Transcript REDD in Climate Change Negotiation Dr. Abdalla Gaafar Mohamed Deforestation As estimated by the FAO (2005), deforestation continues at an alarming rate of approximately 13 million hectares.

REDD in Climate Change
Negotiation
Dr. Abdalla Gaafar Mohamed
Deforestation
As estimated by the FAO
(2005), deforestation
continues at an alarming rate
of approximately 13 million
hectares per year (for the
period 1990–2005). =
immediate release of the
carbon originally stored in
the trees as CO2 emissions
 The IPCC noted that reducing
or preventing deforestation is
the mitigation option
REDD
Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest
degradation in developing countries was first
introduced into the COP agenda at its eleventh
session in Montreal (December 2005).
• Recognition of the contribution of greenhouse gas
emissions from deforestation in developing
countries to climate change (need to take action to
reduce it).
 Deforestation and degradation account for almost
20% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas
emission
REDD
COP decision on “Reducing emissions from
deforestation in developing countries (Decision
2/CP.13),” providing:
mandate for several elements and actions by
Parties to reduce emissions from deforestation
and forest degradation in developing countries
set of indicative guidance for the implementation
and evaluation of demonstration activities
REDD (methodologies)
• As requested by COP, the SBSTA initiated a program of work
in 2008 on methodological issues (policy approaches,
recommendations on possible methodological approaches and
positive incentives that reduce emissions from deforestation
and forest degradation) (COP at its fourteenth session)
• In 2008 and 2009, policy approaches and positive incentives
regarding reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest
degradation in developing countries and the role of
conservation and sustainable management of forests in
developing countries were considered under the process of the
Bali Action Plan (REDD-plus)
Monitor forest cover change
• Methods and tools to estimate and monitor changes
in forest cover and associated carbon stocks and
GHG emissions, incremental changes due to
sustainable management of forest, and reduction of
emissions from deforestation and forest degradation
are essential.
• A combination of remote-sensing and ground-based
assessments could be one of the suitable approaches
be used to estimate emission reductions from
deforestation and forest degradation, as well as
carbon stock changes
• New methods and tools are emerging.
REDD for Poor
 Huge amount of money could
flow to developing countries (aid
flow to forestry sector). Funds for
reducing emission from
deforestation and degradation
through the implementation of
various measures and policies
 Reducing conflict over resources
 REDD can aim to avoid increased
threat to the poor
 REDD could deliver benefit
directly to the poor
 Effort should be devoted to ensure
benefit of poor from REDD
REDD in ongoing climate talk
 The main body for REDD+ negotiation is AWG-LCA, but the negotiation
undertaken by AWG-KP is also relevant to REDD+ (discussed in the subgroup on ‘1(b)(iii),’ as in the Bali Action Plan)
 During Many informal consultation meeting, REDD was discussed within
different groups such as G77+China and the African group to reach a
common position on the Chair’s text (no common position was reached)
Key points and main issues in REDD+
discussion
Scope and objectives of REDD +
Safeguards
Protection of natural forest and restoring degraded
natural forest and ensuring rights of indigenous people .
Gender considerations
Emissions global reduction goal for deforestation
Retaining forest carbon
Accountability mechanisms (measuring, monitoring and
verifying (MRV) systems)
Institutional arrangements (financial mechanisms)
Developing Countries: Issues
The objective of REDD-plus is to provide positive incentives for the
reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and
the stabilization of forest carbon stocks consistently with the
sustainable development goals of each developing country
The scope of REDD-plus must include the following activities:
Reduction of emissions from deforestation
Reduction of emissions from forest degradation
Stabilization of forest cover and, thereb,y forest carbon stocks
Enhancement of forest carbon stocks through afforestation,
reforestation and SMF
Voluntary participation of developing countries
Accommodate the diverse national circumstances of the developing
countries
Consider the national sovereignty and the right to use forests to
support livelihoods and national development
Developing Countries: Issues
…cont
The key principles that a REDD+ mechanism must be based on are the
following:
Consistency with national sustainable development goals
Be subject to accessible, equitable, adequate, predictable and sustainable
financing and technology support, including support for capacity-building that is
new and additional to existing development assistance.
REDD+ mechanism must operate under the COP and be guided by and fully
accountable to it
There should be flexibility in the setting of reference levels to incentivize
countries with high forest cover but low historical rates of deforestation and
forest degradation
Phased Approach for REDD+ implementation
Unacceptable issues includes:
Setting of any target (for reduction of deforestation rate) that is expressed in
numerical form to be achieved within a stipulated time/period
Any provision that requires countries to account for emissions taking place
outside their national boundaries
Convergence
• Phased approach to REDD+, starting with a readiness
phase before implementation
• All parties considered safeguards, including the
involvement of indigenous peoples and local
communities with emphasis on indigenous peoples rights
Convergence
• Considering REDD as an opportunity for livelihood
improvement
• Consistency with national circumstances
• Incorporation of a gender perspective
• Inclusion of natural forest conservation safeguards
Other issues raised
 Consistency with national legislation and relevant international
agreements
 Inclusion of a clear safeguard against the conversion of native
forests to plantations
 The need of some countries to exploit forests to combat
poverty in their countries (argued against safeguards
concerning the conversion of native forests into plantation).
 Consideration of the high dependency of local people on
forests for their daily livelihood needs
REDD+ funding
• Funding sources for REDD were discussed,
where many developing countries prefer fundbased (not to be linked to the market
mechanism)
• While many of developed and some of
developing countries prefer market-based or
combined-based.
Despite the fact that REDD+ negotiations have progressed
very well in all sessions, no legally binding agreement has
been achieved. Obviously it seems that discussion on REDD+
issues need to continue after Cancun.
African Forests (target for REDD)
• 635 million hectares (16 per cent of the world’s forests)
• According to FAO, Africa lost some 23 million hectares of forest during 1980s
and another 20 million ha in the 1990s.
• It is important in climate change because of their potential as a sink for carbon
dioxide.
• High rates of deforestation and forest degradation
• Unsustainable utilization and management
• In many countries, mostly protective
• Have vital and prominent roles in integrated agro-silvo-pastoral production
systems (crop and animal production)
• Exist in remote, marginalized regions where services are usually not available
• As in other countries, forests support sectors in many African economies,
including the majority of rural communities, which are mainly poor.
The Problem: High dependency on forests
National energy consumption (it goes up to
80%)
Feed for national herds (30 ->50% during
drought period)
Employment opportunities in rural areas
Requirements of woody and non-woody
products
Food security and environmental services
The Solution: REDD !!
 Policies and legislation (enabling environment)
Energy problem
 Energy alternatives
Energy saving
Sustainable management (woody and NWFPs, people
participation, efficient utilization: housing , furniture…)
Afforestation and reforestation
Controlling agricultural expansion
Over grazing (Improving natural range….)
Alternative livelihood support
 Qualified staff, capable institution and sustainable
accessible funding