Philippines, REDD-y or Not?

Photo credits to http://www.asb.cgiar.org/drupal/content/redd-alert

REDD or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation is a long term program to lower green house gases emitted from deforestation and forest degradation. Deforestation is the permanent removal of forests and withdrawal of land from forest use. Forest degradation refers to negative changes in the forest area that limit its production capacity. REDD puts value for the carbon stocks in forests. REDD Plus includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks giving incentives to those with relatively intact forest areas, such as developing countries, to take care of their land.

One criticism of the REDD is that it is only an offset scheme and does not directly deal with the sources of greenhouse gases. It merely compensates for what is emitted. It in fact, encourages industrialized countries to give incentives, or to pay, developing countries to maintain their forests. Along this line, I also am not convinced that this is a B2 (an internationally integrated, environment-friendly) solution. 

I have always held the belief that the Philippines has been one of the richest countries in terms of natural resources, forest included. However, the increasing demand and plunder of these resources is significantly depleting these resources. The application of a program specific to maintaining our forests should be welcomed. However, as mentioned above, REDD may not be necessarily to the problem but a band-aid solution.

As the main topic of the forum stated, corruption may be an issue in the implementation of REDD Plus in the Philippines. Corruption weakness institutions and narrows their capacity to perform. (Dendhart) Weak agencies cannot possible implement such an ambitious program. 

Another cause of concern is the present conflicting laws and policies (such as DENR versus the IPRA, FPIC). I agree with reactor Vincent Lazatin that the country needs harmonized policies for an effort like this to work. Forester Marlea Munez mentioned that there is no specific law for REDD therefore a specific law for REDD will have to go through the grueling process of our legislative process. 

A program like REDD Plus is an ambitious program. However, as my previous reflection states, stakeholders may not be REDD-y for REDD Plus. 

References:

www.un-redd.org/

Notes from the forum REDD + and Corruption