In a joint policy statement released by RRI Partner Federation of Community Forestry Users – Nepal (FECOFUN)” ForestAction Nepal” and the Global Alliance of Community Forestry (GACF)” international climate change negotiators are implored to deeply consider the involvement of community forest users  in the Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) mechanism. 

The brief states the most critical issue as not “how to implement” REDD but “who is it that is being rewarded through REDD and carbon financing”?  This question is a core concern for community forestry practitioners and advocates who are working to enfranchise local communities” indigenous groups and forest dwelling peoples.  The brief states:

“While REDD is a positive move in that it recognizes the role of forests in addressing climate change” we need to be critical of a mechanism which allows the industrialized countries to use REDD as a license to continue polluting the earth’s atmosphere.” 

The brief also cautions that

“deforestation and forest degradation must not be misunderstood as a financial problem.  It is a result of the denial of local rights over forests” the lack of an enabling policy environment” irresponsible and unregulated private sector activities” corruption within government forestry agencies” and many external drivers such as the cost of fuel.”

As indigenous and community forest users continue to practice sustainable forest management” their efforts in conserving forests (now being commoditized as ‘carbon sinks’) should be recognized and their continued leadership in forest management secured.

Read the complete brief along with 10 policy issues which author organizations urge international climate REDD negotiators to seriously consider.