A study of how REDD+ can be used to improve the adaptation of local communities to climate change – a case study of Central Kalimantan Indonesia

Abstract

Little attention has been paid in the scientific literature to the practicalities of how REDD+ (the climate policy of 'Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation') can contribute to the adaptation of local communities, particularly in regards to how specific elements of REDD+ can be implemented at the local-scale to best support positive community adaptation outcomes. This thesis explores this gap in the literature by analysing experiences of REDD+ in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. It provides a local perspective on how REDD+ safeguards could be implemented in a multi-scalar policy context (local to national). These experiences in-turn provide insights into the way other multi-scalar policy initiatives (especially in regard to community adaptation to environmental change) can be applied more effectively.Experiences from REDD+ demonstration projects have highlighted the challenges in ensuring adequate, positive outcomes for local communities. The premise of this thesis is that by providing climate change adaptation benefits, REDD+ initiatives are more likely to benefit local communities in developing countries and are therefore more likely to be successfully implemented. This thesis explores whether REDD+ can improve the adaptation of local communities to climate change, and provides policy recommendations to increase the likelihood of achieving this outcome in multi-scalar contexts.This thesis uses a qualitative case study methodology. Central Kalimantan in Indonesia is used as a case study because it has been a pilot province for Indonesia's REDD+ efforts since 2010. Actions have been taken in Central Kalimantan that have led to regional capacity building and the establishment of several REDD+ pilot projects within the region.Interviews were performed with actors and stakeholders involved with REDD+ at the local and regional levels in Central Kalimantan. In addition, a study of three villages that experienced a REDD+ demonstration activity (under the so called 'Kalimantan Forest Carbon Partnership') is also included in this thesis.This thesis begins by reviewing the potential benefits and challenges associated with REDD+, especially in regards to local communities. The adaptation literature is then reviewed with emphasis on how assessments of the adaptive capacity of local communities can be performed. Based on this review a framework is proposed to assess the adaptive capacity of local communities. That framework includes special reference to the need to recognise multi-scalar influences.iii The framework derived from the review is then applied to the case study and several elements of local community adaptive capacity are identified. Based on this assessment, Ipropose some strategies that would most likely lead to improvements in the capacity of communities to adapt to climate change. A key conclusion drawn from the analysis is that multi-scalar influences do not only affect local adaptive capacity elements but also provide key insights into how adaptation strategies should be designed.The t...