Ecological and Economic Impacts of REDD+ Implementation in Developing Countries

Abstract

The REDD+ was introduced into the negotiations under UNFCCC to mitigate climate change and improve the wellbeing of communities through result based payment for reduced emission from forest sector. REDD+ activities were designed to meet an international requirement and policies to privileged for emission reduction payment. Meta-analysis was carried out with the objective to understand ecological and economic impacts of REDD+ through the review of 55 articles and proceedings, and international reports. The analysis revealed that the implementation of REDD+ in developing countries has both ecological and economic benefits. The ecological benefits of REDD+ includes protect biodiversity, regulate climate change by reducing carbon emission from forest sector through sustainable forest management, afforestation/reforestation, and rehabilitation of degraded land, reduce soil erosion, purify water, regulate of water flows and provide numerous wildlife habitats. Its economic benefits also encompass the improvement of human wellbeing through the provision of food and water from protected forest ecosystem, and verified emission reduction payment that generates additional income for forest dependent communities. Effective REDD+ design and implementation reduce carbon emissions from the forest sector, support bio-diversity and provides economic benefits.