Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is a key nature-based solution (NBS) for the forest sector. Drawing on lessons from UNDP’s support to REDD+ countries over the past decade, this paper describes crucial areas for policy makers to consider when seeking to enhance their NDCs and support NDC implementation through NBS. These areas include the unique characteristics of the land use sector, such as risks of reversal of stored carbon; the importance of strong inter-ministerial coordination; linking REDD+ finance to NDC implementation; how to address social and environmental risks and benefits, particularly through contextualizing safeguards at the country level; and finally, building on national forest monitoring systems for REDD+ to apply to measurement, reporting and verification for the NDCs. To enhance NDCs and scale up NDC implementation through NBS, it is critical to build upon existing national initiatives, and for many forested developing countries, REDD+ is a prime example of a national-level effort to build on.