Sustainable Forest Management and Carbon in Tropical Latin America: The Case for REDD+

Abstract

Abstract:In this review paper, we assess the economical, governance, and technical conditions that shape forest management in tropical Latin America with particular regard to efforts to reduce forest-based carbon emissions. We provide a framework for discussions about ways to improve forest management that achieve environmental objectives while promoting local and national development and contributing to local livelihoods. We argue that many management practices that lead towards sustainability are only likely to be adopted where there is good governance backed by financial incentives for effective enforcement of management regulations. We propose some policy interventions designed to lower net greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing rates of forest degradation and increasing carbon stock recovery in logged-over or otherwise degraded forests. Implementation of REDD+ could provide critical compensation to forest users for improved management practices in the absence of, or in combination with other economic incentives.

Early REDD+ Implementation: The Journey of an Indigenous Community in Eastern Panama

“…Forests have long been perceived as a supply of land in Latin America [23]. In this context, "predatory forest exploitation" is often financially more attractive than careful management [75]. As noted by Chhatre et al [21], some of the most forested regions in the world are characterized by weak rule of law and a low level of public accountability.…”

“…Policy options that could allow for reducing deforestation in Latin America include the need to stop illegal expansion of the agricultural frontier [75]. An essential question therefore is "Why would this be in the interest of the State?"…”

“…In a review of 23 REDD+ projects at the jurisdiction and project level, Nasi et al [75] trace the willingness of States to manage forest as emerging from social and political values influenced by the positioning of extractive industries and society. Scholars have emphasized the need to trigger a values shift in response to climate change-a task that requires action on the part of governments, private sector leaders, and civil society-and to create a vision of the future that is both desirable and feasible [76].…”

Ten Years of REDD+: A Critical Review of the Impact of REDD+ on Forest-Dependent Communities

“…Various studies [7,23,41,[51][52][53][54][55] assert that securing tenure over forestland and carbon are necessary steps to be undertaken if REDD+ is to be successful in both forest conservation and livelihood improvement (Land tenure in this study is defined as [56]: "The right, whether defined in customary or statutory terms, that determines who can hold and use land (including forests and other landscapes) and resources, for how long, and under what conditions" (p. 303). Carbon rights can be defined as [57]: "Intangible assets created by legislative and contractual arrangements that allow the recognition of separate benefits arising from the sequestration of carbon in the biomass" (p.…”

The Biodiversity Benefits and Opportunity Costs of Plantation Forest Management: A Modelling Case Study of Pinus radiata in New Zealand

“…Selection cutting involves cutting a tree or several trees in a small patch to create an uneven-aged stand [8]. Patch-clear cutting and selection cutting have been used in many countries to maximise biodiversity and ecosystem service conservation [11][12][13]. Some case studies include the patch-clear cutting of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) in Canada [14] and the use of selection cutting in Mediterranean forests [15].…”