Closing Session
Mitsuo Matsumoto (FFPRI)

Closing Session

Closing Session
Mitsuo Matsumoto (FFPRI)
I am sure that you will concur that we had a very stimulating and very productive day. I used theword “stimulating” when I spoke this morning. At the beginning, Dr. Sanz-Sanchez shared with us an
overview of REDD+’s past, present, and future. The COP11 is often cited as the beginning of REDD.
However, CDM and Forest Management CDM (FMCDM) were discussed even when we formulated
the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, no one REDD+ rulebook was ever decided upon. Instead, there wasa long negotiations process that formed the rulebook’s background. We are now about to begin theimplementation processes. REDD+ activities are not linear and the process is not straight. We havebeen moving in steps. I feel it is necessary to take forward steps, while sometimes we take steps
backward depending on the experiences gained.
Mr. Lotsch from the World Bank explained the FCPF’s present status to us. We often hear about
the FCPF’s plans and documentation. However, today we learned that we have reached the point of
results-based payments. For the first time, we also heard concretely how emissions reductions arehandled. It was very impressive. FCPF is pioneering the way for REDD+.
We discussed reference levels in session one. I was worried about having reference levels as anagenda item since it is an extremely technical issue. However, the reference level is only an approach todiscuss how people organize and build their processes and programs while addressing their owndifficulties. Honestly speaking, I am also surprised by the technical progress in each country. There has
also been great headway in the process of creating mechanisms and institutions. Based on discussions
with each country, it is noted that these countries have had decisions and created reference levels. Iwould like to pay my due respect to the countries represented here.
I had a feeling of déjà vu while listening to the presentations. This is because 10 years ago, thedeveloped nations under the Kyoto Protocol had an obligation to assess and report on carbon
emissions and removals by forests. In Japan, experts from developed countries gathered fordiscussions in Odaiba, Tokyo. I also reported on the Japanese reporting and calculating situation whenI spoke in Europe 10 years ago. It was for the industrialized countries. However, with the top
developing countries, there were already major developments. I was very much impressed by the levels
in developing countries.
In today’s session two, we discussed a new topic, scaling. Ms. Swickard discussed the JNR effort
and the VCS’s nesting option. This option reminded me of the JCM. We applied the same thinking toour mechanism, so I believe that we are struggling with the same issues.
Next, Mr. Suzuki has been supporting national level efforts in various countries. From the nationallevel to sub-national level and then to the private sector, you have gained extensive experience invertically sharing information. When I saw the diagrams that you displayed, it again reminded me of
the role between the Japanese government and the prefectural governments with regard to reportingand calculations under the Kyoto Protocol.
Mr. Yazaki and Dr. Amano, we heard about your struggles in the field, as you shared with us your233

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firsthand experience and information. For both projects, the approach was to scale up by expanding
the project. I think that is probably the ideal form for scaling up.
The panel discussion included a discussion on finance. Dr. Sanz-Sanchez presented on the Paris
Agreement and how it was able to supplement what was missing in REDD+, primarily financing.
Other than financing, REDD+ is rather complete. We have made great efforts thus far. The only thingthat is remaining is to attain a solid financing mechanism. This was my impression.
Today we were able to have access to the latest information. We were able to share what we aredoing. In addition, we were able to learn from other experiences. I believe that those are very goodpractices from which we can learn. The REDD+ rules are there, but they are very flexible and verybroad in scope. Therefore, specific case studies are very valuable. As Dr. Sanz-Sanchez noted, bysharing such information, this is not a linear approach, but a stepwise one. These opportunities andback and forth sharing of information are very valuable. I believe that offering this kind ofopportunity is one of the FFPRI’s missions and contributions. Again, I was able to reconfirm our role.
Next year I hope that we will meet again. This is our sixth seminar and now people expect that
this will be held annually, which is a good thing. I am very glad that everyone agrees. We would like tohold this meeting again next year so that we may have an opportunity to hear about further progress inthe coming year, which will then help us to advance our efforts.
Thank you very much for participating in the today’s long discussion. It has been a very
informative meeting. When you return to your own countries and to your own organizations, I hopethat what you have learned today can be effectively utilized.

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