Forest governance in DRC: an analysis from actors' participation in REDD+ policy development

Abstract

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has implemented Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+), a process that requires inclusive decision making and accountability. Our research analyses the participation of policy actors in DRC by asking: (1) Who is involved in national REDD+ policy making and what is their interest in participating in core policy events? (2) What level of participation do the different political actors have in core policy events? (3) To what extent do the outcomes, of REDD+ policy events incorporate different preferences of policy actors? We found that although actors' interest in REDD+ policy events have increased over time, their concerns have rarely been taken into account in decision-making processes. The presence of local civil society and indigenous group organizations is weak while international organizations play a major role in the REDD+ arena. REDD+ is treated as a project rather than being embedded in national politics.

Responding to Environmental Issues through Adaptive Collaborative Management

“…Literature indicates that communities participate more in PFM when they have a village forest (Banana et al 2012;Chang and Andersson 2021;Mukasa et al 2012;Pham et al 2021;Riggs et al 2021;Schweizer et al 2021;Wilson and Cagalanan 2016;Zulu 2013). Zulu (2013) reported that having a VFA had significant synergistic effects on communities' participation in various co-management activities under IFMSLP.…”

An assessment of Participatory Forest Management inspired by adaptive collaborative management in Malawi

“…Literature indicates that communities participate more in PFM when they have a village forest (Banana et al 2012;Chang and Andersson 2021;Mukasa et al 2012;Pham et al 2021;Riggs et al 2021;Schweizer et al 2021;Wilson and Cagalanan 2016;Zulu 2013). Zulu (2013) reported that having a VFA had significant synergistic effects on communities' participation in various co-management activities under IFMSLP.…”