Germany's Contribution to the Forest and Climate Protection Programme REDD+: synthesis study

Abstract

Deforestation and forest degradation are major contributors to climate change. The international REDD+ framework aims to mitigate climate change by rewarding developing countries for conserving and sustainably managing their forests and for enhancing forest carbon stocks. This report synthesizes the existing evidence about the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and impact of REDD+ measures supported by the German Federal Government. Primary and secondary REDD+ documents and literature were analysed and triangulated with qualitative interviews.

The synthesis study provides evidence-based insights into the results and impact of REDD+ measures that have been designed, financed, and implemented by or on behalf of German actors. It is the first inter-ministerial study by the German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) that encompasses measures commissioned by three different Federal Ministries.

The report highlights heterogeneous results on the numerous REDD+ objectives. REDD+ leads to notable changes in partner countries and renews attention to forests, Indigenous Peoples, and rural communities. German efforts are unique and have shaped and advanced the REDD+ concept internationally. The initial expectation of reducing emissions in the forest sector has not (yet) been fulfilled, also because most countries needed considerable readiness support. The report confirms the difficulties in countering deforestation and forest degradation, and in setting effective incentives vis-à-vis the powerful drivers behind forest destruction.

The report derives several implications for improving and further developing REDD+ strategies and portfolios, coordination, transparent communication, and learning by German implementing organizations and Federal Ministries.