The Republic of Congo’s ER program addresses both direct and underlying drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in the Sangha and Likouala Departments. The program is among the first in Africa to test REDD+ at scale. Program activities include engaging forest concession holders to reduce the impact of their logging operations and set aside conservation areas. The program is also working to reduce emissions from deforestation in palm oil and mining concessions by avoiding the conversion of forests with high conservation value and adopting reduced-impact mining techniques. The program supports livelihood improvements through smallholder cocoa production, agroforestry systems, and smallholder outgrower schemes, and it provides payments for environmental services for forest protection. Finally, the program includes measures to improve the management of existing protected areas, among others, through the creation of alternative income-generating activities for communities.