Abstract
Community forest management (CFM) is identified by many actors as a core strategy for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+). Others however see REDD+ as a danger to CFM. In response to these contrasting views, we carried out a systematic review of CFM case studies to look at CFM’s potential role in achieving forest carbon benefits and social co-benefits for forest communities. We evaluated the potential impacts of REDD+ on CFM. Our review showed that there is strong evidence of CFM’s role in reducing degradation and stabilizing forested landscapes; however, the review also showed less evidence about the role of CFM in reducing deforestation. For social benefits, we found that CFM contributes to livelihoods, but its effect on poverty reduction may be limited. Also, CFM may not deal adequately with the distribution of benefits within communities or user groups. These insights are important for CFM-based REDD+ intervention; measures should be adopted to overcome these gaps. Innovative incentive structures to existing CFM are discussed. The recognition of rights for forest communities is one first step identified in promoting CFM. We call for sound empirical impact evaluations that analyze CFM and CFM-based REDD+ interventions by looking at both biophysical and social outcomes.
Highlights
Recent estimates suggest that deforestation has been responsible for the emission of 2.9 Gigatonnes (Gt) CO2 of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) per year over the period of 2001–2015 and forest degradation for1.0 Gt CO2 per year over the period 1990–2015 [1]
REDD+ Activities Realized by Community Forest Management
Our study indicates that Community forest management (CFM) is more successful in forest conservation, sustainable management of forest which results in reduced rates of degradation, and enhancing carbon stock, than in reducing deforestation
Summary
Recent estimates suggest that deforestation has been responsible for the emission of 2.9 Gigatonnes (Gt) CO2 of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) per year over the period of 2001–2015 and forest degradation for1.0 Gt CO2 per year over the period 1990–2015 [1]. A policy framework for the creation of a performance-based mechanism was adopted in Cancun (COP 16) that would compensate developing countries (Non-Annex 1 countries) on the basis of the measured success in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation or increase carbon absorptions through carbon stock enhancement, sustainable management of forests and forest conservation (REDD+). The Cancun Agreement specifies safeguard measures that should be respected and monitored in unfolding REDD+ activities in developing countries, including respect for the knowledge and rights of indigenous people and full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities and the enhancement of social benefits, while considering “the need for sustainable livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities and their interdependence on forests in most countries” [4]
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