REDD and decentralized forest management

At the climate change conference in Copenhagen, A mechanism for Reducing Climate Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) was adopted to provide incentives for developing countries to reduce forestry related carbon emissions. Some researchers have expressed concerns about the implications of decentralized forest management for the implementation of REDD within participating countries (Irawan and Tacconi, 2009). On the one hand, decentralization helps meet local needs and encourages increased participation. However, a decentralized implementation model is difficult to monitor and there is a greater risk of leakage. In a top-down model of REDD implementation, the central government has the ability set reference levels and monitor emissions more easily. However, in such a case, local needs are more likely to be ignored and there may be decreased local participation.—Martin Selasco 

Irawan, S., Tacconi, L., 2009. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and decentralized forest management. International Forestry Review 11, 427–438.

 Researchers at the Australian National University, S. Irawan and L. Tacconi, analyzed the possible modes for the involvement of local governments in implementation of REDD. They classified the possible modes as Option 1, Option 2 and Option 3. Option 1 describes a top-down approach, in which the central government sets national reference levels and prescribes targets and activities. Option 2 entails a ‘bidding mechanism’ in which the central government sets reference levels, and local governments submit expressions of interest along with project proposals. Option 3 embodies a more decentralized approach in which central and local governments work together to set a national reference level, and local governments are allowed develop their own implementation programs. All three of these options would require financial incentives at the local level to encourage participation. While there is no single correct way to implement REDD, the researchers suggest that each country assess these options according to their own needs and political structures.