Understanding REDD+
REDD+ is an international framework developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its primary goal is to incentivize developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
Beyond just reducing emissions, REDD+ also promotes the conservation and sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. It fundamentally recognizes the crucial role forests play in mitigating global climate change.
The "+" in REDD+ signifies an expanded scope including conservation, sustainable forest management, and enhancement of carbon stocks.
Evolution of REDD+
Deforestation and forest degradation contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions (historically around 10-20% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions).
Early Focus: RED
Initial discussions centered on "Reducing Emissions from Deforestation" (RED), acknowledging the urgent need to address forest clearing.
Expansion to REDD
The concept broadened to include "forest degradation" (REDD), as degradation also causes significant carbon loss and impacts forest ecosystems.
The Birth of REDD+
The scope was further expanded to "REDD+", incorporating five key activities:
- Reducing emissions from Deforestation.
- Reducing emissions from forest Degradation.
- Conservation of forest carbon stocks.
- Sustainable Management of Forests (SMF).
- Enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
Warsaw Framework
A comprehensive framework with seven decisions provided methodological guidance for implementing REDD+ activities, solidifying its operational aspects.
Recognition in Paris Agreement
Article 5 of the Paris Agreement explicitly recognizes and encourages Parties to take action to implement and support REDD+, urging policy approaches and positive incentives.
Core Objectives of REDD+
Reduce Emissions
To decrease greenhouse gas emissions from the forest sector in developing countries.
Climate Mitigation
To contribute significantly to global efforts in mitigating climate change.
Financial Incentives
Provide results-based payments for verified emission reductions or enhanced carbon removals.
Co-Benefits
Promote biodiversity conservation and other social/environmental non-carbon benefits.
Sustainable Development
Support sustainable development in forest-dependent communities.
Key Elements for REDD+ Implementation
The Warsaw Framework outlines four crucial elements for countries participating in REDD+ and seeking results-based finance:
A comprehensive plan detailing how the country will address drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, and implement REDD+ activities. It must include policies, measures, institutional arrangements, and stakeholder engagement plans.
A system for monitoring and reporting on forest area changes, carbon stocks, and GHG emissions/removals from the forest sector. This often combines remote sensing (satellite imagery) with ground-based forest inventories.
A benchmark representing projected business-as-usual GHG emissions (FREL) or carbon stock changes (FRL) without REDD+ interventions. Results-based payments are made for achievements below this reference level. FRELs/FRLs are submitted to the UNFCCC for technical assessment.
A system to provide information on how the Cancun Safeguards are being addressed and respected during REDD+ implementation. These safeguards ensure REDD+ actions are environmentally and socially sound.
The Cancun Safeguards (7 Safeguards):
- Consistency with national forest programs and international conventions.
- Transparent and effective national forest governance structures.
- Respect for knowledge and rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.
- Full and effective participation of relevant stakeholders.
- Consistency with conservation of natural forests and biodiversity.
- Actions to address risks of reversals (non-permanence).
- Actions to reduce displacement of emissions (leakage).
How REDD+ Works: A Conceptual Flow
Capacity building, strategy development, NFMS, FRELs/FRLs, SIS. Supported by FCPF, UN-REDD etc.
Countries implement policies and measures to reduce deforestation/degradation and enhance carbon stocks.
Verified emission reductions/removals (vs FREL/FRL) make countries eligible for payments (GCF, donors, carbon markets).
Sources of REDD+ Finance
Multilateral Funds
Green Climate Fund (GCF), Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), UN-REDD Programme (FAO, UNDP, UNEP), Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Bilateral Agreements
Direct financial support from developed to developing countries (e.g., Norway's NICFI).
Private Sector Investment
Potential through carbon markets or CSR, though large-scale mobilization faces challenges.
Domestic Resources
Developing countries also invest their own resources in REDD+ implementation.
Forests & Global GHG Emissions
Deforestation and forest degradation have historically contributed significantly to global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Note: Illustrative representation of historical contribution range.
Benefits Beyond Carbon (Co-Benefits)
Biodiversity Conservation
Protects habitats for numerous species; reinforced by Cancun Safeguards.
Livelihood Improvement
Can provide alternative income, secure land tenure, and improve community livelihoods.
Improved Forest Governance
Strengthens laws, institutions, enforcement, transparency, and participation.
Watershed Protection
Forests regulate water flow, quality, and prevent soil erosion.
Climate Adaptation
Healthy forests enhance ecosystem and community resilience to climate impacts.
Traditional Knowledge
Involving indigenous communities helps preserve traditional ecological knowledge.
Challenges and Criticisms
MRV Complexities
Accurate measurement, reporting, and verification of carbon stocks and changes can be technically challenging and costly.
Setting Reference Levels
Establishing credible FRELs/FRLs is difficult; high baselines can lead to "hot air."
Permanence
Ensuring long-term carbon storage against risks like fires, future deforestation, or political changes.
Leakage
Preventing displacement of deforestation activities to other areas; requires national/sub-national approaches.
Land Tenure & Rights
Insecure tenure and lack of community rights can lead to conflicts and inequitable benefit sharing. FPIC is crucial.
Benefit Sharing
Designing fair, transparent, and effective mechanisms to share financial benefits with local communities.
Governance Issues
Weak forest governance, corruption, and lack of institutional capacity can undermine effectiveness.
Funding Uncertainty
Securing sufficient, predictable, long-term financing remains a challenge. Payments often lower than anticipated.
Market vs. Fund-based Debate
Ongoing discussion on whether REDD+ credits should be fully integrated into carbon markets or primarily supported by public funds, with concerns about offsetting developed country emissions.
Focus on Carbon vs. Holistic Values
Concerns that an over-emphasis on carbon might neglect other important forest values (biodiversity, cultural significance). Cancun Safeguards aim to address this.
Case Study: REDD+ in India
India is actively engaging with the REDD+ framework:
- Has a National REDD+ Strategy and is developing its National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) and Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL).
- India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement include a target for enhancing forest carbon sinks.
- State-level REDD+ action plans are also being developed.
- Emphasizes co-benefits like biodiversity conservation and livelihood improvements for forest-dependent communities.
Key Challenges for India:
- Complexities of land tenure systems.
- Ensuring effective community participation (e.g., through Joint Forest Management - JFM, Forest Rights Act - FRA).
- Addressing diverse drivers of deforestation and forest degradation across various states.
UPSC Civil Services Exam Relevance
Prelims Focus Areas:
- REDD+ acronym (the five activities).
- Core objectives of REDD+.
- Key elements: National Strategy, NFMS, FREL/FRL, SIS.
- Cancun Safeguards (purpose and key themes).
- Key international bodies/programs: UNFCCC, FCPF, UN-REDD.
- Warsaw Framework for REDD+.
- Linkage to Paris Agreement (Article 5).
- Non-carbon benefits (co-benefits).
Mains (GS Paper III - Environment, Forestry):
Potential Question Themes:
- "What is REDD+? Discuss its significance for climate change mitigation and forest conservation. Analyze challenges in its implementation, particularly in India."
- "Role of forests in climate mitigation. How can REDD+ aid India's climate goals and sustainable forest management?"
- Interlinkages: REDD+, biodiversity, and tribal/community rights.
- REDD+ as part of solutions for forest conservation challenges or India's NDCs.
Related Previous Year Questions (Conceptual)
Question Context:
"Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to:
1. Protection of biodiversity
2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
3. Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code given below."
Answer & Explanation:
(d) 1, 2 and 3. All three are potential co-benefits of a well-designed REDD+ program. Biodiversity protection is a core aim of safeguards, resilient ecosystems are a result of healthy forests, and poverty reduction can be achieved through equitable benefit sharing and livelihood opportunities.
Question Context:
"The 'Cancun Safeguards' under the UNFCCC are primarily related to ensuring:
(a) The financial viability of renewable energy projects.
(b) The environmental and social soundness of REDD+ activities.
(c) The security of carbon capture and storage sites.
(d) The equitable distribution of climate adaptation funds."
Answer & Explanation:
(b) The environmental and social soundness of REDD+ activities. The Cancun Safeguards are specifically designed to prevent negative social and environmental impacts from REDD+ actions and to promote co-benefits.