Summary of Information (SOI)

Transparent reporting on how REDD+ safeguards are being addressed and respected in Malaysia.

2016

First SOI Submitted

Summary of Information (SOI) is an official country report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that details how social and environmental safeguards are being addressed and respected during the implementation of REDD+ activities (guided by Decision 17/CP.21). This report can be part of a country’s National Communication or may be submitted voluntarily via the REDD+ platform on the UNFCCC website. This submission is a requirement for obtaining results-based payments, as per paragraph 4 of Decision 9/CP.19.

SOI Content

Decision 17/CP.21 provides further guidance to developing countries on how to report the implementation of safeguards related to REDD+ activities (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). This decision aims to ensure that REDD+ activities are implemented responsibly, with clear and reliable information on social, environmental, and governance safeguards

  Link to Decision 17/CP.21 : https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2015/cop21/eng/10a03.pdf
Summary of UNFCCC Guidance on Content of SOI (Decision 17/CP.21)

Periodic Summary Submission

Periodic Summary Submission: Developing countries must periodically submit summaries explaining how all safeguards (as outlined in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I) are being addressed and respected during REDD+ activities (para 1).

Transparency and Clarity:

Information should be transparent, consistent, comprehensive, and effective, making it clear how safeguards are implemented (para 3).

Content of the Summary

  • Specify which REDD+ activities are included in the SOI (para 4).
  • Relevant national circumstances relevant to safeguards (para 5a)
  • Descriptions of each safeguard (para 5b)
  • Details of existing systems and processes for safeguards (para 5c)
  • Explanations of how each safeguard is addressed and respected (para 5d)

Additional Information

Countries are encouraged to provide any other relevant information (para 6)

Continuous Improvement

Countries should improve the quality of information over time, using a stepwise approach (para 7).

No Further Guidance Needed

The decision concludes that no additional guidance is required beyond what is already provided for ensuring transparency and effectiveness in reporting on safeguards (para 8).