REDD+ initiatives and sustainable forestry : applying lessons learned from community-based forest management in developing countries to future REDD+ methodologies
(Book - Regular Print)

Thesis,MSES,Green Mountain College,2012

Includes bibliographical references.

REDD+, or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, is an international initiative designed to mitigate climate change, primarily targeted at allowing developing countries to reap financial benefits by keeping forests standing and undertaking reforestation projects in order to sell carbon offsets on the existing global carbon markets. Though the initiative has potential, it also faces a number of criticisms, many of which are related to the ultimate goals of conservation and the desire not to exploit or place unfair burdens on the billions of people living in forest communities in these developing nations. As a result, this thesis will explore the REDD+ initiative in the context of community forestry, and provide suggestions for implementation within this framework. The central question is how, exactly, lessons from community-based forest management may be applied in order to meet the goals of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, but in particular, enhance carbon stocks through the sustainable management of forests, and allow communities to gain extra skills and income by practicing community forestry and selling sustainably harvested timber. The first chapter explores the history of REDD+ and how it evolved over time from when it was first proposed in 2005. It also provides an in-depth discussion of the criticisms of the program, in particular those that may be addressed by community forestry. The second chapter explores the theories behind community forestry, and the possibilities it offers in its implementation in developing countries. The third chapter focuses on a practical application of theory and provides examples and suggestions for making community-based forest management an integral part of any future REDD+ initiative to ensure that the program is successful not just in meeting its goals for mitigating climate change but in involving local communities in the process and promoting sustainable livelihoods and use of forest resources.