The challenges of monitoring and permanence

The document discusses key issues related to monitoring, permanence, and indigenous peoples in the context of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD). It notes the different definitions of "forest" and challenges of determining what constitutes natural forest versus semi-natural or naturally regenerated land. It also outlines minimum standards for independent forest monitoring and specific monitoring needs for REDD programs. The document questions which carbon standards should be used and raises concerns that indigenous peoples displaced by forest protection efforts can negatively impact forest ecosystems.