Emergence of REDD+ in Tanzania and Challenges Ahead

UDOM WEEKLY SEMINAR

Thabit Jacob Department of Geography & Environmental Studies

University of Dodoma
1 Thursday, May 09, 2013

Outline of presentation
Background and Methodology Rationale Introduction (What is REDD+, Why REDD+ and Why forest) Potential for REDD+ in Tanzania Background to REDD+ Program in Tanzania REDD+ Pilot projects in Tanzania Opportunities from REDD+ Challenges likely to face REDD+ Implementation in Tanzania Conclusion
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Background to the Presentation

This presentation is based on my work with colleagues from UKZN in South Africa.

The methodology is based on an extensive literature review and several expert interviews.

Key influential actors from REDD+ pilot projects, national REDD+ task force and the UN-REDD office were contacted as well.

My field experience in Babati are also featured

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Rationale for the Presentation

REDD+ is in its early stage in Tanzania and there is no clear understanding among stakeholders

For Tanzanians to benefit from REDD+ without jeopardizing local ownership of resources, we must understand the likely opportunities and challenges associated with REDD+

Analysis of the potential benefits and challenges related to REDD+ may provide insights of what might work, or not in the Tanzanian context
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Introduction: What is REDD+?

REDD stands for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation plus (+) sustainable management of forest, conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD+ seeks to reduce emissions from the forest sector in developing countries The basic idea behind REDD+ is simple: Countries that are willing and able to reduce emissions from deforestation should be financially compensated for doing so.
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Why REDD+?
Deforestation and forest degradation is the cause of around 18% 20% of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming and Climate Change (IPCC, 2007)

REDD+ can play a significant role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and to generate new financial stream for sustainable forest management. MKUHUMI is Swahili for REDD+: Mpango wa Kupunguza

uzalishaji wa Hewa ya Ukaa Kutokana na ukataji miti ovyo na Uharibifu wa Misitu

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Global GHG sources by sector

Source, IPCC 2007

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Why Forests?
Forests play an important role in climate change mitigation as sources and sinks of CO2.

Carbon Sources: Forest biomass acts as a source of carbon dioxide when burned or when it decays.

Carbon Sinks: Forests absorb CO2 and release oxygen into the atmosphere through the natural process of photosynthesis in which CO2 is converted to carbon and stored in the woody tissue of the plant.
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Potential For REDD+ In Tanzania

Forests and woodland cover about 33.5 mill. ha in Tanzania. This is approximately 38 % of total land area. Annual deforestation in Tanzania is estimated to be 400,000 ha (estimates range from 90,000 to 500,000 ha) per year. In addition, forest degradation is widespread, though very little is known about the extent and intensity of degradation. Some estimates place the annually degraded forest area between 400,000 to 500,000 ha per year. Tanzania is currently the twelfth most serious emitter of carbon from deforestation and forest degradation among tropical countries and 9 Thursday, May 09, 2013 hence has significant REDD+ potential

Deforestation rates 2000- 2005

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Background to REDD+ Program in Tanzania

Norway Tanzania paternship was lauched in 2008 to facilitate REDD+ READNESS phase

The Readness phase aims at developing demonstrations/pilots projects to test the effectiveness of the REDD+ mechanism before up- scaling it to other parts of the country It expected that experiences from such pilots projects will provide inputs to the development of the national REDD+ framework The national REDD+ strategy is currently a draft (2nd) document being reviewed by various stakeholders
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REDD+ PILOT PROJECTS IN TANZANIA

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Expected Opportunities from REDD+

REDD+ has the potential to deliver large cuts in carbon emissions at a low cost within a short time frame Poverty alleviation (carbon credits). This is subject to proper benefit sharing (our track record is very poor) Improving governance (accountability and transparency in management of REDD+ funds) Conserving biodiversity Provision of other environmental services, water quality/regulation and soil conservation among others
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Likely Challenges to face REDD+ in Tanzania

Funding!

Payments take time Will REDD+ benefits outweigh opportunity costs?

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Cigarette analogue and Charcoal addiction (resistance to REDD+) in Babati

You cant save the lungs if youre still addicted to cigarette. REDD+ will fail. Hatuwezi tunza mapafu wakati unavuta sigara kila siku; Sisi tuta tunzaje msitu wakati tunahitaji mkaa kila siku!
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Conclusion
Tanzania must be cautious with externally driven solutions to climate change We should also think of the moral questions: African protecting forests for the benefit of polluters! Insisting on REDD+ without thorough understating of potential gains is losses could prove so costly for the current and future generations We should be worried of Climate Colonialism

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Thank you

Thank You!
Thabit Jacob: thabitsenior.jacob@gmail.com
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