Delegates at climate talks in Bali are close to finalizing guidelines for a pay-and-preserve scheme for forests as part of a future agreement to combat global warming, according to Indonesia's foreign minister. The scheme, known as Reduced Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries (REDD), could potentially allow poor nations to earn billions of dollars from trading carbon credits by preserving forests, which scientists say play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. Developed countries have shown enthusiasm for the importance of forests in addressing climate change, as deforestation in the tropics is responsible for a significant portion of man-made CO2 emissions. This gas is a major contributor to global warming, which is predicted to lead to rising seas, glacier melt, and extreme weather events, as warned by the UN Climate Panel. Developed nations and countries with extensive forested areas have agreed to work together to create a global map with the involvement of not only governments but also other institutions such as universities and research organizations. The issue of curbing deforestation has been a major topic of discussion at the Bali conference, as the current U.N. climate agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, does not provide incentives for developing nations to preserve their rainforests. The REDD scheme would offer carbon credits to eligible developing countries, which wealthier nations could purchase to offset their own emissions. However, there is a debate over whether future discussions on deforestation should be expanded to include other forms of land use, with the United States supporting this idea and many developing countries opposing it, according to an Indonesian forestry official. The official informed Reuters that the proposal may shift the focus away from forests, complicate the plan, and cause further delays in its implementation. The Bali meeting has agreed to support individual countries in running projects to prepare for REDD and will continue to research the issue. The World Bank has initiated a $300 million fund to combat global warming by preserving forests, including a $100 million "readiness" fund for grants to help around 20 countries prepare for large-scale forest protection projects. These grants will support activities such as surveys of existing forest resources, development of monitoring systems, and improved governance. A separate $200 million "carbon finance mechanism" will enable some countries to implement pilot programs that earn credits for reducing deforestation. Indonesia, a strong advocate for REDD, ranks among the top three countries in the world for greenhouse gas emissions due to deforestation, peatland degradation, and forest fires, as reported earlier this year by the World Bank and Britain's development arm. The country has over 225 million acres of forest land, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the world's remaining tropical forests, according to rainforestweb.org.