CIFOR infobriefs provide concise, accurate, peer-reviewed information on current topics in forest research Global Comparative Study on REDD+ story of change CIFOR's science on wetlands for Indonesian measurement, reporting and verification and forest reference emission level development Key messages• Tropical forested wetlands, including peatlands and mangroves, provide critical environmental services and store 3-5 times more carbon than other tropical forests.• However, because these ecosystems are under significant pressure from unsustainable land-use practices, they must be credited in the national forest monitoring and measurement mechanism and integrated into the national policy agenda.• In January 2016, the Government of Indonesia submitted a forest reference emission level (FREL) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, and is currently in the process of finalizing its second FREL.• To achieve the intended improvement in the FREL, CIFOR has played an active role by co-producing relevant data and knowledge products, building capacity among key personnel and stakeholders, and creating a platform for communication, engagement and outreach at national and international levels.

CIFOR infobriefs provide concise, accurate, peer-reviewed information on current topics in forest research Global Comparative Study on REDD+ story of changeSupporting district-level jurisdictional approaches in Indonesia Key messages• Through a strong partnership with an association of district governments, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (the Sustainable Districts Association, or LTKL), and earlier efforts to showcase the sustainability progress of subnational jurisdictions, CIFOR has continued its work on jurisdictional approaches to low-emission rural development in Indonesian districts. • The CIFOR-LTKL partnership began in 2019 but has already yielded results, like contributions to a jurisdictional approach concept note that has now been integrated into Indonesia's national development planning document, as well as the creation of the first ever district-level jurisdictional profile (in Sintang District, West Kalimantan), launched at the 2020 Global Landscapes Forum. • Together with LTKL, CIFOR co-designed the questionnaire and data collection techniques for Kerangka Daya Saing Daerah (Regional Competitiveness Framework, or KDSD), a monitoring and reporting system developed by LTKL Secretariat and its member districts to measure districts' progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CIFOR also developed training and implementation guidelines for KDSD. • The jurisdictional approach is scaling up, with more LTKL member districts showing interest in implementing the KDSD and in creating a jurisdictional profile.

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Strengthening effectiveness through monitoring and evaluation Key messages• Through participatory research, engagement and capacity-building activities, CIFOR has supported the development of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanism for Viet Nam's nationwide Payments for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) scheme.• At national level, CIFOR research informed a benefit-sharing mechanism, the financial management of PFES, a new Forestry Law adopted in 2017, and other decrees and decisions related to PFES implementation. In Son La Province, CIFOR research informed a decision on its benefit-sharing mechanism. CIFOR has also supported government agencies in their applications for additional funding.• In collaboration with the Vietnam Forest Protection and Development Fund, CIFOR helped to normalize the concept of M&E, meaning central and provincial government stakeholders are now more aware of the need to carry out rigorous PFES impact assessments, have the methods to do, and have access to information on the effectiveness of their PFES program.• Civil society organisations are now monitoring PFES activities in Dak Lak and Thua Thien Hue provinces, based on CIFOR research and training.• In 2016, CIFOR received a government award for its outstanding contribution to the forestry sector, notably for its work on PFES.