Forest reference emission level

Forest reference emission levels (FRELs) and related forest reference levels (FRLs) are benchmarks used under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for assessing performance in REDD+ implementation. They are expressed as tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year for a reference period and compared with emissions and removals reported for a results period.

Developing country Parties implementing REDD+ may submit proposed national FRELs and/or FRLs on a voluntary basis and when deemed appropriate. For results-based payments, each submission is subject to a technical assessment coordinated by the UNFCCC secretariat under decision 13/CP.19, part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. Parties may update reference levels over time using a stepwise approach that incorporates improved data and methodologies, while maintaining consistency with national greenhouse gas inventories.