Date: January 28, 2013

This report provides an overview of Nepal’sinitiatives on readiness for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), the political and socioeconomic context in which they are taking place, and their implications for conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. It examines land use change and the drivers and underlying causes of deforestation. It evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of current REDD+ efforts in Nepal and analyses the prospects for and challenges to REDD+ implementation going forward. The report draws on multiple data sources anddiverse methodologies. It provides an overview of government plans and policies, legislation, and views of experts on development, forestry and the REDD+ sector in Nepal, as well as ongoing debates in Nepal on issues such as forest governance, benefit-sharing and carbon assessment.