Reducing poverty through REDD+? : a study of preconditions for implementing REDD+ in Manokwari Utara, Indonesia.

Abstract

This paper discusses a variety of prerequisites that are needed to reduce poverty through implementation of REDD+. Indonesia has the third largest tropical forest in the world, and is among the highest on deforestation rate. Hence, Indonesia is an important part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Indonesia is one of the initial pilot-test countries that already have started REDD+ programmes. The main goal of REDD+ is reducing emissions as well as conservation and enhancing carbon stocks, however an important co-benefit of REDD+ is poverty reduction. If the right preconditions are in place and the focus is on a pro-poor REDD+ implementation, it may have huge implications for poor forest communities. The aim of this research will be to find out what actions that is needed in Manokwari Utara, Papua Barat, Indonesia, to fight poverty, and what the community see as the most prevalent issues to focus on to improve their living conditions. Hence one may find out the best way to implement the REDD+ programme that will give the local people an opportunity to improve their livelihood.