Protecting degraded rainforests: enhancement of forest carbon stocks under REDD+

David P Edwards,Emily Boyd,Brendan Fisher

doi:10.1111/j.1755-263x.2010.00143.x

David P Edwards, Emily Boyd + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-263x.2010.00143.x

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Journal: Conservation Letters	Publication Date: Sep 1, 2010
Citations: 77	License type: unspecified-oa

Affiliation: University of Leeds, Princeton University

Abstract

AbstractThe likely Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) mechanism includes strategies for the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. Recent concerns have been expressed that such enhancement, or restoration, of forest carbon could be counterproductive to biodiversity conservation, because forests are managed as “carbon farms” with the application of intensive silvicultural management that could homogenize diverse degraded rainforests. Restoration increases regeneration rates in degraded forest compared to naturally regenerating forest, and thus could yield significant financial returns for carbon sequestered. Here, we argue that such forest restoration projects are, in fact, likely to provide a number of benefits to biodiversity conservation including the retention of biodiversity, the prevention of forest conversion to agriculture, and employment opportunities for poor local communities. As with other forms of forest‐based carbon offsets, there are possible moral hazard and leakage problems with restoration. However, due to the multiple benefits, we urge that enhancement of forest carbon stocks be detailed as a major component in the future negotiations of REDD+.

Highlights

On December 18, 2009, the international community finalized the Copenhagen Accord—a nonbinding political statement that outlines principles to curb global warming to 2◦C
The Accord was, a far call from a comprehensive agreement, but progress was made on the inclusion of payments for habitat protection—known as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+)
While REDD+ is still relatively undefined, the existing guidance provided by the Bali Action Plan states that acceptable mitigation interventions in developing countries are (1) avoided deforestation and degradation, (2) conservation and sustainable forest management, and (3) enhancement of forest carbon stocks (UNFCCC 2007)

Summary

Introduction

On December 18, 2009, the international community finalized the Copenhagen Accord—a nonbinding political statement that outlines principles to curb global warming to 2◦C. While REDD+ is still relatively undefined, the existing guidance provided by the Bali Action Plan states that acceptable mitigation interventions in developing countries are (1) avoided deforestation and degradation, (2) conservation and sustainable forest management, and (3) enhancement of forest carbon stocks (UNFCCC 2007).

Results

Conclusion