REDD and REDD+ from the perspective of indigenous people

According to the Environmental Research Institute of Amazonia-IPAM, REDD stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.

By Reynaldo de Azevedo

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According to the concept adopted by the UN Climate Convention, it refers to a mechanism for the compensation of those who keep their forests standing and thereby avoid the greenhouse gas emissions associated with deforestation and forest degradation. Since REDD was created in COP13, experiences (projects, programs and funds) and readiness activities have been developed.

However, it is necessary to differentiate them from the REDD policy still under construction at UN. After the creation of this concept, the Convention included in its definition also conservation activities, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of their stocks in developing countries.

These components have led to REDD + (or REDD plus).Today in the side event entitled “Progress and support indigenous tribes in the Amazon: REDD + in 5194.500 hectares”, the representative of the Administration of Communal Reserve Amarakaeri Agreement (ACE- RCA), Fermin Chimatani and Klaus Quicque, of the Native Federation of Rio Madre de Dios and Tributaries (FENAMAD) presented the progress, strategies and construction of REDD + support Indigenous Amazon (RIA) and its pilots, which have territorial ensured the preservation and care of forests in five countries.The projects aim to conserve indigenous territories in an integrated manner to ensure the security of forests and their territories, so as to maintain and respect the culture and the full life of indigenous peoples.

The project is implemented in 5’194, 500 hectares as a sustainable practice with research and implementation “REDD + benefits.” It has already been executed advances with partners in academic sector.

For example, biomass measurement to calculate the amount of carbon that exists in this region. The preservation of the forest has many meanings for them: “we have an identity relationship with the ancestral lands and forests, is a very strong relationship and respect for our natural resources and biological diversity,” says Fermin Chimatani.The REDD + aims to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, increasing carbon reserves sustainably managed forests.
But we have to keep an eye on it to ensure that REDD and REDD + will keep native forests and indigenous culture as a historically acquired right.