This paper describes the important carbon storage and substitution benefits of Harvested Wood Products (HWP). It notes that HWP from forests that are sustainably managed contribute to climate mitigation. HWP and biomass energy from sustainably managed forests can also contribute to adaptation as part of the transition to a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy. The paper reviews the current situation of Cancun and Bonn texts regarding HWP. It notes that the Cancun decision calls for the development of forest management reference levels. It also notes that the Cancun agreements encourage mitigation actions in the forest sector that conserve and enhance forest carbon stocks. The report gives the following recommendations for climate negotiators to effectively leverage HWP as a mitigation option and adaptation strategy within existing UNFCCC texts:
support text options that include HWP as a mitigation action under national accounts
acknowledge that the method currently receiving the most attention for calculating HWP benefits is not comprehensive in that it does not include HWP in landfills
add HWP carbon sinks to listings and examples of acceptable mitigation under REDD+ and in nationally appropriate mitigation actions and commitments
attempt to have text included in the Durban Decisions of the UNFCCC Conference of Parties
attempt to have text included in the Durban Decisions of the Kyoto Protocol Meeting of Parties.