Why in the news?

  • According to a study, only a small number of tropical forests carbon offset projects have achieved significant cuts in deforestation, with just 19% meeting their reported targets.

REDD+ Programme

  • What is it?: REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, with the “+” signifying the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
  • Origin:
    • Originated at COP-11 (Montreal, 2005) under the UNFCCC.
    • REDD (2005) – Focus on reducing deforestation and degradation.
    • REDD+ (2007, Bali Action Plan, COP-13) – Expanded to include forest conservation, sustainable management, and carbon stock enhancement.
  • Aim: Aims to create financial value for carbon stored in forests by offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands.
  • Objectives:
    • Reducing deforestation and forest degradation.
    • Conserving existing forests.
    • Promoting sustainable forest management.
    • Enhancing forest carbon stocks.
  • Key Components:
    • Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV): Ensures transparency and accountability in emission reduction claims.
    • Safeguards: Protects biodiversity, rights of indigenous communities, and ensures equitable benefit sharing.
    • National Strategies/Action Plans: Countries develop policies and frameworks to implement REDD+ activities.
    • Reference Emission Levels (RELs): Benchmarks to measure progress in emission reduction.
  • India’s Participation:
    • India launched its National REDD+ Strategy (2018) with objectives of
      • Encourage community-based forest management.
      • Integrate forest carbon accounting into national inventory.
      • Mobilize financial resources through carbon credits and results-based payments.
  • Significance of REDD+:
    • Helps achieve India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
    • Supports carbon neutrality, biodiversity protection, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
    • Strengthens India’s commitment to LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and Viksit Bharat @2047 sustainability goals.
    • REDD+ contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
  • Challenges
    • Inadequate financing and lack of market access for carbon credits.
    • Complex measurement and verification processes.
    • Conflicts over land tenure and benefit-sharing with local communities.
    • Need for capacity building and clear legal frameworks.