Innovative REDD+ Programs

Presenters describe a REDD+ case study implemented in the region of Madre De Dios in Peru

Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has been steadily increasing over the past decade as urban developments push farmers and ranchers farther outwards. The demand for beef has also increased in South America, thus resulting in an increased need for grazing area. The increase in population and new infrastructure also has put a greater demand on farm produce and timber. In Brazil, the Amazon regions' population grew 23% from 2000 to 2010. These factors have pushed people right up against the edge of the Amazon forest, and beyond.

The loss of this incredibly diverse space is a tragedy of its own, but the removal of the forest cover also puts carbon into the atmosphere. It significantly limits our means to capture carbon out of the atmosphere, as then there are fewer plants to absorb it through photosynthesis. These combined tragedies have driven some non-governmental (NGOs) organizations to try and stop the destruction as a means to combat climate change.

REDD+ is one such organization. REDD is a UN program that stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. REDD+ partners with many smaller organizations, including the Rainforest Alliance and the Nature Conservancy whom I heard speak at a COP side event. These two smaller organizations described case studies they had done of areas in Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico. The organizations came up with a plan on how to encourage local people to halt deforestation in their region.

These organizations developed an educational system that was a fun and integral part of rural life. One way they did this was by showing environmental videos to people who don’t have ready access to cinemas, making it a fun community event. They even took it a step further and taught the young people of the regions how to make documentary videos and still-shot films about environmental-related issues. Radio broadcasting was also used, as that is a quick and easy way to spread information. Another way is through education on more sustainable harvesting practices, increasing yield of produce while also protecting organisms such as Brazil nut trees from damage and promoting increased yearly yields.

These techniques resulted in thousands of people becoming more educated about environmental issues and what they can do to help slow environmental degradation. This education also helped the people to understand the value of the forest around them and how they can live in harmony with it rather than see it as something to be conquered. The success of the methods described in these case studies has given REDD+ hope that they can significantly slow deforestation, and they are now working on further implementing these strategies at the national level in multiple countries.