Indigenous Affairs 1/09: REDD and Indigenous peoples' rights in Africa

Over the last year and a half, over 30% of Africa’s 53 countries have expressed interest or are participating in the Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD) proposed climate change mitigation strategy.

Fourteen countries are involved in the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility while two are involved in the UN-REDD program. Others are engaged in bilateral REDD arrangements with developed countries while yet more countries are expressing interest in REDD. Africa’s high response is guided by the understanding that REDD will provide financial incentives for countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while improving the livelihoods of forest dependent communities.

All 16 African REDD countries are at different stages of developing their Readiness Plans. African Indigenous Peoples face great challenges trying to engage in the development of the national REDD strategy process. It is these challenges that this article attempts to explore.