Collaboration and Good Governance are Important in Reducing Deforestation

The list is growing on different ways in which humans can help slow climate change.  Many efforts will be made by individuals; however there are some things that can only be addressed collectively. 

Whether this collective effort be at the state, national, continental, or global level – preventing deforestation is not a one person act.  It takes a high level of collaboration to halt forest loss, and it’s necessary since deforestation is directly linked to climate change and global warming.

A great example of a success story is shared through a recent report issued by the NGO Forest Trends.  Reporting on the efforts brought forth bythe UN’s REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) program – they highlight what is working, and why.

Prior to the Paris Agreement, the UN set out to channel financial assistance to communities dedicated to halting deforestation.  

With over $6 Billion in funds earmarked for conservation initiatives, a properly designed distribution system of capital was crucial to the program’s initial success.  REDD+ set out to target countries that are ready and able to deal with the growing concern of deforestation.

“The evidence also suggests that countries and provinces with a higher capacity to put this funding to effective use are receiving more funding than comparable regions with similar deforestation problems but lower governance capacity.”

This is great news when it comes to both accountability and action.  Given that there is urgency to reducing planetary emissions, the faster issues can be resolved, the better. Defined rules for distributions of funds and carefully executed plans to solve deforestation will contribute to effectiveness of the program.

Climate change has quickly become a contributing factor to a variety of global issues such as natural disasters, mass migration, disease, and famine.  The UN continues to play a part in bringing countries together to work on solutions.  REDD+ is a clear example of efforts happening at the ground level. 

Providing funds and subsidies prior to policies being in place at local levels puts efforts at risk, and promotes misuse of resources. 

It’s refreshing to see a well thought out plan, despite a tight timeline.  In taking a bird’s eye view of the bigger picture, and incorporating factors such as strong governance and readiness for implementation into the screening process, dollars wisely spent make an even bigger impact.

The clock is ticking, and the budget continues to grow leaving many people asking just how climate change efforts will be funded and brought to fruition.  Sharing information is a great tool that is cost effective and empowering.  Good governance on the other hand, is priceless.

You can learn more about the UN-REDD+program here, and check out this link for the full report by Forest Trends.  Be sure to comment below or on social media about efforts that you see making an impact in your community.