Forests are proved to be an efficient method for reducing emissions and sequestrate atmospheric carbon dioxide. Hence, a payment mechanism for Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, Conservation of existing forest carbon and Enhancement of forest carbon through sustainable management of forest (REDD+) has emerged globally. In Nepal, several piloting projects are being implemented since 2009 to develop methodologies/mechanisms on various aspects of REDD+. Currently, the Government of Nepal is preparing itself for REDD+ mechanisms. The lessons from piloting projects would be a great value for developing policies and mechanisms for the country. In this connection, a study was designed to review the major REDD+ piloting projects implemented in Nepal and offer recommendations to the REDD‐Forestry and Climate Change Cell of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservations (MoFSC).
The study was completed through both of desk reviews and consultations. Within the given time period, it was not possible to conduct wider consultation as a survey. However, the study team reviewed the available documents of all piloting projects; consulted relevant stakeholders and personnel involved in the projects at central level and field level. The study included five piloting projects implemented relatively in large scale and national level, and are exclusively involved on REDD+. Small and localised projects have not been considered for the study.
- Design and establishment of a Governance and Payment System for Community Forest Management under REDD+
- REDD‐ Reducing Poverty in Nepal
- Plan Vivo
- Grass roots level capacity building on REDD+ in Asia and the Pacific
- Climate Change and Partnership Programme
The first two projects are considered as piloting projects for the complete REDD+ package. These projects are engaged in development of methodologies/mechanisms for forest carbon assessment and future projection, benefit sharing, payment mechanisms and technical capacity building. Scope of the project Plan Vivo is beyond REDD+. This project also looks payment for ecosystems services, livelihoods and tree outside the forests. Currently, the project is designing projects to get Plan Vivo certificates. The last two projects are basically involved in developing awareness to Forest Users Groups (FUGs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
Except Plan Vivo, all these projects started in 2009 and have made several achievements. They include preparation of guidelines for forest carbon assessment and benefit sharing, operational guidelines for Forest Caron Trust Fund (FCTF), estimate of forest carbon stock and future projection, disbursement of seed grants for forest carbon payments, development of training manuals and materials, technical capacity building and outreach activities.
Study on REDD Plus Piloting in Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, REDD – Forestry and Climate Change Cell, Babarmahal, Kathmandu. June 2011.
