The aim of this study was to undertake a rapid assessment of the value and role of forests in the Zambian economy based on available information in order to inform policy de- cisions on forest management and the implementation of REDD+ activities in Zambia. The study is part of the coun- try’s National UN-REDD Programme. REDD+1 is a financial mechanism designed to reward developing countries for their verified reductions or removals of forest carbon emis- sions compared to a forest reference (emission) level that complies with the relevant safeguards.