The MRV Task Force reached a consensus for the accelerated provision of strategic and technical guidance on monitoring, reporting, and verification of CO₂ emissions from forests at its second meeting in Bishoftu town.

The project aims to support EFD in developing and maintaining accurate data on forest cover and biomass, which is essential for participating in Results-Based Payments for emissions reductions resulting from reduced deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). This meeting marked an important milestone for the MRV-Phase II project, which commenced in 2022.

The gathering was organized by the National Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Ethiopia. Key participants included Motuma Tolera, Deputy Director General of Ethiopia Forestry Development (EFD); Farayi Zimudzi, FAO Representative in Ethiopia; Yitebitu Moges, REDD+ coordinator; Lulu Likassa, Royal Norwegian Embassy representative; as well as representatives from EFD, ministries, academia, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

During the event, Motuma emphasized that the MRV Phase II project aligns closely with Ethiopia's national priorities, as outlined in the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy and the Nationally Determined Contributions. He stated, "By enhancing Ethiopia's capacity for MRV in Forestry, the project will contribute significantly to monitoring the substantial investments in tree planting, such as the Green Legacy Initiative."

In her opening speech, Farayi Zimudzi highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration, affirming, "The exchange of knowledge and ideas is crucial when embarking on an innovative project like the MRV Phase II. It enables us to make progress together, pursue synergies, and avoid duplications of efforts."

The MRV Task Force meeting agenda included the formal establishment of the task force, updates on the progress of the MRV-Phase II project for task force members, and the provision of constructive forward-looking advice to ensure successful implementation. It was agreed that regular meetings of the task force are vital for fostering dialogue and synergies related to MRV across the forestry sector.

The MRV Phase II project is being implemented by the EFD with technical assistance from FAO and funding from the Norwegian International Climate and Forestry Initiative (NICFI). The strived towards enhancing national capacity for MRV in Forestry and will result in the establishment of a National Forest Monitoring System, an updated Forest Reference Emission Level, and MRV Labs at the federal and regional levels. The project collaborates with strategic partners, such as the Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources under Hawassa University, which serves as the primary training institution, and the US-based Spatial Informatics Group - Natural Assets Laboratory, which supports the development of tools for detecting forest cover changes through remote sensing.

The Second Meeting of the MRV Task Force concluded with a call for continued constructive discussions, forward-looking advice, and fruitful deliberations that will contribute to the successful implementation of the MRV Phase II project.