Making Copenhagen count

FFI’s Community Specialist on COP15

FFI’s Community Specialist, FFI-Macquarie Taskforce, Julie Fischer shares her thoughts on her time at COP15.

Julie talks about her time at COP15

“I’ve found the most useful aspect has been meeting with government representatives and REDD project proponents” Julie explains.

The COP15 side events on REDD have largly focused on what has been learnt so far but at this stage many people are waiting to hear about outcomes from REDD, if it is going to become a compliance market and the future direction.

“There has been a big build up during 2009 and there are high hopes for setting the direction for REDD”

After attending many presentations and discussions given by various countries and governments, I asked Julie if she saw FFI as a frontrunner in REDD initiatives.

“I do” she said “being on the ground puts us ahead of other projects still in discussions”

In June 2008 FFI entered into collaboration with Macquarie Group to develop a taskforce to invest in the management of tropical forests and generate carbon credits for sale, in partnership with governments and local communities. Between June 2008 and June 2011, the collaboration expects to support the protection of six forests at risk from deforestation in South East Asia, South America and Africa.

“So were really are at the forefront in terms of REDD and that’s exciting!”

But Julie explains because of this it can be hard to find out about lessons learnt through other projects and capture real concrete advice for our REDD initiatives and lean about mistakes not to make.

Attending events like COP15 gives FFI the opportunity to share information and learn from other’s experiences.

More later on Julie’s exciting social impact assessment project!