The assignment is part of the preparatory phase for a large WB and GEF funded support to the regional cooperation efforts undertaken through the COMIFAC (Conference of Ministers of Forestry and Environment)  in order to prepare the countries for implementation of the REDD+ mechanism. The preparatory studies aim to assess the degree of readiness of the countries and in particular of the regional and national institutions to be involved, and to define the needs in capacity building and institutional strengthening to be addressed by the programme.