The REDD+ framework (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, along with sustainable forest management and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries) incentivizes developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon storage by mitigating deforestation and forest degradation. To receive results-based payments, participating countries must meet United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) requirements for Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) capacities. This study categorizes developing countries into three phases based on MRV implementation levels: phase 1 (readiness), phase 2 (demonstration), and phase 3 (implementation). Unlike the higher implementation levels observed in phase 2 and phase 3 countries, phase 1 countries have received limited attention due to their early stages of REDD+ implementation. However, assessing the potential of these countries for future REDD+ engagement and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcome (ITMO) collaboration is crucial for achieving REDD+ goals. Thus, this study quantitatively assessed MRV capacity among phase 1 countries using an MRV capacity assessment tool, with the goal of identifying high-potential candidates for REDD+ advancement. We applied an MRV capacity assessment tool to 48 phase 1 countries out of the 71 developing countries registered on the REDD+ web platform as of September 2024. The results reveal that (1) the countries with the highest MRV scores were Ghana, India, Guatemala, Liberia, and Mongolia, with Ghana demonstrating strong potential for progression to the implementation phase due to its robust performance in both Measurement and Reporting components. In contrast, Chad scored the lowest, followed by Uruguay, Namibia, Mali, Cuba, and Benin. (2) Overall, phase 1 countries scored lower in the Reporting (R) component, which emphasizes administrative capacity, compared to the Measurement (M) component, which is technically oriented, highlighting the need for improved administrative capacity, particularly in developing and submitting the National Strategy/Action Plan and Safeguard Information System report to meet Cancun Agreement standards. While this study evaluates REDD+ implementation potential in phase 1 countries based on MRV capacity, future research should explore the effectiveness of strengthening MRV capacity through Official Development Assistance (ODA), assessing potential emissions reduction and ITMO potential.

This best practice brief presents Component 5 of the Data-to-Deal (D2D) framework, which addresses stakeholder engagement. This component focuses on the cross-cutting role of stakeholder engagement in enabling the development of effective climate strategies. Effective stakeholder engagement contributes to the technical design process, fosters political will, and enhances investment-readiness by demonstrating national ownership. Component 5 comprises three sub-components of successful stakeholder engagement: (i) Early and strategic engagement, (ii) Iterative and inclusive engagement mechanisms, and (iii) Institutionalising engagement for long-term ownership. These sub-components are embedded across the D2D framework, strengthening the legitimacy and feasibility of climate transition planning processes. The brief draws on various case studies, particularly from Costa Rica, Eswatini, and Chile, to illustrate the best stakeholder engagement practices for developing transition plans and successfully mobilising the finance required for implementation.

This research explores the contribution of firm competencies and green management practices to enhancing a firm's sustainable performance. It examines the effects of technological competencies (TC) and customer competencies (CC) through the lens of a competence‐based view (CBV) framework, particularly focusing on their influence on green supply chain management (GSCM) and green innovation (GI), along with the subsequent impact on environmental performance (EP). Additionally, the study examines the moderating role of the social license to operate (SLO) in the relationship between firm competencies, green management practices, and sustainable performance, highlighting its strategic necessity in mitigating conflicts and sustaining moral legitimacy within a developed country context. Utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM), the study analyzes data from 213 Korean companies. The results demonstrate that both TC and CC have a positive effect on green management practices. Furthermore, both GI and GSCM contribute to improved EP. Although it is theorized that SLO can play a moderating role within this dynamic, the results find insignificant effects, with the exception of the relationship between TC and GSCM. These findings provide valuable insights to both policymakers and business managers by highlighting the role of firm competencies and SLO.