What is REDD+?

• Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), as well as sustainable forest management and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks, are critical components of global efforts to mitigate climate change.
• REDD+ is a UNFCCC-negotiated finance mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in poor countries.
• The framework, commonly known as the Warsaw Framework (WFR) for REDD+, was established at COP 19 in Warsaw in December 2013 and provides comprehensive methodological and financial advice for REDD+ activity implementation.
• It is separated into three phases, generally corresponding to preparedness, implementation, and payment for outcomes.
• REDD+ is a voluntary climate mitigation path designed by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Parties (UNFCCC).
• REDD+ was originally discussed in 2005, with the goal of mitigating climate change by lowering net greenhouse gas emissions via improved forest management in poor nations.
• The majority of significant REDD+ choices were made by 2013, with the remaining components of the regulation completed in 2015.
• REDD+ is an effective, efficient, and fair system for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, according to proponents.

REDD+ - Objectives

• The goal of REDD+ is to encourage developing countries to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts by:
  • slowing, halting, and reversing forest loss and degradation;
  • increasing removal of GHGs from the earth's atmosphere through forest conservation, management, and expansion; and
  • protecting forest carbon stores, manage forests sustainably, and improve forest carbon stocks.

Phases of REDD+

• Countries interested in REDD+ must go through three stages that are inextricably linked to one another:
  • Readiness Phase - It includes developing national strategies or action plans, REDD+ mitigation actions, and capacity building.
  • Implementation Phase - It includes enacting REDD+ actions and national strategies or plans that could include additional capacity building, technology development and transfer, and results-based demonstration activities.
  • Payments for Result Phase - actions that must be fully measured, reported, and verified
• The REDD+ phases are intended to serve as a guide for participating countries rather than a set of requirements. As a result, countries should define the activities associated with each phase.
• Furthermore, these phases are not sequential and can overlap or operate in parallel, which means that countries can begin the REDD+ process at different stages based on their respective national and subnational circumstances and varying capacities.
• A country, for example, can begin implementing results-based activities without having fully developed a REDD+ national strategy. Capacity-building activities can also be incorporated into Phases 1 and 2.

Activities of REDD+

• The following five REDD+ activities, which have been globally agreed upon, contribute to mitigation actions in the forest sector:
  • reducing deforestation-related emissions
  • lowering emissions caused by forest degradation
  • forest carbon stock preservation
  • increase in forest carbon stocks
  • forest management that is sustainable
• These five activities are best implemented – either collectively or individually – through a package of coordinated REDD+ actions defined by each country and included in national strategies and action plans.
• These activities may also provide important co-benefits for climate change adaptation.

REDD+ - Reporting to the UNFCCC

• When developing nations seek to obtain and receive results-based financing for results-based actions that are properly measured, reported, and verified, the components that are being established during the early stages of REDD+ should be in place.
• For purposes of being eligible for results-based funding, the following information must be reported:
• The evaluated outcomes (tonnes CO2 year) for each pertinent time;
• The estimated annual CO2 emissions from a forest;
• The informational summary on how all REDD+ precautions are addressed and upheld;
• A connection to the national action plan or strategy for REDD+;
• Details on the national forest monitoring program.

REDD+ - Benefits for Developing Countries

• Developing countries that meet UNFCCC REDD+ requirements will be paid based on verified emissions reductions.
  • As a result, REDD+ provides an incentive for these countries to reduce forest emissions and invest in low-carbon pathways to sustainable development.
• Countries will contribute to the conservation of their national biodiversity as well as the global fight against climate change by implementing REDD+ actions.
• REDD+ provides social and economic benefits in addition to environmental benefits. Most recently, it is being integrated into green economy strategies.
• REDD+ is also a tool for achieving the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which world leaders adopted in September 2015.
• While REDD+ is directly related to Climate Action (goal 13), it can also play an important role in other areas such as Responsible Consumption and Production (goal 12), Gender Equality (goal 5), Life on Land (goal 15), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (goal 8).
• India's consistent efforts to conserve and grow its forest and tree resources may be rewarded for delivering carbon service to the world community in addition to customary commodities and services to local people.
• The REDD+ incentives would be distributed to local populations active in forest preservation and management. This will secure the long-term protection of our forests against destruction.
• A REDD+ program for India is anticipated to capture more than 1 billion tonnes of extra CO2 over the next three decades and deliver more than USD 3 billion in carbon service incentives under REDD+.

India’s Position on UN-REDD and REDD+

• India argues that REDD should be seen in the context of REDD+, rather than in isolation or in a shortened form.
• This is because the reduction of deforestation and protection and enhancement of forests are two sides of the same coin and should be regarded as such.
• India's position was finally accepted at the 13th Conference of the Parties (COP13) in Bali when elements of conservation, sustainable forest management, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks were added to the then-existing text of reducing deforestation and forest degradation as part of the Bali Action Plan.
• Under its National Action Plan on Climate Change, it has launched an ambitious Green India Mission initiative.

Initiatives of India Related to REDD+

• Reducing Deforestation - Except in a few states, there is no large-scale deforestation in India. Nonetheless, there is room to improve REDD+ performance by further decreasing deforestation.
• Reducing Forest Degradation - India has been monitoring and reporting forest cover based on tree crown density classifications for several years.
  • Degradation in the Indian setting might be characterised as "the transition from greater to lower tree crown density and/or the loss of lower canopy biomass or soil disturbance, resulting in a drop in forest carbon stores.
  • The most cost-effective and feasible option for monitoring decline is to measure tree crown density.
• Conservation of Forest Carbon Stocks - In India, the area under Protected Area (PA) administration is expanding, and there is potential for REDD+ activities on 'Conservation of Forest Carbon Stocks.'
  • Because all extraction is controlled or severely restricted in the PAs, forest vegetation, biodiversity, and, as a result, forest carbon stores are possibly maintained.
  • REDD+ might be viewed as a potential funding or resource mobilisation instrument to boost PA management.
• Himalayan locations where green cutting has been prohibited for the previous three decades are also candidates for establishing the REDD+ idea of 'conservation of forest carbon reserves.'
• Sustainable Forest Management (SMF) is practised by executing the Forest Working Plan authorized by the Government of India.
  • The working plans are created in accordance with the National Forest Working Plan Code.
  • SMF activities can be used to incentivise the preservation of forest carbon stores by improving the quality of current stocks and allowing for the sustainable harvest of biomass.
• Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks - In the Indian context, enhancement of carbon stocks may be characterised as "conversion of non-forest or degraded forests to forests by afforestation, reforestation, restoration forestry, and forest management methods, resulting in carbon stock enhancement."
  • India has a large potential for undertaking these initiatives. Agroforestry and agricultural forestry may also be included in this category of REDD+ activities.
  • The National Agroforestry Policy 2014 establishes a favourable environment for this endeavour.

Difference Between UN-REDD and REDD+

Conclusion

Deforestation and forest degradation have long been recognized as significant sources of carbon emissions, because trees store carbon, which is released into the atmosphere when they are destroyed, contributing to greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Because deforestation and forest degradation cause up to 11% of carbon emissions, it is critical that reducing these emissions is part of the global plan to combat climate change. The identified mechanism for doing so is REDD+. It also provides a wide range of social, environmental, and economic benefits to developing countries and forest communities by conserving forests.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What does REDD+ stand for?

A) Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
B) Regulating Emissions from Development and Deforestation
C) Reforesting Ecosystems for Development and Sustainability
D) Reducing Ecosystem Degradation and Deforestation

2. Which of the following is a key objective of REDD+?

A) To regulate global temperatures
B) To reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation
C) To increase industrial production
D) To promote urbanization

3. Which of the following stakeholders is crucial to the success of REDD+?

A) Large corporations
B) Indigenous communities
C) Only government agencies
D) Only environmental NGOs

4. REDD+ primarily targets which of the following?

A) Urban expansion
B) Deforestation and forest degradation
C) Global trade agreements
D) Industrial emissions

5. What is the role of financial incentives in the REDD+ mechanism?

A) To fund industrial growth
B) To provide financial rewards for countries and communities that reduce deforestation
C) To reduce urban poverty
D) To increase the number of industrial projects

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the REDD+ mechanism and discuss its potential impact on reducing global deforestation rates. How can it contribute to achieving the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement?

Answer: REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a global initiative designed to mitigate climate change by financially incentivizing developing countries to reduce deforestation, forest degradation, and promote sustainable forest management. Through REDD+, these countries can earn financial rewards for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, which are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. By conserving forests and enhancing carbon sequestration, REDD+ supports the Paris Agreement's climate goals, particularly in limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The mechanism also contributes to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable livelihoods of local communities dependent on forests.

Q2: Assess the challenges faced by developing countries in implementing REDD+. How can these challenges be addressed to ensure the success of the program?

Answer: The implementation of REDD+ faces several challenges, particularly in developing countries where deforestation is often driven by economic pressures like agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development. Weak governance, lack of financial resources, and insufficient capacity to monitor forest carbon stocks also hinder effective implementation. To address these challenges, REDD+ implementation must be accompanied by strong legal frameworks, capacity-building efforts, and partnerships with local communities to ensure that benefits are shared equitably. Furthermore, ensuring proper monitoring and verification systems for forest carbon stocks and emissions reduction is essential to maintain the credibility and effectiveness of the program. International financial support and investment in sustainable land management practices are also crucial for overcoming these barriers.

Q3: Discuss the role of indigenous communities in the REDD+ framework. How can their participation enhance the effectiveness of REDD+ in achieving climate mitigation and conservation goals?

Answer: Indigenous communities play a pivotal role in the REDD+ framework due to their deep knowledge of forest ecosystems and traditional sustainable land management practices. Their involvement ensures that the implementation of REDD+ respects local traditions and aligns with the realities of forest conservation on the ground. By integrating indigenous knowledge and practices, REDD+ can be more effective in promoting biodiversity conservation, preventing illegal deforestation, and enhancing the long-term sustainability of forests. Their active participation also ensures that the benefits of REDD+ are distributed equitably, providing livelihoods and improving local forest governance. Empowering indigenous communities helps secure the success of REDD+ while contributing to broader climate and conservation goals.

Previous Year Questions on REDD+

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: How does the REDD+ mechanism contribute to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation? Discuss the challenges it faces in developing countries.

Answer: REDD+ contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and promoting the sustainable management of forests. By preventing the loss of carbon-rich forests, REDD+ helps sequester carbon, which is essential in meeting global climate goals. Additionally, REDD+ aids in biodiversity conservation by preserving forest ecosystems, which are home to a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity. However, challenges such as inadequate financial support, weak governance, and conflicting land use practices in developing countries hinder its effectiveness. To overcome these barriers, international cooperation, capacity-building, and strong legal frameworks are necessary.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 3):

Question: Discuss the role of forests in mitigating climate change. How does the REDD+ mechanism address deforestation in tropical regions?

Answer: Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Deforestation and forest degradation release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. The REDD+ mechanism addresses this by providing financial incentives to developing countries to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable land use. In tropical regions, where deforestation is particularly rampant due to agriculture and logging, REDD+ helps incentivize forest conservation efforts through payments for maintaining forest cover, thus reducing emissions and promoting sustainable land management practices.