This project supported the Government of Nepal's collaboration with the Lowering Emissions from Accelerated Forest Finance (LEAF) Coalition. The partnership aimed to establish an Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement (ERPA) enabling Nepal to access result-based payments for emissions reduced by forests in the Bagmati Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. The initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance forest conservation and sustainable management aligning with Nepal's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The project focused on enhancing stakeholder engagement and obtaining Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for the LEAF Program. This involved conducting consultations at national provincial district and focus group levels to ensure inclusive participation and informed decision-making. Essential information about the LEAF Programme was compiled and disseminated in accessible formats and languages by the REDD Implementation Center. This information covered potential programme impacts, safeguards, benefit-sharing mechanisms and grievance redress processes ensuring that stakeholders were well-informed about the initiative.

Dedicated consultation events were organized to gather feedback from stakeholders address their concerns and integrate their inputs into the LEAF design and transaction documents. These discussions facilitated an assessment of whether subnational rights-holders and stakeholders consented to participate in the Nepal LEAF Emission Reduction Programme. Promoting transparency and accountability in the decision-making process ensured the project’s alignment with Nepal's REDD+ safeguards approach and legal framework.

Overall, the initiative contributed to a more inclusive and sustainable implementation of the LEAF Programme in Nepal supporting the country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing local livelihoods and environmental outcomes.