Learning Talk: REDD+ and Social Safeguards

Summary 

The IEU Learning Talk focused on the REDD+ Results-Based Payment (RBP) mechanism under the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Colleagues from the IEU and Secretariat discussed the IEU’s special study on REDD+ RBP projects in Latin America and the GCF’s approach to REDD+ RBP, challenges, and the role of environmental and social safeguards, particularly in Indigenous communities. The panelists emphasized the importance of equitable and sustainable forest conservation strategies and addressed the potential impact of mainstreaming REDD+ within GCF's broader financing structure. 

Discussion Highlights 

• REDD+ RBP Policy Evolution: The discussion outlined the development of REDD+ RBP, highlighting its transition from a pilot program to mainstreaming REDD+ results-based payments into the regular project and programme activity cycle of the Fund, as well as, on an exceptional basis, extending the pilot programme on REDD+ results-based payments.  This approach balances geographical distribution and maintains funding for various GCF priority areas. 
• Environmental and Social Safeguards: A vital component of the discussion was the critical role of safeguards, including the Cancun safeguards, to protect environmental and social interests, especially for indigenous communities. Safeguards address potential risks like land displacement, environmental degradation, and gender inequality in project impacts. 
• Challenges in Compliance and Implementation: The panelists highlighted the challenge of maintaining compliance with safeguards during the implementation of REDD+ projects, especially when using results-based approaches that require complex outcome verification. 
• Gender and Indigenous Rights: Specific examples highlighted how REDD+ projects have worked to enhance gender equality and Indigenous rights, such as the 'Botas Violetas' initiative in Ecuador, which symbolized women's empowerment within the project's outcomes, and Costa Rica's 'Tierra para Mujeres', which supports land ownership for women. 

Case Studies 

• Brazil (FP100):  This early REDD+ RBP project in the Amazon Biome was financed by GCF in collaboration with UNDP. It set an example by integrating the Cancun safeguards and introducing rigorous environmental and social management frameworks. The panelists emphasized that over 40% of women participated, meeting the gender targets. 
• Ecuador: In collaboration with the Amazonian project, indigenous communities developed deforestation-free certified products (coffee and cocoa), aiding in economic sustainability and preparing for new environmental regulations, such as the European carbon taxonomy. 
• Costa Rica (Tierra para Mujeres), a legislative initiative that aims to increase women's land ownership. This initiative addresses gender disparities in access to resources and provides a long-term empowerment framework for women engaged in forest conservation. 

Learning outcomes 

Understanding REDD+ RBP's Role in GCF: Participants gained insights into the significance of REDD+ RBP in mitigating climate change, with panelists underscoring its potential for reducing deforestation and forest degradation. 

Safeguards as Essential to REDD+ Implementation: REDD+ cannot succeed without robust environmental and social safeguards, especially those that ensure the inclusion of Indigenous peoples and promote gender equity. 

Enhanced Awareness of Stakeholder Inclusion: Panelists highlighted the importance of engaging various stakeholders, including local communities and indigenous peoples, to foster transparency and long-term sustainability in REDD+ projects. 

Panelists 

• Jeehyun Yoon, Evaluation Specialist at the Independent Evaluation Unit, presented findings from a special study on REDD+ RBP projects in Latin America, part of the completed evaluation of GCF's portfolio in the region.  
• Benjamin Singer: Senior Forestry and Land Use Specialist, focal point for redesigning the REDD+ RBP modality. Benjamin elaborated on the transition to mainstreaming REDD+ RBP within GCF's framework and the policy's potential impact on GCF's climate objectives. 
• Qian Cheng, Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist, shared insights on the role of safeguards in REDD+ and discussed the challenges and benefits of maintaining environmental and social standards. 

Moderator 

• Prashanth Kothuri: Evaluation Specialist, Independent Evaluation Unit, GCF. As the moderator, Prashanth facilitated the flow of the discussion, ensured the inclusion of crucial topics, and guided the Q&A session, inviting additional input from experts in the audience. 

Please view the full recording here: Recording - IEU Learning Talk October 2024 REDD+.mp4