Implementing REDD+ as a Climate Mitigation Option in India

Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation, along with conservation and sustainable management of forests, known as REDD+ is recognized as an innovative climate mitigation option for incentivizing local communities. India has contributed a lot to this process in international negotiations. However now, the mechanism needs to be implemented at national, state and local levels. Country should be ready with national strategy and action plan and like various other countries pilot projects could be started in different parts of the country to draw lessons for full-fledged implementation of REDD+. Deforestation is not much of the problem in the country. So focused efforts should be made for addressing the drivers of degradation and for conservation and sustainable management of forests in the country. Enough potential exists for enhancement of forest carbon stocks in various kinds of forests, in trees outside forests in both urban and rural landscapes, and in coastal areas. This needs to be harnessed with the help of a huge network of JFM communities in the country. India has developed tremendous capabilities in use of remote sensing, which can be utilized for development of reference levels and carrying out measurement, reporting and verification of carbon stocks. However, capacity needs to be built at state and community levels for mainstreaming REDD+ at all levels in the country.