Abstract
REDD+ is a multilevel endeavour. Global demands, national and subnational structures and local people’s needs and aspirations must all be linked in efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. We use Brockhaus and Angelsen’s (2012) framework of Institutions, Interests, Information and Ideas (4Is) to analyse the multilevel governance of REDD+ through one of its core elements: measurement, reporting and verification. We present the multilevel dimensions of REDD+ and the risks if they are disregarded. We analyse the flow and interplay of information, institutions and interests across levels in REDD+ measurement, reporting and verification and examine which multilevel governance mechanisms enable this flow. To support our analysis, we provide anecdotal evidence of challenges and opportunities from three countries: Brazil, Vietnam and Indonesia. Our analysis shows that it is essential to enhance and harmonize information flows between local and national levels for measurement, reporting and verification to be accountable. Furthermore, sound information flows between levels can increase the negotiation power of disadvantaged groups and ensure a more effective, efficient and equitable REDD+. To reduce the risk of conflict, REDD+ multilevel governance systems must match incentives and interests with transparent institutions. Effective multilevel governance mechanisms, such as novel cross-scale institutional arrangements, uniform regulations on the rights, responsibilities and procedures for monitoring information flows, and participation across levels, will provide tools for both information flow and greater matching of different interests across levels.
Highlights
The objective of reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation and enhancing carbon stocks (REDD+) presents a multilevel puzzle
We base our study on Brockhaus and Angelsen’s (2012) framework of Institutions, Interests, Information and Ideas (4Is) and ask the following questions: (i) What are the multilevel dimensions of REDD+ and why are they important? (ii) Using the example of MRV as one core element of REDD+ architecture, how do information, institutions and interests flow and interplay across levels, and what kinds of multilevel governance mechanisms enable this interplay? To support our analysis, we provide anecdotal evidence of challenges and opportunities of MRV implementation for REDD+ from three countries: Brazil, Vietnam and Indonesia
Improving flows of information between subnational REDD+ initiatives and national authorities is an important step in improving multilevel governance
Summary
The objective of reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation and enhancing carbon stocks (REDD+) presents a multilevel puzzle. It is often claimed that a clear regulatory framework, effective law enforcement, transparency and participatory decision-making are essential for the success of REDD+ (Saunders et al 2008; Forsyth 2009), yet a method for translating the principles of ‘good governance’ into forest management outcomes remains elusive (Agrawal et al 2008; Miles and Kapos 2008), largely because of the complexity of the forest governance context This issue is exacerbated in the case of REDD+, because its progress is fragmented between and within international, national and subnational levels of governance. We concentrate our analysis on the multilevel governance mechanisms for one of these core elements, MRV, through the framework of institutions, interests and information flows
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