Christian Aid has produced a document entitled REDD+ in Latin America and the Carribean: Does it Work for Local Communities?
REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation.
REDD+ aims to reduce emissions from forests, prevent deforestation and encourage investment in low-carbon development. Christian Aid’s Latin American and Caribbean partners believe that such projects must be managed by local communities and be truly inclusive.
Deforestation and forest degradation account for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries, this is more than that produced by the global transport sector and is second to the energy sector. It is clear that a strategy for a fair forest carbon conservation that recognises and guarantees community rights is one key factor to limiting further the impacts of climate change.
It is the view of Christian Aid and many of its partners that REDD+ projects must be directly managed by affected local communities and vulnerable groups. Any initiatives, be they UN-led or other, must be inclusive, participatory and community-based.
To read the entire Christian Aid document, see FINAL – 13-147-J300 Time for Climate Justice 8