaluation

5. Progress to date (1)
Institutionalization of management arrangements – DoF is National REDD+ Secretariat;
Finalized work plan for Malawi’s pursuit of REDD+ readiness and development of a REDD+ Strategy;
- comprehensive work plan identifies and prioritizes 35 action items
Development of draft Malawi REDD+ Program Action Plan 2014 – 2019;

6. Progress to date (2)
Awareness building on policy, science and technical aspects of REDD+;
Capacity building of DoF and other institutions in REDD+:
- in-county study tours;
- study tours to Tanzania and Zambia; and
- Participation in SADC/GIZ REDD+ MRV Project

7. Progress to date (3)
Design and operationalization of a national REDD+ institutional management structure;
- REDD+ Expert Group;
- Governance & Policy TWG;
- Science & Technology TWG; and
- Communication & Awareness TWG.
Multi-stakeholder composition of structure:
- Government departments;
- Civil society, Development partners; and
- Research, Academia and Private sector.

9. Progress to date (4) Development of integrated MRV system;
National Forest Inventory design;
GIS capacity assessment and roadmap;
Land Use Land Cover standards development;
Above and below ground carbon measurement assessment;

10. Progress to date (5) Development of Vision, Goal and Principles:
Goal: Malawi will reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by at least X% and attain forest over of at least Y% by 1st Jan 2030, contributing to enhanced ecosystems, improved livelihoods and sustainable economic growth

11. Progress to date (6)
Participation in Pan – African Dialogue for civil society on REDD+ related issues;
Initiating linkages and collaboration with civil society organizations engaged in REDD+ processes in the region;
Attending 3 UN-REDD Policy Board meetings;

12. Progress to date (7)
Attainment of partnership status with UN- REDD Program in March 2014; and
Accessing financial and technical support from UN-REDD for Country Needs Assessment and Targeted Support.

13. Challenges and Lessons (1)
Prerequisite activities before moving into full implementation of REDD+:
- could potentially lead to fatigue amongst stakeholders; and
- integrate implementation of pilot sites in planning.
Gaps and grey areas in institutional, policy, governance, resource tenure and technical domains for REDD+ actions:
- undertake studies and provide adequate time for awareness to address concerns.

14. Challenges and Lessons (2)
Levels of knowledge and capacity affect effective stakeholder participation:
- include other stakeholders in awareness and capacity building.
Importance of country driven ownership processes and stakeholder engagement:
- inclusive processes key in designing REDD+ processes.

15. So where do we go from here …
Undertake Country Needs Assessment and implement Targeted Support actions;
Enhance REDD+ outreach and policy dialogue;

16. So where do we go from here …
Development of National REDD+ Strategy; and
Initiate local REDD+ projects to demonstrate results and draw lessons.

17. Thank You