REDD is a program founded by the United Nations –in collaboration of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- for the Global Climate Change summit in Copenhagen December 2009. With this program, the UN is combating one of the major problems of Global Climate Change. “Deforestation and forest degradation contribute up to 17% of human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, more than the entire transport sector. “ (IUCN magazine, October 2009)
Due to deforestation and forest degradation, billion tons of carbon are lost. Not only carbon is lost, also a wide range of species and ecosystems are lost or threatened by this. This is where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) comes in place.
“Its does not need rocket science, it is not a substitute for our obligation to reduce emissions, it is about turning existing knowledge into urgent action. And that is what is needed.” “Biodiversity can do for the planet what a healthy immune system can do for a person: it can help us be more productive and adaptable to change but, if not properly nourished, can make us more vulnerable.” These are two quotes made by the founder and chairman of the Development Alternatives Group based in
Although this programme is primarily supported by western countries, the largest areas where deforestation and forest degradation are taking place is in the developing countries and tropical countries. This is primarily because western companies are logging there, and because there are almost no forests left in the western countries.
REDD does not only focus on deforestation and forest degradation, it is also applicable on other ecological services, such as watershed protection, carbon storage, etc…
With the Copenhagen Climate Summit right in front of us, IUCN went to have an interview with people from developing countries to know what their foresights are. “We expect countries that are the largest carbon emitters to take responsibility for their insatiable demand for industrial growth and the detrimental impact their emissions have on the rest of the world. They must act as responsible world citizens, compensate those who have been affected, and help those who have to adapt to the changing climate caused by their gluttony.” This is just a small part of the interview of Frederick W. Pitcher, Environment Minister for the
What is mentioned in the interview above, is that REDD opens doors for other programmes, such as Payment for Ecological Services (PES). Where developing countries which still have large amounts of forests get paid for the storage of carbon when they do not cut down the forest.
Although REDD’s primary approach is of ecological concern, there is also a human concern attached to it. The so called pro-poor REDD, the whole explanation of this concept can be brought back in to one strong quote. “ In particular, a human rights approach helps to highlight the deep injustice of a situation whereby the poor, vulnerable and powerless in some parts of the world pay unacceptable costs for the pursuit of wealth in more privileged parts.” This was said by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the
To round up, a final quote “If REDD builds on the lessons learned in sustainable forest management over the past 30 years, it will not only help to reduce carbon emissions, but also enhance biodiversity conservation and the well-being of forest-dependent communities.” (IUCN magazine, October 2009).
According to “The Little REDD Book” December 2008 by the Global Canopy Programme. Showing what types of REDD exist and on which level the countries are contributing.
Sources
http://www.amazonconservation.org/pdf/redd_the_little_redd_book_dec_08.pdf, The Little REDD Book, December 2008, Global Canopy Programme
http://www.undp.org/mdtf/un-redd/overview.shtml, United Nations Development Programme, 24th November 2009
International Union for Conservation of Nature, World Conservation issue of October 2009
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