44. Biodiversity and livelihood A Presentation By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]
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The document discusses the significance of biodiversity and livelihood considerations in the design and implementation of REDD-plus (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) initiatives. It highlights the critical role of forests in carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, and supporting local communities, while emphasizing the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and climate mitigation. Additionally, it stresses the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and supporting community enterprises for effective forest management and conservation.
44. Biodiversity and livelihood A Presentation By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]
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- 4. The importance of biodiversity and livelihood aspects within the design of REDD-plus has been recognized at many levels. Achieving these multiple benefits will require new levels of collaboration among different actors at national and international levels. Biodiversity
- 5. At its thirteenth session in Bali in December 2007, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC adopted decision 1/CP.13: Bali Action Plan, and decision 2/CP.13: Reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries: approaches to stimulate action: The Conference of the Parties…decides to launch a comprehensive process to enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention through long-term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012 …. by addressing, inter alia: Policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable managem ent of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. What is REDD-plus?
- 6. At its sixteenth session, the UNFCCC COP adopted a decision, encouraging developing country Parties to contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation actions in the forest sector by undertaking REDD- plus activities, comprising reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. The implementation of REDD-plus activities will take place in three different phases, starting with (i) the development of national strategies or action plans, policies and measures, and capacity-building, followed by (ii) their implementation including technology development and transfer and results-based demonstration activities and evolving into (iii) resultsbased actions that should be fully measured, reported and verified. Financing options for the implementation of results-based REDD-plus actions will be explored and progress reported to UNFCCC COP 17 in 2011. What is REDD-plus?
- 7. REDD-plus pilot and demonstration activities are currently implemented by several initiatives such as the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and the UN REDD Programme. These pilots integrate efforts to include ecological and socio-economic aspects. For example, one of the FCPF objectives is “within the approach to REDD, to test ways to sustain or enhance livelihoods of local communities and to conserve biodiversity.”* Thus, one of the selection criteria for FCPF pilot projects is that they, “focus on innovative and/or advanced concepts of monitoring, reporting and remote sensing, including for forest degradation, biodiversity protection and social benefits.” Priority is given to countries with, “high relevance of forests in the economy of a country including relevance for poverty reduction, the livelihoods of forest- dependent indigenous peoples and other forest dwellers.” Redd-plus
- 8. Biological Diversity, or biodiversity in its shortened form, can be described as the diversity of life on earth. Biodiversity is frequently understood to refer simply to the variety of species on the planet. Although this is an important component, its wider meaning, as generally used by scientists, refers to diversity both above and below the level of individual species. It is, in its fullest form, the complete variety of life on earth, including genes, species, and ecosystems. What is biodiversity, and what makes it a REDD-plus benefit?
- 9. The CBD defines biodiversity as, “the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part, including the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems”. Interactions between the various components of biodiversity make the earth habitable for all species, including humans. The CBD defines biodiversity
- 10. For example, the Millennium Development Goal 7 Ensure Environmental Sustainability depends on biodiversity, which directly affects the quality and quantity of ecosystem services provided, such as carbon sequestration, watershed protection, soil fertility, recycling of nutrients, control of erosion and pollination of crops and trees. More than 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity, while over 1.6 billion people rely on forests and non-timber forest products for their livelihoods, including on ecosystem services such as water purification and storage. Habitat degradation and the loss of biodiversity are threatening the livelihoods of more than 1 billion people living in dry and sub-humid lands Biodiversity is the basis for achieving sustainable development.
- 11. The CBD has three main objectives: ▸ the conservation of biodiversity, ▸ the sustainable use of its components, and ▸ the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The CBD addresses deforestation and forest degradation in numerous ways, for example in the programme of work on forest biodiversity (CBD decision VI/22) and the programme of work on protected areas (decision VII/28). REDD-plus efforts can build on the implementation of the CBD, and activities at national level under the UNFCCC and CBD are often mutually supportive, for example, through ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation Work under the CBD
- 12. REDD-plus is foremost a climate change mitigation strategy. However, it can provide significant adaptation benefits for societies and its long-term success will depend on the ability of forest ecosystems to adapt to climate change. REDD-plus and Climate change
- 13. Maintaining intact forest ecosystems—including their genetic and species diversity—is essential in meeting the UNFCCC’s ultimate objective. This is due to the role of forests in the global carbon cycle, their significant carbon stocks, their contribution to adaptation, and the wide range of ecosystem services they provide that are essential for human well-being. Maintaining intact forest ecosystems— including
- 14. are accompanied by the loss of numerous vital ecosystem services that provide a variety of income possibilities, material welfare, livelihoods, security, resiliency, social relations, health, and freedom of choices and actions (MEA, 2005). Their loss threatens human societies worldwide, and not just in the regions where deforestation occurs. Deforestation and forest degradation
- 15. Forests are the largest terrestrial ecosystem; with 4 billion hectares they cover 30 per cent of the earth’s surface. ▸ With an estimated 2,400 Gt of stored carbon they account for almost half the terrestrial carbon pool. They harbor an estimated 75 per cent of all terrestrial biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest alone hosts about a quarter of the world’s terrestrial species. Forests underpin the livelihoods of more than 1.6 billion people. Some facts about forests
- 16. Forests are the largest terrestrial ecosystem; with 4 billion hectares they cover 30 per cent of the earth’s surface. ▸ With an estimated 2,400 Gt of stored carbon they account for almost half the terrestrial carbon pool. ▸ They harbor an estimated 75 per cent of all terrestrial biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest alone hosts about a quarter of the world’s terrestrial species. Forests underpin the livelihoods of more than 1.6 billion people. ▸ More than 2,000 groups of indigenous peoples live in forest ecosystems, which satisfy their basic needs, such as food, energy and health. ▸ More than 3 per cent of all global trade is in forest products, which have a value of more than USD 300 billion per year. ▸ Every year 13 million hectares of forests are destroyed or degraded. Some facts about forests
- 17. ▸ More than 2,000 groups of indigenous peoples live in forest ecosystems, which satisfy their basic needs, such as food, energy and health. ▸ More than 3 per cent of all global trade is in forest products, which have a value of more than USD 300 billion per year. ▸ Every year 13 million hectares of forests are destroyed or degraded. ▸ Deforestation contributes approximately 17 to 20 per cent of global annual GHG emissions, which is approximately 5.8 Gt of carbon dioxide equivalents per year. ▸ 97 per cent of all emissions from deforestation occur in the tropics and sub-tropics. ▸ Forest ecosystem services have been estimated to be worth on average USD 6,120 per hectare per year in intact tropical forests Some facts about forests
- 18. Mitigation consists of activities that aim to reduce GHG emissions, directly or indirectly, by avoiding or capturing GHGs before they are emitted into the atmosphere or sequestering those already in the atmosphere by enhancing sinks such as forests. Such activities may entail, for example, changes to behavioral patterns or technological development and diffusion. Mitigation
- 19. Adaptation is defined as adjustments in human and natural systems, in response to actual or expected climate stimuli or their effects that moderate, harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. Source: IPCC 200 Adaptation
- 20. Forest ecosystem goods and services Provisioning Services Cultural Services ▸ Food, Fiber and Fuel 1. Genetic Resources 2. Biochemicals 3. Fresh Water 4. Spiritual and religious values 5. Knowledge system 6. Education/ inspiration 7. Recreation and aesthetic value Forest ecosystem
- 21. 1. Invasion resistaHerbivory 2. Pollination 3. Seed dispersal 4. Climate regulation 5. Pest regulation 6. Disease regulation 7. Natural hazard protection 8. Erosion regulation 9. Water purification Regulating Services
- 22. ▸ Primary production ▸ Provision of habitat ▸ Nutrient cycling ▸ Soil formation and ▸ retention ▸ Production of ▸ atmospheric oxygen ▸ Water cycling Supporting Services
- 23. An immense range of biodiversity, especially animals (worms, ants, beetles, etc.) and microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) inhabit forest soils. For example, just one square meter of soil in a temperate forest may contain more than 1,000 species of invertebrates, whilst there may be an even greater number and diversity of microbes in just one gram of soil. Therefore these groups of organisms form complex interacting networks: the animals transform aboveground biomass and litter and discharge them into smaller organic pieces and humus. Microorganisms split this up into nutrients, which then become accessible to plants. Meanwhile, the organisms till the soil so that plants can root deeply to exploit nutrients and water and to strengthen their stability. This diversity is dramatically reduced when forests are converted to agricultural land and when agricultural land use is intensified. This can lead to decreases in agricultural productivity, reducing the resilience of agricultural systems and making them more vulnerable to climatic events, erosion, pests, diseases and other threats. The hidden treasure: biodiversity in forest soils
- 24. UNEP/CBD: A degraded forest is a secondary forest that has lost, through human activities, the structure, function, species composition or productivity normally associated with a natural forest type expected on that site. Hence, a degraded forest delivers a reduced supply of goods and services from the given site and maintains only limited biological diversity. Biological diversity of degraded forests includes many non-tree components, which may dominate in the under-canopy vegetation. IPCC: A direct human-induced loss of forest values (particularly carbon) is likely to be characterized by a reduction of tree cover. Routine management from which crown cover will recover within the normal cycle of forest management operations is not included. FAO: The long- term reduction of the overall potential supply of benefits from the forest, which includes carbon, wood, biodiversity and other goods and services Forest degradation — global definitions
- 25. Ecosystem-based adaptation aims to identify and implement a range of strategies for the management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems to provide services that enable people to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The concept aims to increase the esilience and reduce the vulnerability of ecosystems and people due to climate change. Ecosystembased adaptation is most effective if integrated into broader adaptation and development strategies. Examples include: ▸ Coastal defense through the maintenance and/or restoration of mangroves and other coastal wetlands to reduce coastal flooding and coastal erosion. ▸ Sustainable management of upland wetlands and floodplains for maintenance of water flow and quality. ▸ Conservation and restoration of forests to stabilize land slopes and regulate water flows. ▸ Establishment of diverse agroforestry systems to cope with increased risk from changed climatic conditions. What is Ecosystem-based adaptation?
- 26. The diversity of genes and species in an ecosystem, and the ecological processes they are a part of, determine a forest’s stability against pressures such as rapid climate change and extreme weather events. The flow of genes and species within and between diff erent forests —which allows species and genes not adapted to these pressure to migrate out, and more adapted species and genes to migrate in—is essential in maintaining this stability. Forest fragmentation can jeopardize the long-term health and vitality of the forest ecosystem as it cuts off pathways for migration. Forest fragmentation can also result in species loss as the size of a forest becomes too small to support a viable population of a certain plant or animal species, or if migratory routes and corridors cease to exist (UNEP/GRID 2008). The provision of corridors and stepping stones of natural forest located within non-forest or planted forest areas facilitates the movement of forest species. REDD-plus investments should aim to maximize ecological connectivity by restoring degraded lands between forest ecosystems, creating biological corridors and planning at landscape level. Connecting forest ecosystems for forest restoration
- 27. Many indigenous peoples and local communities have managed forests sustainably for thousands of years. Traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities includes innovations, practices, knowledge, technologies, institutions and adaptation skills in relation to their environment. There is abundant local and traditional knowledge in many indigenous and local communities, and the holders of this knowledge have an incentive to utilize it to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Traditional knowledge can be an excellent and costeffective means of ground-truthing, as part of monitoring, verification and reporting efforts. Traditional knowledge can also be an element of early warning systems for threshold degradation levels, for example, through monitoring ecosystem goods and services such as Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). This long-term memory of forest aspects can contribute valuable recommendations for restoration: what species might work best in the long term, and which natural vegetation existed on degraded lands. Elements of local and traditional customary governance structures could also serve as a blueprint for benefit sharing in terms of mechanisms for REDD-plus financing. Local and traditional knowledge could support forest law enforcement and governance through traditional governance systems, and through local reporting of infringements (e.g., poaching or illegal logging). Finally, traditional knowledge can also support communication with local and indigenous stakeholders, through traditional communication networks and channels (e.g., for awareness raising and sharing of experience). The role of traditional knowledge
- 28. Community and small/ medium-sized forest enterprises There is increasing evidence that community forestry enterprises and small and medium-sized forest enterprises represent a more promising route to SFM and especially to poverty-reduction benefits, compared to the industrial forestry sector. However historically, these stakeholders have been underserved by forestry agencies with regard to supporting their role in SFM. For community and indigenous forest management initiatives to succeed, key elements of support would include: ▸ Legal protection of tenure and political rights ▸ Strengthening of intermediary institutions that provide business development or technical assistance to communities ▸ Certification models more appropriate for communities (based on a criteria and indicators approach) ▸ Development of community-company partnerships Source: CIFOR 2007 Community and small/ medium-sized forest enterprises
- 29. ▸ Defining rights to land, territories, and resources, including ecosystem services; ▸ Strengthening rights and governance through implementation of forest tenure reforms, mapping of lands, and recognition of rights to ecosystem services; ▸ Prioritizing pro-poor policies and measures to achieve REDD-plus; ▸ Aligning REDD-plus with national development processes, for example, by integrating REDD-plus into inclusive and broad-based development strategies; ▸ Using REDD-plus funding to support local government reform processes and social capital development, to help channel financial flow to indigenous and local communities and also to improve broader forest governance. ▸ Developing stronger accountability structures and institutions, involving transparent information provision to indigenous and local communities; inclusive multi-stakeholder processes, systems to monitor the social impacts of REDD-plus, and appeal systems. Recommendations for the participation of indigenous and local communities