Assessing “Results-Based” Payment Determinants in Forest Carbon Emission Reduction Initiatives: Case of Forest Carbon Projects in Cameroon

Abstract

The international community has acknowledged the critical role of results-based avoided deforestation and forest degradation, sustainable management of forest, conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) activities in curbing climate change. However, ensuring that REDD+ programs and projects deliver carbon and non-carbon results, remains a challenge. This paper analyses results-based determinants in REDD+ projects in Cameroon. Experiences from these projects are expected to inform the design and implementation of sustainable and effective REDD+ projects. It draws on data collected from feasibility study reports, project design documents, project evaluation reports and the opinions and perspectives of 86 REDD+ stakeholders. Findings indicate that projects employed a combination of incentives, disincentives and enabling measures towards achieving the intended REDD+ results. However, none of the projects proposed conditional incentives (direct payments) to land owners and users, the key innovation brought by REDD+. Despite the fact that these projects are branded REDD+ projects, they offer little or no experiences on the relationship between REDD+ payments and carbon and non-carbon outcomes. Achieving results from REDD+ projects depend on how effective choices are made by stakeholders in relation to the type of instruments/interventions and the location of projects, and the ability to make choices further depends on the technical capacity of stakeholders. Thus, the capacity of stakeholders to be involve in REDD+ project design and implementation should be strengthened, in order for them to better appraise the results-based requirements of REDD+.