Africa's REDD+ Journey: Exploring the Context, Confronting Challenges, and Charting the Future of REDD+ Mechanisms on the Continent

In the vast heart of Africa, as elsewhere around the globe, the relentless symphony of chainsaws echoes through dense forests, as towering sentinels of our planet are felled with staggering efficiency. In this pursuit of timber and land conversion, approximately 13 million hectares of forest vanish each year on a global scale, a landmass larger than the nation of Greece.

These disappearing canopies and their carbon-rich secrets are not vanishing into thin air; they are becoming an invisible storm that engulfs our atmosphere, contributing to a climatic turmoil of global proportions. The cold, hard truth is that deforestation is a leading contributor to climate change. As we lose our forests, we lose a formidable ally in the battle against rising temperatures, and with each tree felled, we release carbon stored for centuries back into the atmosphere.

The consequences are profound, as we witness glaciers receding, seas rising, and weather patterns becoming increasingly erratic. In this crucible of environmental turmoil, REDD+, or 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation,' emerges not merely as a choice but as a necessity—a rallying cry to protect our planet, sequester carbon, and chart a course toward a more sustainable future especially for Africa. This article helps breakdown Africa’s REDD+ journey by exploring the Context, delving into the Challenges, and also covers how stakeholders can effectively chart the future of REDD+ mechanisms on the continent"

"What is REDD+?

REDD+, acronym for 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation,' is a United Nations-endorsed framework designed to mitigate climate change by halting the depletion of forests. The appended '+,' in REDD+, conveys the critical role of conserving forests, implementing sustainable forest management practices, and augmenting carbon stocks within forested ecosystems.

?What is the Mechanism Behind REDD+?

The operational framework of REDD+ hinges on the capacity of nations to evaluate the carbon sequestration potential and ecosystem services conferred by their forests. It endeavors to establish economic incentives to curtail deforestation, characterized by the conversion of forests into alternative land uses such as agriculture, and to address forest degradation, which denotes the decline in a forest's ability to provide essential ecosystem services. Simultaneously, REDD+ promotes sustainable forest management, ensuring the harmonious coexistence of society, ecology, and the needs of future generations.

In essence, REDD+ serves as the conduit through which countries, private sector entities, multilateral funding mechanisms, and other vested stakeholders can proffer compensation to nations for refraining from forest depletion. This compensation can take various forms, including direct financial disbursements or the issuance of 'carbon credits.' These credits denote verifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that can be employed to offset emissions generated elsewhere.

As nations strive to achieve their objectives under the Paris Agreement, often referred to as their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), REDD+ emerges as an indispensable instrument to support their endeavors. Under the Paris Agreement, commencing in 2020, all countries have committed to diminishing their emissions in line with the national targets they have set for themselves.

A Glimpse into REDD+'s Evolution

During the 11th Conference of Parties (COP11) in Montreal, December 2005, the Coalition for Rainforest Nations set in motion the discussion of a new policy framework known as REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

The momentum continued at COP13 in Bali, December 2007, where the Bali Action Plan recognized the necessity of a comprehensive approach to climate change mitigation. This approach encompassed "policy approaches and positive incentives" targeting reductions in emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, alongside the promotion of conservation, sustainable forest management, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

By the time the 16th COP convened in Cancun in December 2010, REDD had evolved into REDD+ (REDD-plus) to incorporate a broader set of components. REDD+ now encompassed efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, conserve forest carbon stocks, sustainably manage forests, and enhance forest carbon stocks.

Fast forward to COP19 in Warsaw, December 2013, the Warsaw Framework on REDD-plus was a pivotal milestone, bringing REDD+ closer to realization. Negotiators made substantial progress across six critical aspects, addressing finance, safeguards, monitoring, and the root causes of deforestation.

COP21 in Paris, December 2015, witnessed the formal recognition of the crucial role that forests play in offsetting human activities within the final Paris climate agreement. The REDD+ mechanism was explicitly incorporated into the agreement under Article 5. Further commitment materialized as Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom pledged USD 5 billion to combat tropical deforestation.

The Paris Agreement took full effect in November 2016, solidifying the commitment to realizing REDD+ as an integral part of global climate action.

The UNFCCC Approach to REDD+: A Technical Deconstruction

At the 16th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) held in Cancun, a meticulously structured approach to REDD+ was established. This approach entails three distinct phases, carefully calibrated at both the international and national echelons. The underlying principle is to facilitate broad and inclusive participation while offering incentives to nations as they advance through the stages of REDD+ implementation.

?Phase I: Readiness

In this inaugural phase, nations embark on the formulation of comprehensive national strategies and action plans in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders. This process encompasses the development of the capacity necessary to execute REDD+, the formulation of policies and measures associated with REDD+, and the design of demonstrative initiatives. Phase I, by design, relies on funding from multilateral institutions supplemented by voluntary contributions that are readily available.

Phase II: Demonstration

Phase II is the crucible where the strategies, policies, and action plans devised in Phase I come to life. It entails the practical implementation and testing of these policies, including the execution of results-based demonstration activities. This phase may necessitate further capacity building, technology development, and the transfer of relevant expertise to underpin the effective implementation of the policies and measures proposed in the national REDD+ strategies.

Phase III: Implementation

The culminating stage of the REDD+ journey, Phase III, involves the execution of results-based actions at the national level, culminating in the comprehensive measurement, reporting, and verification of the outcomes achieved. Only upon the successful completion of these reporting, assessment, and analysis processes under the UNFCCC, do nations become eligible to access results-based payments. These payments represent the tangible recognition of their commitment to REDD+ and the realization of quantifiable outcomes.

This meticulously structured tri-phasic approach to REDD+ under the UNFCCC serves not only as a roadmap for implementation but also as a pivotal instrument for fostering sustainable forest management, safeguarding biodiversity, and combatting climate change on a global scale.

Navigating the Complexities of REDD+ Projects: Key Technical Considerations

Embarking on a REDD+ project demands rigorous adherence to a set of stringent criteria to ensure its effectiveness as a climate mitigation strategy. There are 4 pivotal technical considerations:

Additionality

How to predict what might have happened in the absence of the REDD project? REDD projects and programmes need to be ‘additional’ – that is, they must lead directly to reductions in deforestation and degradation that would not have happened simply as a result of wider changes in the economy.

Leakage

How to know if reducing deforestation in an area under a REDD+ project will not cause displacement of the pressure of deforestation in the other forested areas? Leakage is a reduction in carbon emissions in one area that results in increased emissions in another. A classic example is where curbing clear felling in one region of forest drives farmers to clear fell in another.

Permanence

?How to know that reduced emissions will not reenter in the atmosphere? How to ensure that the protected area will remain forested or un-degraded permanently? The long-term viability of reduced emissions from a REDD project is heavily dependent on the forested area’s vulnerability to deforestation and/or degradation.

Measuring

How to set reference levels and determine future deforestation rates? Reference levels have profound implications for the environmental effectiveness, cost efficiency, and distribution of REDD funds among countries. Yet, there is no agreed-upon ‘formula’ for how to set them. Although there is agreement that reference levels should be based on historical emissions and take national circumstances into account, there is no agreement on what constitutes a reference level, or the criteria or procedures for setting reference levels.

The Significance of REDD+ in Africa: A Vital Imperative

In Africa, the pace of deforestation poses a grave threat to the sustenance of critical environmental assets and services, spanning local, national, and global dimensions. Encompassing 675 million hectares, equivalent to 23% of the continent's land area, forests play a pivotal role in preserving our ecosystem's equilibrium. The lush and verdant landscapes of Central Africa, exemplified by the Congo Basin, claim the distinction of being the world's second-largest forested expanse. Meanwhile, the tenacious dry forests of the Sahel, Southeast, and North Africa, constituting 42% of Africa's tropical forest territory, contribute their own unique significance.

These forests are the custodians of our ecological wealth, bestowing valuable resources such as timber, bushmeat, and wild fruits. Simultaneously, they offer invaluable services, including carbon sequestration, essential in the battle against climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, soil stability, and the safeguarding of indispensable watersheds. Notably, over half of Africa's populace directly or indirectly relies on forests for their subsistence.

Yet, a disconcerting narrative has unfolded in recent years. Africa bears the heavy mantle of experiencing the swiftest deforestation rate among continents, quantified at a concerning 0.49% per annum. This translates to a grievous annual loss of 3.4 million hectares. The principal culprits behind this ecological crisis are the incursions of small-scale agriculture and the relentless harvesting of fuelwood.

In the face of this urgency, REDD+ assumes a pivotal role, emerging as a beacon of hope. Through the holistic implementation of the REDD+ mechanism, we not only staunch the flow of deforestation but also harness the resilience and potential of Africa's forests. In doing so, we set the course towards a more sustainable and harmonious future, not only for Africa but for the well-being of our global environment.

REDD+ in Africa resonates as a clarion call for thoughtful and decisive action, offering the means to protect our invaluable natural heritage and secure a flourishing planet for generations to come.

Challenges of REDD+ Implementation in Africa

The execution of REDD+ in Africa encounters its fair share of challenges, and the ramifications of poorly managed initiatives could potentially impact the very communities it aspires to uplift, notably rural populations reliant on forest resources. REDD+ faces a complex web of challenges, from deforestation pressures to financial constraints, technical limitations, and the multiplicity of vested interests.

1. Political and Institutional Challenges: Strengthening national and local institutions is paramount. For instance, in Cameroon, a country facing deforestation challenges, the need to enhance the capacity of institutions like the Ministry of Forests and Wildlife is evident. These institutions play a critical role in enforcing forest laws, managing REDD+ projects effectively, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing among local communities.
2. Technical Challenges: The diverse African landscape, characterized by variations in land tenure systems, deforestation drivers, and governance capacity, necessitates tailored approaches. In Madagascar, a country with unique ecological challenges, the technical complexities of implementing REDD+ initiatives are evident. The nation's rich biodiversity and high deforestation rates demand specialized strategies to address these intricate issues.
3. Social and Economic Challenges: Recognizing and addressing the needs of local and indigenous communities is vital. In Kenya, where deforestation is driven by factors such as charcoal production and illegal logging, capacity-building efforts for these communities are essential. Ensuring that they actively participate in and benefit from REDD+ projects is a complex but critical goal.
4. Deforestation Pressures: Small-scale agriculture and fuelwood collection remain significant drivers of deforestation in several African countries. For example, in Ghana, these activities place immense pressure on forests, making it crucial to find sustainable alternatives for local communities while implementing REDD+.
5. Financial Resources: Many African countries face resource constraints. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to a substantial portion of the Congo Basin rainforest, securing adequate funding for REDD+ initiatives is a substantial challenge. The DRC's vast forests are critical for both carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
6. Technical Capacity: Building the technical capacity for monitoring and reporting on deforestation and emissions reductions is crucial. In Tanzania, where deforestation is partly driven by agricultural expansion, investments in advanced technologies and capacity-building efforts are necessary to track and report changes in forest cover accurately.
7. Interest Groups: The presence of diverse interest groups, each with its own agenda, adds complexity to decision-making and implementation. In Nigeria, where deforestation is linked to activities like logging, mining, and urban expansion, navigating the interests of various stakeholders is a complex endeavor, requiring careful negotiation and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Navigating these technical challenges in the African context is essential for the successful implementation of REDD+ initiatives. Tailored strategies, informed by specific country conditions and challenges, are integral to realizing the full potential of REDD+ in mitigating deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management across the continent.

Initiatives REDD+ in Africa

Bilateral Initiatives

Germany’s International Climate Initiative

Germany's International Climate Initiative (ICI) is a commitment by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, promoting sustainability and climate action globally. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience in developing nations. ICI's projects span various areas like renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable urban development. By collaborating with partners worldwide, Germany shares financial resources and technical expertise, fostering innovative approaches to tackle climate change. The ICI stands as a testament to Germany's dedication to international climate cooperation and the pursuit of a sustainable, climate-resilient future.

Japan’s Fast Start Finance

Japan's Fast Start Finance, a substantial commitment, is one of the largest among developed nations, accounting for nearly half of the total fast start finance pledged by developed countries for 2010-2012. It includes diverse instruments and activities. Roughly 70% of this commitment focuses on mitigation, primarily through loans for infrastructure development. Japan's FSF includes a range of projects, with Asia receiving the most funding. However, there are questions about whether the entire FSF is genuinely "new and additional" funding. Transparency and clarity in reporting have room for improvement, particularly in providing a comprehensive overview of FSF projects.

Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative

Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) is a significant effort to combat climate change by protecting global rainforests. Launched in 2008, NICFI pledges up to 3 billion NOK annually to preserve tropical forests and improve the well-being of their inhabitants. Administered by Norway's Ministry of Climate and the Environment in collaboration with Norad, NICFI supports bilateral agreements, civil society, and multinational organizations. It aims to reduce tropical forest loss, combat deforestation, and promote sustainable development. The initiative focuses on various strategic areas, including land use policies, indigenous rights, and deforestation-free markets. It has been extended through 2030, with support provided to over 70 countries.

UK’s International Climate Fund

The UK's International Climate Fund (ICF) is a crucial component of the country's efforts to address climate change globally. Established in 2010, it is designed to assist developing nations in mitigating and adapting to climate change. The fund allocates resources to a variety of initiatives, including supporting renewable energy projects, improving climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development. The ICF operates under the UK's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and collaborates with numerous partners to achieve its climate-related objectives. This initiative plays a significant role in the UK's commitment to tackling climate change worldwide.

US Tropical Forest Alliance 2020

The U.S. Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 (USTFA 2020) is a collaborative effort to combat tropical deforestation. Launched in 2016, it brings together governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to address the complex issue of deforestation within supply chains. The USTFA 2020 focuses on key commodities like soy, beef, and palm oil, promoting sustainable practices and reducing deforestation in these industries. By fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, the USTFA 2020 aims to protect tropical forests, support local communities, and mitigate climate change. This initiative underscores the U.S.'s commitment to addressing deforestation's global impact.