B2.5.2. Coordination mechanisms for REDD+
With regard to specific coordination mechanisms for REDD+, the National REDD+ Action Program (NRAP) (2017)[1] calls for the “development of a mechanism to promote and monitor inter-agency cooperation at all levels, strengthen the linkages between the private and the public sectors including public–private partnership models; encourage the participation of socio-political, professional associations, non-governmental organizations and village communities in planning, implementation and monitoring of the REDD+ Program”. In addition, the NRAP identifies lead and collaborating agencies for each policy and measure from a number of different sectors.[2]
The Central Steering Committee for the implementation of the Sustainable Forestry Development Program for the period 2021-2025 is the steering body for the implementation of the NRAP. The NRAP identifies the implementation and coordination responsibilities of related ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Religious and Ethnic Affairs, and Provincial People’s Committees.
At the national level, a REDD+ Network has also been established to contribute to coordinating REDD+ planning and implementation and promoting stakeholder engagement. The Network was established based on the 2009 Decision 2614/QĐ-BNN-LN: Establishment of the National Network and Working Group for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD).[3] The Network has approximately 300 members from government and non-government organizations at international, national and sub-national levels. The tasks of the REDD+ Network include: preparing an action plan for the design and implementation of all elements of an effective national REDD+ system; coordinating the inputs of international development partners; regular reviews and assessment of the implementation of the action plan; and ensuring that activities in support of the development and implementation of REDD+ measures are consistent with the action plan. In the Readiness phase, a set of technical working groups were also in operation, providing advice on key REDD+ technical issues, such as Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV), private sector engagement and safeguards.
At the subnational level, the guidelines on development of Provincial REDD+ Action Plans (PRAPs)[4] include the following aspects related to cross-sector coordination:
● PRAP development should 'ensure the participation of relevant stakeholders, departments and sectors within such provinces’. A PRAP Technical Working Group will be set up, comprising relevant or concerned provincial departments, line agencies and social and political organizations who are to be consulted in PRAP elaboration.
● Each province shall establish a PRAP steering committee or additional tasks shall be assigned to the provincial 'steering committee on forest protection and management'; the steering committee membership shall consist of representatives from provincial political and social organizations with consideration of proportion of female members.
● The roles of different related and concerned departments/line agencies and other stakeholders in implementation and monitoring are also outlined.
As of 2023, 12 provinces had established Provincial REDD+ Steering Committees and REDD+ working groups to guide the implementation of REDD+ and local forest protection and development plans: Lao Cai; Bac Kan; Thanh Hoa; Nghe An; Ha Tinh; Quang Binh; Quang Tri; Dak Lak; Dak Nong; Lam Dong; Binh Thuan; and Ca Mau.
[1] NRAP (2017), Decision No 419/QD-TTg dated 5/4/2017
[2] Annex: Policies and Measures for REDD+ implementation for the period of 2017 – 2020, NRAP (2017)
[3] Decision 2614/QĐ-BNN-LN: Establishment of the National Network and Working Group for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) dated 16 September 2009
[4] MARD Decision No. 5414/2015/QD-BNN-TCLN