ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an analysis of a climate mitigation solution that emerged from the UNFCCC deliberation process called REDD+ that seeks to promote forest protection as a carbon sequestration strategy while promoting non-carbon benefits. REDD+ has been characterized as a false climate solution by many in the US climate justice movement. The author presents a critical examination of a REDD+ pilot project that was enacted in the community forestry context of Nepal, which is unique in the world for devolution of forest governance to local communities. In seeking to examine how REDD+ might affect this progressive tradition of decentralized forest governance, the author finds that the requirements of carbon measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification may contribute to reversing the gains made in community forestry governance, by displacing local/traditional/Indigenous forest expertise in favour of reductionist scientific forestry. The fact that REDD+ paradoxically emphasizes social safeguard measures particularly to prevent the marginalization of women and Indigenous people in forest contexts, suggests a disconnect between intentions and impact. Meanwhile, local community perceptions about REDD+ are mixed, in light of inadequate information dissemination, with some eagerly seeking financial compensation for the work of protecting forests, while others are cautious about long-term harm to communities.
