The climate regime as global forest governance: can reduced emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) initiatives pass a dual effectiveness test?. (1st September 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levin, K; McDermott, C; Cashore, B
• Is Part Of: International forestry review. Volume 10:Number 3(2008)
• Page Start: 538
• Page End: 549
• Publication Date: 2008-09-01
• Subjects: 634.9
• DOI: 10.1505/ifor.10.3.538
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-7778

Abstract

For two generations, policy makers, environmental groups, industry associations and other stakeholders have given global forest deterioration concerted and sustained attention. Widespread disappointment over the failure to achieve a binding global forest convention at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit has been followed by frustration over the relatively limited impact to date of post-Rio forest-related global policy initiatives, including intergovernmental and non-state efforts. This paper argues that reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) initiatives will yield significant impacts only if decision makers are committed to a results-based dual effectiveness test, addressing both forest degradation and global emissions reductions, and involving significant and measurable global-scale targets. While the importance of such a commitment may appear obvious, lessons from past forest and climate efforts suggest that greater results-based accountability is needed to overcome short-term and narrowly defined organizational and national self-interest.