The paper addresses the role of satellite remote sensing technologies as a tool for monitoring, assessment, reporting and verification of carbon credits and co-benefits under an eventual REDD mechanism. The paper identifies five issues and suggests immediate actions to build confidence and capacities during the preparatory phase of REDD. Identified issues: (1) define the role of satellite remote sensing, (2) clarify technical opportunities and limitations, (3) secure adequate and relevant data supply, (4) enhance technical and institutional capacities and (5) be flexible as REDD requirements are not known.