Community Forest Management and REDD+

Community forest management (CFM) is identified by many actors as a core strategy for reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+). However, others disagree and caution about the negative consequences of REDD+ on forest communities. In response to these contrasting views, the authors carried out a systematic review of case studies of community forest management, to look at its potential role in achieving forest carbon benefits and social co-benefits for forest communities. The impacts of REDD+ on CFM were also explored. The review showed that there is strong evidence of CFM’s role in reducing degradation and stabilizing forest landscapes, but the evidence is weaker on its role in reducing deforestation. CFM contributes to livelihoods, but effects on poverty reduction may be limited. CFM may not deal adequately with the distribution of benefits within communities or user groups. Measures can be adopted to address these shortcomings. Innovative incentive structures to CFM are discussed. The recognition of rights for forest communities is a key step in promoting better results.

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