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REDD myths - A critical review of proposed mechanisms to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation in developing countries |
Dec 2008
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However, it is important to note that deforestation was previously excluded from the Kyoto Protocol because of methodological problems and concerns about countries losing sovereignty over their natural resources. In spite of the evident enthusiasm that there is for REDD (no doubt because of the large sums of money that are being discussed) many of these concerns still remain. Contentious issues include the way in which REDD could or should be structured (in particular, whether it should be integrated into or otherwise linked to the Kyoto Protocol’s regulatory carbon markets); whether it can really impact on deforestation rates; and what other impacts it might have, beneficial or otherwise.
Nevertheless, the issue is now back on the UNFCCC’s negotiating table, put there by members of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations, a group of developing countries with tropical forests. Governments in these countries hope to be able to reduce their deforestation rates without being financially disadvantaged, through a system of positive financial incentives. There are now a number of other proposals on the table as well, and some of these suggest alternative financial mechanisms with which to fund a REDD mechanism. All are also based on the idea that Northern countries are responsible for providing financial support to Southern countries’ climate change mitigation and adaptation activities; and seek to generate a significant level of compensation or economic incentive to outweigh the income generated through deforestation.
This paper sets out to unpack the ongoing REDD debate, looking at proposals that have already been made by governments; and ideas and proposals from other intergovernmental organisations and civil society, with a view to drawing conclusions about what might and might not work in relation to REDD. It focuses particularly on financial mechanisms, looking at where funds might come from and how they might be managed; and how these two factors might influence the way in which REDD funds would or could be used at the national and local levels.
By: Friends of the Earth International
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