Public funding for REDD+ alone will not be sufficient to effectively address drivers of deforestation. A promising option is to channel private sector investments in activities that reduce pressure on remaining forests. The aim of this project is to develop sustainable business models in the land use sector in line with the logic of REDD+. The project falls under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Buildings and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) International Climate Initiative (ICI). Leading the consortium with Climate Focus, UNIQUE conducted this long-term project in three phases: (i) country scoping and pre-feasibility studies, (ii) business model development and feasibility studies and (iii) technical and institutional support for implementation of the most promising business model.

• Pre-feasibility studies in Ethiopia, Paraguay, Vietnam (UNIQUE), Colombia and Ecuador (Climate Focus).
• Identification of drivers of deforestation, future trends and key land use sector dynamics.
• Joint development of business models and feasibility studies in two of the above countries.
• Joint implementation of a financially viable business model that contributes to REDD+ implementation.
• Cooperation with relevant national and local actors to adapt the model to develop necessary capacities.