REDD and REDD+ are global initiatives that lower the emission produced from forest clearance and land degradation. It has extra advantages, specifically carbon stored in forests is augmented. REDD refers to "Reduction Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation." REDD+ includes, as among the objectives, forest carbon stock conserving alongside having forest sustainably managed. The results prove that carbon storages in a forest are enhanced. These programs are primarily economic incentives to the developing countries. These will cut down carbon emissions through deforestation and forest degradation. REDD and REDD+ encourage sustainable forest management practices. These are basically combating climate change but bring positive effects in the environment, biodiversity, and local communities. Despite all the action, deforestation remains one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases. REDD and REDD+ have slowly become integrated strategies to reduce greenhouse gases while preserving forests.

This is a topic of utmost importance to General Studies Paper III (Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Biodiversity, etc.) of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This very specific topic is related to one of the burning contemporary issues under environmental governance and climate change: two of the major contemporary issues of the global agenda.

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About Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD)

REDD is supposed to address one of the biggest problems facing human civilization, that being the issue of climate change. Deforestation emits 20% of the greenhouse gases in the world and, therefore, is one of the prime causes of climate change. The REDD initiative works on the principle that it will pay the developing world for reducing deforestation and forest degradation through financial incentives. The very nature of REDD is to encourage countries to maintain their forests, which in the long term will decrease carbon emissions.

REDD Framework Attributes the Significance of Forest in the Global Carbon Cycle Forest is a carbon sink. Forests assimilate more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They thus, indirectly contribute to the abatement of climatic change ramifications. REDD is counted as one of the crucial factors to the moves made by international players in curbing the pace of climatic change and thus preventing further damage to the environment.

Key Objectives of REDD

The primary objectives of REDD include:

• By reducing the loss of forests and preventing the degradation of forests, REDD aims to lower carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
• REDD aims to enhance carbon sequestration by encouraging sustainable forest management and forest restoration activities.
• REDD supports the protection of diverse ecosystems by preventing deforestation and degradation, which often threaten species and their habitats.
• REDD encourages the protection and sustainable management of forests by offering financial rewards to developing countries.

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Financial Mechanism of REDD

The REDD financial mechanism provides developing countries with monetary incentives to implement programs that might possibly reduce the rate of deforestation and degradation of forests. In most cases, such payments are based on measurable outcomes. For instance, they are rewarded with the carbon emissions prevented by conserving their forests and practicing sustainable forest management.

This shall be ensured by monitoring, reporting, and verification of the fairness and transparency of the system. Therefore, the whole world can examine whether countries have actually reduced forest loss and degradation in a way that is actually consistent with a mutually agreed reduction.

Initial Focus of REDD

In its initial concept, REDD focused on the control of emissions emanating from deforestation and degradation. Simply put, this was an effort at getting countries to reduce the degradation of forests. It is often considered one of the biggest contributors to global climate change, at large. For many years during its early developments, REDD simply focused on conservation of the forests. It disouraged the rampant chopping down of trees and control of forest firebreaks.

As the framework evolved, it expanded to include additional strategies such as enhancing carbon stocks and promoting the sustainable management of forests. This led to the development of the REDD+ framework.

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About Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD Plus)

REDD+ is an expanded version of the original REDD framework. This includes more comprehensive measures aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing forest carbon stocks. REDD+ was introduced to meet the changing needs of developing countries, especially those with rich forest resources. This was to ensure that their broader environmental and developmental policies integrate forest conservation. REDD+ gives major focus on:

• sustainable forest management,
• forest restoration, and
• increasing carbon stocks.

The difference between REDD and REDD+ is that REDD+ is beyond deforestation and degradation. Instead, it includes activities like conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Features of REDD+

REDD+ has some significant characteristics that distinguish it from REDD. These include the following:

• REDD+ fosters the conservation of forests as a source of carbon sinks.
• It promotes the practice of keeping the health of forest ecosystems and improving carbon sequestration.
• It also helps to rehabilitate degraded forests to make the carbon sequestration process more efficient.
• REDD+ incorporates local communities, the indigenous people, and other stakeholders in forest management programs.

Components of REDD+

The three elements that are used to carry out REDD+ are as follows:

• Mitigation: The reduction of the emissions is, therefore, a source of economical incentive through preserving forests and more sustainable use.
• Adaptation: It can help the exposed communities adapt through making the forest more resilient or increasing more sustainable livelihoods because of climate effects.
• Sustainable Development: It facilitates long term sustainable development via balanced, two-way forest management that supports people and the environment in the immediate setting.

Potential Benefits of REDD+

REDD+ offers the following benefits for countries and communities:

• It offers a means of reducing emissions by conserving forests.
• Forests are rich in biodiversity, and by conserving them, REDD+ helps preserve species and ecosystems.
• REDD+ promotes sustainable forest management. This can create economic opportunities in rural areas through job creation and improved forest resources.
• REDD+ ensures that local communities, including indigenous groups, benefit from the conservation of forests.

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Difference between UN-REDD and REDD+

Although they are international attempts to reduce deforestation-related emission, REDD and REDD+ differ significantly in many dimensions. A side-by-side comparative table of key differences is listed below:

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India’s Stand on UN-REDD and REDD Plus

India has been an active participant in both UN-REDD and REDD+ frameworks. India is dedicated to forest conservation and reducing emissions from deforestation. India has placed a clear stance on REDD+. It focuses on equitable financial mechanisms and social inclusion in the context of forest management practices. India has repeatedly appealed for financial and technological cooperation that will make REDD+ operational for the diversity of ecosystems and socio-economic conditions of the country.

India has also aligned its forest policies to the goals of REDD+ focusing on sustainable management, afforestation, and reforestation as part of its climate change mitigation strategy.

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