Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests. It would provide incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in sustainable development in these countries through low-carbon approaches. “REDD-plus” was developed out of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Copenhagen in December, 2009. The Copenhagen accord acknowledges the crucial role of reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation and the need to enhance removals of greenhouse gas emission by forests. REDD-plus incentivizes these actions, enabling the mobilization of financial resources from developed countries. The REDD-plus program fully supports monitoring and verification that is transparent and accurate. The United States’ pledged funding could result in a significant reduction of carbon emissions; support new, sustainable development; help conserve biodiversity; and secure vital ecosystem services. Preserving, maintaining and restoring forest ecosystems can contribute to increased resilience to climate change. Implementing REDD will require full engagement and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and forest-dependent communities.