Challenges Of Forest Governance In Addressing Redd+: Status, Effects And Prospects. The Case Of Bale Eco-Region, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Endalkachew Birhan,Engdawork Assefa,Maria A Petrova

doi:10.24057/2071-9388-2020-108

Endalkachew Birhan, Engdawork Assefa + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2020-108

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Abstract

Reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is an internationally accepted mechanism for encouraging developing countries to contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by preventing forest loss and degradation; and by increasing removal of GHGs from the earth’s atmosphere through the conservation, management and expansion of forests. This mechanism, however, has failed to bring the desired results in the Bale Eco-Region. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify the main challenges of forest governance in addressing the implementation of REDD+ projects. Mixed research approach was employed. Relevant qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires. This study revealed that the community produced a total of 5.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in three years (between 2012 and 2015) as a contribution to the global environment. But, they were not received any economic incentives from the REDD+. Generally, while implementing the REDD+ project, forest governance of the Bale Eco-Region has faced different challenges, such as weak institutional arrangements, continuation of deforestation, low enforcement capacity, low economic benefit of the community, lack of strong coordination with media and research institutes, conflict of interest among sectors over forest land, and lack of adequate budget and logistics to undertake proper monitoring and evaluation. All these challenges have in one way or another contributed to the failure of the REDD+ project in the Bale Eco-Region.

Highlights

Global forest cover is decreasing due to deforestation and forest degradation
Two approaches for REDD+ implementation have been discussed within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): a project/result-based payment mechanism and country-governed REDD+ programs that could become a part of wider Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) (Mulyani and Jebson 2013)
Regardless of this, deforestation and forest degradation have continued in the Bale Eco-Region, especially after 2015

Summary

Introduction

Global forest cover is decreasing due to deforestation and forest degradation. FAO estimates that 13 million hectares of tropical forest are being converted to other land uses every year due to deforestation and forest degradation (Vanderhaegen et al 2015). Deforestation and forest degradation contribute indirectly to the global greenhouse gas emissions. According to Bluffstone et al (2013), deforestation and forest degradation are estimated to contribute between 12% and 20% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. The REDD+ mechanism has been negotiated at the successive United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conferences of Parties since 2005 (Vanderhaegen et al 2015). It comprises of local, national and global actions whose primary aim is to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and enhance forest carbon stocks in developing countries (Angelsen et al 2012). The governance of forests in general and REDD+ in particular is vital for the success of REDD+ because governance deficiencies threaten both the effectiveness and legitimacy of REDD+ (Larson and Petkova 2011)

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