UNIQUE was contracted to explore and assess the potential of generating and marketing REDD+ carbon assets on the voluntary carbon market from the West Lunga National Park (WLNP) and surrounding areas (600,000 ha). The objectives were to establish a baseline reference scenario, estimate the amount of carbon stored and the potential tradable carbon credits from the WLNP project area and advice the client on the development of appropriate REDD+ policies. In addition, possible funding mechanisms as well as the institutional design and legal requirements for the project area were analyzed; suggestions for benefit-sharing mechanisms were proposed. The results were presented in a study elaborated by the consortium Munich Advisors Group, Envirotrade and UNIQUE forestry and land use.

• Elaboration of a REDD+ carbon finance market overview.
• Identification of potential public and private financing mechanisms for the project area.
• Assessment of the carbon mitigation potential in the West Lunga area.
• Evaluation of the drivers of deforestation in the area.
• Review of current REDD carbon accounting methodologies.
• Determination of appropriate baseline.
• Determination of a REDD project scenario estimating the potential net carbon benefit.