This document details Vietnam’s progress in relation to Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Readiness; it was submitted to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), a World Bank programme that aims to assist developing countries with REDD+, during March 2012. It sets out a timeline of Vietnamese REDD+ Readiness; national REDD+ readiness management arrangements; stakeholder consultations and communication; REDD+ strategy preparation; the development of a reference scenario and monitoring, reporting and verification.

This policy brief examines the role of forests for climate change adaptation in the region of Asia. It is organized into several sections. Firstly, anticipated changes to precipitation and temperature in Asia under a low and a high emissions scenario, between 2010 and 2039, are outlined. Following on from this, the key elements of Forest-Based Adaptation (FBA) are discussed and the current status of FBA in Asia is highlighted. Finally, recommendations aimed at moving forest-based adaptation forward are made. The following suggestions are made: FBA should be integrated into wider sustainable forest management, National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) should include forestry, FBA should be built into mitigation projects, FBA should be built into national development and conservation policies and links between forestry and non-forestry sectors should be acknowledged.

This brief discusses research into awareness and information needs related to Ecosystem-Based Approaches (EBA) to climate change adaptation in the Asia and Pacific region. EBA refers to approaches that recognize the potential of ecosystem services to reduce the impact of climate change on people. This study was undertaken to inform the design of a decision-support tool for development, adaptation and disaster risk reduction stakeholders. It examines climate change impacts and adaptation options in the region. Research found that key stakeholder groups are generally aware of ecosystem-based adaptation and practical information on the potential and limitations of EBA is not readily available. Survey analysis highlighted a need for regional case studies and online how-to guidance. The brief concludes by asserting that a design-support tool would enable stakeholders to better identify opportunities, risks and cost-effectiveness of EBA strategies in different contexts.

This document presents analysis of key issues relating to Community Forest Management (CFM) in Vietnam. CFM has emerged as an important mechanism for realizing multiple development goals. The first section focuses on issues that relate to the transfer of forest rights to local people through Forest Land Allocation (FLA), including: an overview of FLA in Vietnam, a case study highlighting tensions that can arise between conservation and food security and a discussion of customary land rights of ethic minorities. The second section discusses CFM in relation to two existing policy frameworks in Vietnam, Payment for Environmental Forest services (PEFS) and Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). It is argued that PEFS must be organized around CFM and REDD+ must employ an inclusive community-based approach. The final section examines how CFM can be improved in Vietnam.

This report, published by the World Bank/REDD-net, examines the nature of Indonesia’s Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) regulatory framework. The manner in which benefits from REDD+ should be distributed amongst actors from local to national level is a contested subject; the report describes the Indonesian Government’s draft rules for REDD+ investment, an alternative or complementary approach based upon the creation of a nationally managed revenue sharing system and the relationship between national and provincial rules. The paper provides an insight into the way global climate change initiatives are transposed to national and sub-national policy contexts.

This briefing note has been produced Forests and Climate Change Programme (FORCLIME). It outlines the concept of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and makes the case for the use of PES on Borneo island. The brief goes on to argue that the implementation of PES initiatives (including Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation +) have the potential to support the conservation and development of both national parks and regional economies. The brief then delineates the relationship FORCLIME has with its partners at national, sub-national and local levels. These include: members of national and local government, national park organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations. The brief concludes by outlining FORCLIMES activities that support PES.

This training manual has been prepared for use by community level facilitators who intend to learn and pass on knowledge related to climate change and the Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) concept to community level stakeholders. Although it was produced as part of a project with the Government of Nepal, it is applicable to other countries and regions involved with REDD+. The document is designed to be both accessible and informative. It is comprised of different sections and sessions to be undertaken over a two day period. The manual also includes reading material. It is advised that users supplement the manual with up-to-date case studies and update the training process with insights from experience.

This policy brief discusses the extent to which Adaptive Collaborative Management (ACM) can be utilized in climate change initiatives in the forestry sector. ACM, developed by the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), is a participatory approach designed to link forest stakeholders, empower local communities and strengthen adaptive capacity. The brief begins by outlining how climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives have opened up new opportunities and challenges for communities living in and around forests. It then goes on to discuss ACM in more detail before providing examples of case studies where ACM has been utilized successfully. The brief concludes by arguing that in order for climate change initiatives to be effective, global actors must adequately respond to the needs of those at the sub-national and local level; it is claimed that ACM offers a means to achieve this goal. The brief also includes a list of ACM resources.