Exploring the possibilities and directions of North Korea’s REDD+ projects under the New Climate Regime

This paper presents three aspects of the REDD+ mechanism, considering North Korea’s potential for acceptance. First, it shows that North Korea is highly likely to accept REDD+ projects from international organizations and funds. Since 2015, North Korea has expressed interest and willingness to aid in alleviating climate change by setting greenhouse gas reduction targets for the international community. Furthermore, North Korea’s previous experience with visits and investigations by international organizations suggests that there would be little resistance to activities by these organizations aimed at creating conditions for participation in REDD+ projects. The presence of international organizations’ resident offices in North Korea could also facilitate smooth project implementation. Second, it is considered highly likely that North Korea could pursue REDD+ projects for the purpose of carbon credit trading. The potential for small-scale projects, along with the advantage of not having to adhere to the standards and procedures set by the UNFCCC, increases the likelihood of North Korean acceptance of these projects. Additionally, recent trends in marketization in North Korea contribute to its potential for acceptance. Third, a multilateral cooperation framework involving a third country is also feasible, based on which REDD+ projects under the framework of the 6.2 Agreement were considered a useful approach. Prior to climate cooperation agreements, memoranda of understanding for specific sectors or projects could be signed to allow such projects to proceed, allowing conceptualization and examination of North Korea’s REDD+ projects from various angles.