Significance of REDD+ in Africa : challenges and probable solutions

Abstract

In the quest to develop urgent interventions to mitigate climate change, reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation is critical to attaining the net-zero emission target. REDD+, which essentially means reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries is a financial concept and a policy framework that has been welcomed by more than half of African countries. Forests are an integral part of human livelihoods and affect the socio-economic, political and ecological dynamics of most African people. Therefore, the introduction and adoption of REDD+ manifest positive connotations while exposing delimitations that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness. This policy brief delves into the significance of REDD+ in the African context, explores some of the challenges evidenced by the ongoing REDD+ activities and suggests avenues to solve the issues identified. The brief is developed based on a high-level side event that took place at the fifteenth World Forest Congress in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, from 2 to 6 May 2022, and interviews and written feedback from distinguished experts compost of members of Global Forest Panel of Experts, European University Institute and policy advisors in forestry, environmental policy, governance, and sustainable development. Some of the recommendations made include strengthening polycentric coordination of REDD+ activities, integrating a financial mix from domestic and international sources, developing robust monitoring and reporting tools and sealing corruption risk loopholes likely to threaten REDD+ actions.