DRC is at the heart of the Congo Basin, where the second largest tropical forest in the world is located. Cognizant of the great potential
for REDD+ in the country, DRC has forged ahead from the planning to the implementation stages of REDD+ preparedness. The initial DRC
National Programme, which helped launch and structure the country’s national REDD+ strategy, transitioned into the full National Programme
(Readiness Plan) after it was approved by the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board in March. DRC’s National Programme document was signed
in October and funds were disbursed in November, marking the official launch of the country’s UN-REDD Programme.
With the beginning of its full National Programme, activities have moved from strategic planning to results, including completing key studies,
testing REDD+ pilot projects, training of personnel, sharing knowledge at a regional level, completing in-country consultation processes and
launching the country’s first university curriculum on REDD+.