Recognition of historical contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities through benefit sharing plans (BSPs) in REDD+

Abstract

Achieving the objectives of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest(s) Degradation, Conservation and Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks and Sustainable Management of Forests in developing countries (REDD+) will remain an aspiration unless and until the historical contributions of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs) to the state and management of forests are recognised and respected. REDD + is designed for developing countries where community-based forest management systems (CBFM) are becoming increasingly popular. Using the case study of Nepal, a pioneer of community forest (CF) management, we show how the traditional users of Tarai forests are systemically excluded from mainstream CF practices and discuss the potential negative implications of not rewarding their historical contribution. Considering the scope provided by REDD + benefit sharing plans (BSPs) and the greater number of developing countries involved in designing BSPs, we: (1) argue that BSP offers a unique opportunity to recognize historical contributions of traditional users; (2) suggest specific provisions for channelling REDD + benefits to the traditional users as a potential solution; and (3) conclude that the inability to provide such benefits may result in the failure of REDD + on a broader scale, nullifying global efforts for forest-based climate change mitigation.