REDD in Climate Change Negotiation

1. REDD in Climate Change Negotiation Dr. Abdalla Gaafar Mohamed

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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 sub-group 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)

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Convergence • Considering REDD as an opportunity for livelihood improvement • Consistency with national circumstances • Incorporation of a gender perspective • Inclusion of natural forest conservation safeguards

14. 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

15. REDD+ funding • Funding sources for REDD were discussed, where many developing countries prefer fund-based (not to be linked to the market mechanism) • While many of developed and some of developing countries prefer market-based or combined-based.

16. 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.

17. REDD Africa

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. Thank You