What Is REDD+ and Why Does It Matter for Forests?

Forests play an important role in the climate system because they store carbon in trees, vegetation, and soil. When forests are cleared or degraded, part of that stored carbon can be released into the atmosphere. Protecting forests can therefore help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the many ecological and social benefits that forests provide.

One approach used to support this effort is REDD+. REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. The “+” expands the concept further to include the conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry describes REDD+ as an important instrument for reducing emissions while also strengthening environmental justice and ensuring that local communities and vulnerable groups can benefit from climate action.

Although carbon is an important part of REDD+, implementation involves much more than measuring how much carbon a forest holds. Effective REDD+ also depends on how forests are managed. This can include stronger forest governance, monitoring systems, sustainable forest management, community participation, safeguards, and clear mechanisms for sharing benefits. In Indonesia, REDD+ programs have also been linked with Forest Management Units (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan or KPH) and Social Forestry as part of efforts to strengthen forest management at national and local levels.

The Ministry of Forestry has also emphasized that REDD+ implementation should not focus only on emission-reduction targets. Protection of community rights, access to information, social and environmental safeguards, and meaningful participation are considered important parts of how REDD+ is implemented.

Indonesia has been involved in the development and implementation of REDD+ for many years, with the forestry sector forming an important part of the country’s climate commitments. REDD+ provides one way to connect climate action with forest conservation, sustainable management, and the needs of people who depend on forest landscapes. 

But turning the concept into practice requires institutions, planning, monitoring, and cooperation at the landscape level. One example can be found in Tasik Besar Serkap, Riau, where KIFC supported REDD+ preparation and Forest Management Unit development.

Sources

• Kementerian Kehutanan Republik Indonesia. “Program Kementerian Kehutanan — REDD+.” 
• Kementerian Kehutanan Republik Indonesia. “Kemenhut Tegaskan Perlindungan Hak Masyarakat dalam Pelaksanaan REDD+ dan Pembiayaan Karbon.”
• GCF REDD+ RBP Indonesia, Kementerian Kehutanan. “GCF REDD+ Results-Based Payment Indonesia — Overview.”