Linking JREDD+ and sustainable supply chains for forest protection
24 September 2026
The AFi, Conservation International, and Proforest have published a white paper exploring how to better integrate JREDD+ programmes with sustainable supply chain strategies for stronger outcomes.
Jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD+) programmes offer a way to finance forest protection by generating payments for carbon credits linked to forest conservation and management. Led by local governments, these programmes share benefits with the communities and producers who depend on and manage forest landscapes. However, whilst agricultural and forestry commodities are known drivers of deforestation, the companies that produce and source these products have limited engagement with JREDD+ programmes.
At Climate Week NYC 2026, the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) published a new white paper titled: Strengthening synergies between JREDD+ and sustainable supply chains to protect tropical forests. Created in collaboration with AFi Coalition members Conservation International and Proforest, the paper explores how JREDD+ programmes may help companies achieve their responsible supply chain goals, as well as how companies sourcing from JREDD+ jurisdictions can support programme success.
Exploring links between JREDD+ and corporate sustainability efforts
The paper reviews existing frameworks and standards for JREDD+ programmes and sustainable supply chains. It also gathers insights from case studies, consultations, and interviews with stakeholders.
It explores how JREDD+ programmes can be better integrated with supply chain sustainability strategies, like deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) sourcing, to have a greater impact than either approach could achieve on its own.
The research shows that sourcing from jurisdictions with JREDD+ programmes can benefit companies. These programmes can help companies meet their DCF supply chain commitments and regulatory requirements, achieve climate targets, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
There are also several ways companies can support both JREDD+ initiatives and their own supply chain goals by:
- purchasing JREDD+ credits on the carbon market
- investing in or helping establish JREDD+ initiatives in their sourcing areas
- carrying out complementary supply chain or landscape projects in JREDD+ jurisdictions
However, several barriers limit collaboration and investment. Standards for JREDD+ credit generation and supply chain deforestation or carbon accounting use different methods, making their outputs difficult to align. Many sustainability frameworks also do not effectively recognise or incentivise corporate action beyond supply chain boundaries. Finally, uncertainty around the use of JREDD+ credits can create conflicting or overlapping carbon claims.
Recommendations
Greater alignment between JREDD+ and corporate sustainability frameworks could unlock private sector investment and lead to more successful efforts to tackle deforestation at scale.
The review identified six opportunities to strengthen links between JREDD+ programmes and sustainable supply chain initiatives:
- Recognise jurisdictional performance in DCF approaches
Regulators, supply chain framework and guideline developers, and reporting and assessment initiatives can recognise jurisdictional performance as an indicator of progress towards their DCF policies or supply chain due diligence.
- Recognise landscape-level action in climate-accounting frameworks
Carbon-accounting and climate target-setting frameworks can expand and clarify how sourcing areas and production landscapes are accounted for within corporate emissions footprints.
- Reconcile carbon claims to support supply chain decarbonisation
JREDD+ programmes, companies, and technical partners can take steps to ensure that companies can make appropriate claims about decarbonisation associated with carbon removals in their operations and supply chains.
- Connect jurisdictional and corporate monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems
JREDD+ programmes, companies, and technical partners can build joint MRV systems to support data sharing for both jurisdictional and corporate use, ultimately increasing the credibility of data and reducing costs.
- Encourage corporate participation in JREDD+ readiness
JREDD+ programmes and their supporting organisations could create clearer incentives for supply chain companies to contribute to programme development in jurisdictions from which they operate and source.
- Consider implications of allowances for JREDD+ credits in SBTi FLAG revisions
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) can carefully consider implications of introducing credit usage into revisions of its Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) Guidance. Considerations can ensure that new provisions align and support existing action to address deforestation in supply chains, rather than weakening them.
Access the white paper today
Better integration between JREDD+ programmes and corporate sustainability strategies can improve forest protection, support producers and communities, and help companies meet their supply chain sustainability goals. Coordinated action to align incentives, address barriers, and demonstrate value for different stakeholders is key to unlocking corporate engagement and investment in JREDD+, whilst maximising the impact of supply chain sustainability efforts.
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