Often in the past, policies and programs to protect and expand forests have had an environmental or production focus, while the interest, needs and knowledge of people depending on them have not always been taken into account. Since then, the world has learned many lessons and has come a long way in understanding the importance of local communities’ knowledge and engagement in planning and implementing efforts to reduce forest loss.

REDD+ holds a unique position in this matter, as it has the potential to attract international and national attention while increasing support for strengthening communities’ rights and stewardship of forests and land. However, REDD+ processes have also sparked concern about potential adverse impacts on indigenous and community rights and livelihoods, such as the centralisation of forest management, inequitable benefit-sharing, insufficient effective participation and – in the initial stages of REDD+ process – the lack of free and prior informed consent (FPIC). Why did this happen?

It comes as no surprise that REDD+ may result in changes to forest and land management, which may in return affect Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local communities. Therefore, the active engagement and FPIC of local communities is a must for REDD+ to accomplish its objectives. The degree of participation determines the level of consensus, ownership and the likelihood of successful implementation of REDD+ actions.

There are different levels of participation in REDD+. At one spectrum, local communities – including IPs – might only be informed about REDD+ process and decisions (information), or only be asked about specific matters (consultation). At the other spectrum, they are fully engaged in information, analysis and debate and also influence final decisions (collaboration and empowerment). Communities are called to be the driving force in REDD+ implementation, and as such, countries must strive to reach the maximum level of participation. Efforts to empower and engage communities and IPs as actively as possible will certainly pay off in the long-term with more tailored decisions and more sustained social and environmental benefits. 

Continue reading at: http://www.un-redd.org/single-post/2018/11/28/From-community-consultation-to-active-collaboration-in-REDD-Local-Communities-and-IPs-at-the-forefront-of-REDD-Implementation

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