The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) recently participated in a 4-day Climate-ARK Workshop on Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+) Benefit Sharing and Nesting Mechanisms, that concluded today. The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry under the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) program, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the advancements in Kenya's REDD+ initiatives. Dr. Jackson Koimbori represented KEPSA, contributing valuable insights from the private sector to the dialogue on equitable climate mitigation and benefits.

The workshop emphasized the importance of developing a fair and efficient benefit-sharing framework, essential for the success of REDD+ projects. With Kenya's ongoing efforts to sell carbon credits and distribute benefits among local communities, the workshop provided a platform to align these initiatives with national policies. Discussions centered on the National REDD+ Strategy (2021), the Natural Resources (Benefit Sharing) Bill (2022), the Climate Change (Amendment) Act (2023), and the Draft Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations (2023). These legislative efforts aim to create an inclusive and equitable environment for REDD+ implementation.

Participants, including representatives from national and county governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, engaged in in-depth discussions and breakout sessions. The first day focused on the state of play of REDD+ in Kenya and introduced the concept of nesting. Subsequent days involved detailed presentations and discussions on benefit-sharing mechanisms, both within Kenya and in other jurisdictions, to draw comparative lessons. The interactive sessions facilitated a robust exchange of ideas, highlighting opportunities and addressing gaps in the current policy and legal framework.

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to understanding the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in implementing REDD+ projects. This included exploring the mechanisms for transparent benefit-sharing that ensure all parties, especially local communities and Indigenous Peoples, receive fair compensation for their conservation efforts. The emphasis on collaboration and inclusion highlighted the need for continued engagement and capacity-building among stakeholders to sustain the momentum of REDD+ initiatives in Kenya.

Dr. Jackson Koimbori's contributions were particularly notable in discussions about leveraging private sector investment to enhance the scalability and impact of REDD+ initiatives. KEPSA's involvement underscored the critical role of the private sector in advancing sustainable and equitable REDD+ projects. The workshop concluded with actionable proposals for REDD+ benefit-sharing agreements and nesting mechanisms, setting a clear path forward for Kenya's climate mitigation efforts. KEPSA remains committed to supporting these initiatives, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving Kenya's environmental and economic goals.