Forests - Deforestation and degradation

Title

Managing production forests for timber production and carbon emission reductions under the REDD+ scheme

Reference

Environmental Science & Policy
Volume 23, November 2012, Pages 35–44

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Sustainable forest management (SFM) ensures the continuous flow of wood products and employment while improving the functionalities of forests as compared to conventional management. Until recently, many projects associated with the reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) scheme focused only on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, conservation of carbon stocks, or enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD+ is an extension of REDD that also includes, SFM, conservation of carbon stocks, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD+ projects concerned with securing timber production while reducing emissions are very few in number. In this report, we discuss how SFM through the adoption of appropriate logging practices can lead to a reduction in carbon emissions while securing timber in the tropics. Logging practices affect timber production, the structure of forests, and forest-dependent communities because of damages caused by logging itself and the large amounts of logging and wood wastes. By switching from conventional logging to reduced-impact logging practices, International Tropical Timber Organization producer countries could reduce carbon emissions by about 1.5–2.1 billion tCO2 year−1 while still producing about 164.9–280.8 million m3 of end-use wood under a 50-year project cycle, with the results being dependent on the chosen scenario. Study results suggest that a policy of reduced-impact logging combined with a 40-year or longer cutting cycle is appropriate for SFM projects as part of the REDD+ scheme.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Terrestrial emissions
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation
Forests >> Forest services >> Forest industries/products

Keywords

Carbon emissions; ITTO; Logging wastes; Reduced impact logging;
Wood wastes

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901112000895
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nopsasaki@gmail.com

Title

Reference

Nature (2012) doi:10.1038/nature11318

Author(s)

William F. Laurance, et al.

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The rapid disruption of tropical forests probably imperils global biodiversity more than any other contemporary phenomenon. With deforestation advancing quickly, protected areas are increasingly becoming final refuges for threatened species and natural ecosystem processes. However, many protected areas in the tropics are themselves vulnerable to human encroachment and other environmental stresses. As pressures mount, it is vital to know whether existing reserves can sustain their biodiversity. A critical constraint in addressing this question has been that data describing a broad array of biodiversity groups have been unavailable for a sufficiently large and representative sample of reserves. Here we present a uniquely comprehensive data set on changes over the past 20 to 30 years in 31 functional groups of species and 21 potential drivers of environmental change, for 60 protected areas stratified across the world’s major tropical regions. Our analysis reveals great variation in reserve ‘health’: about half of all reserves have been effective or performed passably, but the rest are experiencing an erosion of biodiversity that is often alarmingly widespread taxonomically and functionally. Habitat disruption, hunting and forest-product exploitation were the strongest predictors of declining reserve health. Crucially, environmental changes immediately outside reserves seemed nearly as important as those inside in determining their ecological fate, with changes inside reserves strongly mirroring those occurring around them. These findings suggest that tropical protected areas are often intimately linked ecologically to their surrounding habitats, and that a failure to stem broad-scale loss and degradation of such habitats could sharply increase the likelihood of serious biodiversity declines.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

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http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature11318.html?WT.ec_id=NATURE-20120726
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bill.laurance@jcu.edu.au

Title

Is drought the main decline factor at the rear edge of Europe? The case of southern Iberian pine plantations

Reference

Forest Ecology and Management
Volume 271, 1 May 2012, Pages 158–169
EU FUNDED

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Drought has been frequently discussed as a trigger for forest decline. Today, large-scale forest decline is observed at the rear edge of Mediterranean forests, with drought identified as the most likely driver. The vulnerability of Mediterranean mountain plantations to regional climatic variations; however, is poorly understood. In this paper, we analyze the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the growth and vigor of two pine species in drought-prone areas. We assess the main factors influencing crown defoliation and radial growth to develop a predictive model of forest decline risk for pine plantations at the dry edge of the species range. Dendrochronological data were collected on 50 plots for Pinus nigra subsp. salzmanii and 40 plots for Pinus sylvestris. We examined tree size, competition, site characteristics and climate variables related to decline of pine plantations. Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify the correlates of decline with crown condition and growth, separately. Logistic regression and generalized linear models were used to study the relationship between canopy defoliation and growth, respectively, for P. nigra and P. sylvestris. Explanatory variables were introduced in a stepwise selection. The PCA revealed three main axes, associated with climate, competition and physiographic variables. Those three axes were associated with crown damage and basal area growth, respectively. Probability of crown damage was associated with tree size, competition and climate conditions. P. sylvestris was more sensitive than P. nigra to summer potential evapotranspiration effects. Also, climate and competition were the two main drivers affecting basal area growth. Unlike crown defoliation, physiography had an important effect. Within each species, there was a divergence between healthy and damaged trees, mainly related to competition factors. On the other hand, growth trends as an independent variable were not included in the crown damage probability model in a stepwise selection. However, declining growth found in trees at higher crown defoliation and drier sites may imply a greater vulnerability to decline, suggesting an enhanced die-off risk. The sharp growth reduction and widespread defoliation in declining pine plantations make their future persistence in xeric sites subject to frequent and severe droughts unlikely under expected warmer and drier conditions in the future.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

Mediterranean pines; Tree rings; Plantations; Forest decline; Crown defoliation; Rear edge

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rsanchez@uco.es    rmnavarro@uco.es   tswetnam@ltrr.arizona.edu    zavala.miguel@inia.es

Title

Fragmenting forests: the double edge of effective forest monitoring

Reference

Environmental Science & Policy
Volume 16, February 2012, Pages 20–30

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The link between ineffective forest monitoring and forest degradation is well known. Under REDD+, monitoring stands to become more important as a means of maintaining incentive. Little attention however has been paid to the possible adverse consequences of forest monitoring. Our research develops a spatially explicit, agent-based model (ABM) of timber extraction in a Congo Basin forest concession to investigate the potential conservation impact of more effective monitoring. We modeled the building of access roads, and logging of legal timber and illegal timber, where illegal timber may be interpreted broadly to include prohibited species, smaller trees, or trees in areas where cutting is not permitted. We investigated road building under (1) random spot monitoring of logging sites and (2) monitoring of logged trunks at checkpoints. Our findings indicate that although more effective monitoring can reduce illegal harvesting, it can also lead to construction of denser road networks and higher levels of forest fragmentation, with an implied loss of biodiversity. These insights are particularly relevant in the context of REDD+, as they suggest that some monitoring strategies may lead to more forest fragmentation, even as they help reduce emissions.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest governance and management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

Agent-based model; Concession forestry; Congo Basin; Monitoring; REDD+

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901111001766
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ab3477@columbia.edu

Title

Role of India's forests in climate change mitigation through the CDM and REDD+ 

Reference

DOI:10.1080/09640568.2011.651110

Author(s)

Anju Singh, Seema Unnikrishnan, Neelima Naik & Kavita Duvvuri

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Forestry is at the centre-stage of global climate change negotiations as it is a low cost carbon mitigation option. Forests have the potential to be a source as well as sink for carbon emissions. The main aim of this paper is to provide a useful snapshot of the carbon value of India's forests, and give a glimpse of the potential of India's forests to offset both India's and the world's carbon emissions. This paper also highlights the initiatives taken by India towards the implementation of REDD+ and the status of REDD+ in a few other countries.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Carbon sinks
Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Terrestrial emissions
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

CDM; REDD+;afforestation;reforestation; carbon stock;deforestation

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http://www.tandfonline.com.ezproxy.uwe.ac.uk/doi/abs/10.1080/09640568.2011.651110
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dranjusingh@gmail.com

Title

Institutional design for improved forest governance through REDD: Lessons from the global environment facility

Reference

Ecological Economics
Volume 70, Issue 11, 15 September 2011, Pages 1908-1915

Author(s)

G. Kristin Rosendal and Steinar Andresen

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This contribution focuses on carbon mitigation and biodiversity conservation in the context of the UN initiative for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in Developing countries (REDD). The design of REDD is important as it may channel much of the international funding that will potentially be made available for future environmental problem-solving in developing countries. The most important multilateral environmental funding mechanism is the Global Environment Facility (GEF). With its basic structural similarity to the emerging REDD, it provides a good starting point for drawing lessons relevant to the design of REDD. In explaining GEF priorities and performance we discuss the role of key actors as well as the organizational and institutional structure of GEF. These factors do not encourage coalitions for addressing environmental problems in the poorest countries. The institutional setting of REDD in the Convention on Climate Change may further exacerbate this trend, as neither conservation nor socioeconomic concerns like the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples and local communities are addressed. Factors that favour utilizing a similar organization structure include scope for donor trust, for bringing in established competence and a comprehensive approach. REDD must be wary of catering solely to a Northern environmental agenda.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest governance and management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

REDD; Legitimacy; Biodiversity; Climate change; GEF; Governance

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800911001327
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kristin.rosendal@fni.no

Title

Emissions Embodied in Trade (EET) and Land use in Tropical Forest Margins

Reference

CGIAR policy brief

Author(s)

Minang, P.A., van Noordwijk, M., Meyfroidt, P., Agus, F., Dewi, S.

Study type

Report

Abstract

Increasing proportions of land use change responsible for emissions from deforestation, forest degradation and agriculture in developing countries is associated with commodities meant for export, hence the concept of Emissions Embodied in Trade- EET. As many corporations, countries and consumers embrace carbon footprint labelling and advocate for “greener” commodities, there is potential for reducing emissions from land use change in the humid and sub-humid tropics. Yet, current debate on Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation - REDD+ has not considered the potential implications of EET. In this brief, we present and briefly reflect on (a) how emission reductions may induce cross-border land use displacements; (b) how market demand for “greener” commodities and consumer pressure on some tropical commodities can shape behaviour of land use agents and influence emissions; and (c) the policy implications that result from EET.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Terrestrial emissions
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Trade and environment

Keywords

N/A

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N/A

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http://www.asb.cgiar.org/PDFwebdocs/PB17_final.pdf
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asb@cgiar.org

Title

Reference

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 9: 278–286.
doi:10.1890/100084

Author(s)

Miguel N Bugalho, Maria C Caldeira, João S Pereira, James Aronson, and Juli G Pausas

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Mediterranean cork oak savannas, which are found only in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, are ecosystems of high socioeconomic and conservation value. Characterized by sparse tree cover and a diversity of understory vegetation - ranging from shrub formations to grasslands - that support high levels of biodiversity, these ecosystems require active management and use by humans to ensure their continued existence. The most important product of these savannas is cork, a non-timber forest product that is periodically harvested without requiring tree felling. Market devaluation of, and lower demand for, cork are causing a decline in management, or even abandonment, of southwestern Europe's cork oak savannas. Subsequent shrub encroachment into the savanna's grassland components reduces biodiversity and degrades the services provided by these ecosystems. In contrast, poverty-driven overuse is degrading cork oak savannas in northwestern Africa. 'Payment for ecosystem services' schemes, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) programs, could produce novel economic incentives to promote sustainable use and conservation of Mediterranean cork oak savanna ecosystems in both Europe and Africa.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental economics >> Ecosystem services >> Ecosystem services
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

N/A

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.frontiersinecology.org/beyond/?p=275
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migbugalho@isa.utl.pt

Title

Stakeholder perspectives on 'fair and efficient' benefit distribution along the C-redd value chain

Reference

World Agroforestry Centre report

Author(s)

World Agroforestry Centre

Study type

Report

Abstract

Local implementation of efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) can be analyzed to be part of a 'value chain'. The primary 'service' is a direct reduction of emissions and a medium-to-long term reorientation of development pathways towards the maintenance of high-carbon-stock landscapes. The ultimate 'service' for which there may be a market is a 'credible and creditable' quantification and documentation of emission reduction compared to an agreed (negotiated) baseline ('additionality' beyond reference emission levels) after corrections for leakage effects and risks of non-permanence. The steps of the value chain beyond the landscape where emission reduction takes place involve subnational + national + international levels that currently still have to operationalize rules that allow the value chain to work. In this process an external drive for efficiency (low cost emission reduction) interacts with the need for fairness (supporting conservation commitment, avoiding perverse incentives). The development of operational subnational REDD+ implementation rules involves a learning curve for all involved, the local stakeholders as well as the potential investors, regulators and facilitators of the process. Learning by the stakeholders might in future be facilitated by formal research results, but a more direct 'learning by doing' is needed at this stage. We report the development and use of a research tool FERVA for analysis of fairness and efficiency along REDD+ value chains, and its initial use in Indonesia and Peru. For Jambi province in Indonesia we also report further steps to engage potential REDD+ stakeholders in the design of subnational implementation mechanisms, including discussions with 'Orang Rimba' as the local forest dwellers are indicated. A simulation model that quantifies distributional effects ('equity') complements the 'perceived fairness' perspective that was expressed in the various focus group discussions. Vietnam is considering the coupling of REDD+ funding and an existing scheme of payment for watershed functions. This approach may reduce transaction costs, but brings its own challenges to both fairness and efficiency dimensions, as discussed here.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation
Environmental information services >> Environmental communication >> Stakeholder/public engagement

Keywords

N/A

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N/A

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http://www.asb.cgiar.org/PDFwebdocs/Stakeholder%20perspectives%20along%20the%20Credd%20value%20chain.pdf
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www.worldagrofoorestrycentre.org/sea

Title

Benchmark map of forest carbon stocks in tropical regions across three continents

Reference

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011;
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1019576108

Author(s)

Sassan S. Saatchi, Nancy L. Harris, Sandra Brown, Michael Lefsky, Edward T. A. Mitchard, William Salas, Brian R. Zutta, Wolfgang Buermann, Simon L. Lewis, Stephen Hagen, Silvia Petrova, Lee White, Miles Silman, Alexandra Morel.

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Developing countries are required to produce robust estimates of forest carbon stocks for successful implementation of climate change mitigation policies related to reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD). Here we present a 'benchmark' map of biomass carbon stocks over 2.5 billion ha of forests on three continents, encompassing all tropical forests, for the early 2000s, which will be invaluable for REDD assessments at both project and national scales. We mapped the total carbon stock in live biomass (above- and belowground), using a combination of data from 4,079 in situ inventory plots and satellite light detection and ranging (Lidar) samples of forest structure to estimate carbon storage, plus optical and microwave imagery (1-km resolution) to extrapolate over the landscape. The total biomass carbon stock of forests in the study region is estimated to be 247 Gt C, with 193 Gt C stored aboveground and 54 Gt C stored belowground in roots. Forests in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia accounted for 49%, 25%, and 26% of the total stock, respectively. By analyzing the errors propagated through the estimation process, uncertainty at the pixel level (100 ha) ranged from ±6% to ±53%, but was constrained at the typical project (10,000 ha) and national (>1,000,000 ha) scales at ca. ±5% and ca. ±1%, respectively. The benchmark map illustrates regional patterns and provides methodologically comparable estimates of carbon stocks for 75 developing countries where previous assessments were either poor or incomplete.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Terrestrial emissions
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

forest biomass, forest height, microwave and optical imaging, error propagation, carbon cycling

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2011/05/24/1019576108
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saatchi@jpl.nasa.gov  

Title

Gold Mining in the Peruvian Amazon: Global Prices, Deforestation, and Mercury Imports

Reference

PLoS ONE 6(4): e18875.

Author(s)

Jennifer J. Swenson, Catherine E. Carter, Jean-Christophe Domec, Cesar I. Delgado

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Many factors such as poverty, ineffective institutions and environmental regulations may prevent developing countries from managing how natural resources are extracted to meet a strong market demand. Extraction for some resources has reached such proportions that evidence is measurable from space. We present recent evidence of the global demand for a single commodity and the ecosystem destruction resulting from commodity extraction, recorded by satellites for one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. We find that since 2003, recent mining deforestation in Madre de Dios, Peru is increasing nonlinearly alongside a constant annual rate of increase in international gold price (~18%/yr). We detect that the new pattern of mining deforestation (1915 ha/year, 2006-2009) is outpacing that of nearby settlement deforestation. We show that gold price is linked with exponential increases in Peruvian national mercury imports over time (R2 = 0.93, p = 0.04, 2003-2009). Given the past rates of increase we predict that mercury imports may more than double for 2011 (~500 t/year). Virtually all of Peru's mercury imports are used in artisanal gold mining. Much of the mining increase is unregulated/artisanal in nature, lacking environmental impact analysis or miner education. As a result, large quantities of mercury are being released into the atmosphere, sediments and waterways. Other developing countries endowed with gold deposits are likely experiencing similar environmental destruction in response to recent record high gold prices. The increasing availability of satellite imagery ought to evoke further studies linking economic variables with land use and cover changes on the ground.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

N/A

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0018875#aff1
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jswenson@duke.edu

Title

Remotely sensed forest cover loss shows high spatial and temporal variation across Sumatera and Kalimantan, Indonesia 2000-2008

Reference

Environmental Research Letters 6 (2011) 014010 (9pp)

Author(s)

Mark Broich, Matthew Hansen, Fred Stolle, Peter Potapov,
Belinda Arunarwati Margono and Bernard Adusei

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The Indonesian islands of Sumatera and Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo) are a center of significant and rapid forest cover loss in the humid tropics with implications for carbon dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and local livelihoods. The aim of our research was to analyze and interpret annual trends of forest cover loss for different sub-regions of the study area. We mapped forest cover loss for 2000-2008 using multi-resolution remote sensing data from the Landsat enhanced thematic mapper plus (ETM  + ) and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors and analyzed annual trends per island, province, and official land allocation zone. The total forest cover loss for Sumatera and Kalimantan 2000-2008 was 5.39 Mha, which represents 5.3% of the land area and 9.2% of the year 2000 forest cover of these two islands. At least 6.5% of all mapped forest cover loss occurred in land allocation zones prohibiting clearing. An additional 13.6% of forest cover loss occurred where clearing is legally restricted. The overall trend of forest cover loss increased until 2006 and decreased thereafter. The trends for Sumatera and Kalimantan were distinctly different, driven primarily by the trends of Riau and Central Kalimantan provinces, respectively. This analysis shows that annual mapping of forest cover change yields a clearer picture than a one-time overall national estimate. Monitoring forest dynamics is important for national policy makers, especially given the commitment of Indonesia to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of the reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries initiative (REDD  + ). The improved spatio-temporal detail of forest change monitoring products will make it possible to target policies and projects in meeting this commitment. Accurate, annual forest cover loss maps will be integral to many REDD  +  objectives, including policy formulation, definition of baselines, detection of displacement, and the evaluation of the permanence of emission reduction.

Policy theme(s)

Forests>> Forest protection>> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

tropical forest, deforestation,  REDD  +  , deforestation drivers, remote sensing, Landsat, MODIS

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http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/6/1/014010/fulltext
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mark.broich@sdstate.edu

Title

Monitoring, reporting and verification for national REDD + programmes: Two Proposals

Reference

Environmental Research Letters 6 (2011) 014002 (10pp)
doi:10.1088/1748-9326/6/1/014002

Author(s)

Martin Herold and Margaret Skutsch

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Different options have been suggested by Parties to the UNFCCC (United Framework Convention on Climate Change) for inclusion in national approaches to REDD and REDD+ (reduced deforestation, reduced degradation, enhancement of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forest, and conservation of forest carbon stocks). This paper proposes that from the practical and technical points of view of designing action for REDD and REDD+ at local and sub-national level, as well as from the point of view of the necessary MRV (monitoring, reporting and verification), these should be grouped into three categories: conservation, which is rewarded on the basis of no changes in forest stock, reduced deforestation, in which lowered rates of forest area loss are rewarded, and positive impacts on carbon stock changes in forests remaining forest, which includes reduced degradation, sustainable management of forest of various kinds, and forest enhancement. Thus we have moved degradation, which conventionally is grouped with deforestation, into the forest management group reported as areas remaining forest land, with which it has, in reality, and particularly as regards MRV, much more in common. Secondly, in the context of the fact that REDD/REDD+ is to take the form of a national or near-national approach, we argue that while systematic national monitoring is important, it may not be necessary for REDD/REDD+ activities, or for national MRV, to be started at equal levels of intensity all over the country. Rather, areas where interventions seem easiest to start may be targeted, and here data measurements may be more rigorous (Tier 3), for example based on stakeholder self-monitoring with independent verification, while in other, untreated areas, a lower level of monitoring may be pursued, at least in the first instance. Treated areas may be targeted for any of the three groups of activities (conservation, reduced deforestation, and positive impact on carbon stock increases in forest remaining forest).

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest governance and management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

REDD+, forest carbon, monitoring, UNFCCC, verification

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/6/1/014002
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martin.herold@wur.nl