There are potential synergies between REDD+ and the ability of populations to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including effects such as increased water scarcity or flooding, and changes in crop yields due to rising temperatures.
REDD+ is often described as an important factor in enabling climate change adaptation, helping to protect biodiversity and reducing erosion, whilst also building resilience of local livelihoods and resources.
However, the links between REDD+ and the adaptation of people are not necessarily straight forward. REDD+ could increase vulnerability to climate change, depending on the types of policies and rules used to implement it.
For example, some policies may affect access to land and natural resource assets, both of which are essential assets used by the poor to deal with climate shocks and stresses.
REDD-net has been working to analyse the linkages between REDD+ and people's adaptation to climate change. In addition to the work highlighted below, further case studies are underway in Latin America and Asia.
REDD-net hosted an official side event on this topic at COP17 in Durban, focused on the topic of synergies and tradeoffs between using forests for mitigation and adaptation. You can read the presentations from the event here.
Image: IMs BILDARKIV
