Synergies and trade-offs between REDD+ pilot project and communities’ livelihoods : case study in Nepal

Abstract: Carbon trading through Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, forest conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) payment scheme has been initiated to reduce greenhouse gas emission from deforestation and forest degradation. However, there are several critics about the implementation of REDD+ in developing countries. Thus, this thesis work endeavored to identify synergies and trade-off between REDD+ Pilot Project and community livelihood in Nepal. The research questions addressed were (1) How are the benefits from the project distributed among members?, (2) Are there restrictions for access of non-timber forest products (NTFPs)? How is the need for NTFPs from community-managed forests addressed?; (3) Are there evidence of synergies between REDD+ pilot and community livelihood?, and (4) Are there mechanisms in place to address trade-offs between the REDD+ pilot and community livelihood? Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in three districts of Nepal, Gorkha, Dolakha and Chitwan (n = 63 for Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), n=10 for authorities) and focus group discussions (n = 3). The data collected were analyzed using logistic regression and test of proportions. The results showed that there existed synergies between REDD+ Pilot Project and communities’ livelihoods, such as infrastructure improvement, income generation, forest conservation awareness, capacity building and increase in governance. However, the project encountered some problems, including certain conflicts among members of the CFUGs, like unequal benefit distribution, lack of information, financial benefits and capacity building. As trade-off, there was a small reduction in the use of NTFPs, which was offset by an increase in forest conservation awareness and implementation of sustainable forest management in the project area. As a whole, it can be concluded that REDD+ Pilot Project brought lessons to people affected directly and indirectly, and it was certainly useful for REDD+ implementation at national level. A special attention has to be given to vulnerable groups (marginalized, women, Dalits, indigenous and poorer people) when providing capacity building and decision-making, so that REDD+ is considered an opportunity rather than an impairment.