E3.1.2. National REDD+ Program benefits, risks and measures for conservation of natural forests and biodiversity

The principles, goals and specific objectives of Viet Nam’s National REDD+ Action Program (NRAP, 2017)[1] refer to the conservation and enhancement of natural forests. For example, one of its objectives is to ‘’improve the quality of natural forests and planted forests to increase carbon stock and environmental forest services, replicate effective models of forest plantation, sustainable management, protection and conservation of natural forests.’’

The NRAP policies and measures (PaMs) that are aimed at the conservation of natural forests, and which are expected to support the conservation of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services, include:

• Continue to review and adjust the land use master plan and provincial land use plans to reach the target of 16.24 million hectares by 2020, including the promotion of environmental impact assessment;
• Promote sustainable and deforestation-free agriculture and aquaculture, such as piloting and replicating sustainable and climate resilient models for aquaculture, coffee, rubber and cassava;
• Pilot, evaluate and replicate sustainable models for natural forests enhancement, protection and conservation, including in natural production forests and special use forests, and forest rehabilitation and enrichment with native species; and
• Enhance the economic and financial environment for forests, including the economic valuation of forests and integration of forest values into national financial processes (e.g. GDP).

The potential benefits and risks of the NRAP PaMs were assessed,[2] and mitigation measures were suggested, including those related to the conservation of natural forests and biodiversity. Some of the key benefits and risks identified include:

• Conservation of biodiversity may be improved through maintaining natural forests or restoring forest ecosystems, and through maintained or improved connectivity of forest habitats;
• Resilience and adaptation to climate change and its associated effects may be increased;
• Investments, incentives and potential higher markets prices in agriculture could make crop production more effective or attractive, and contribute to deforestation over the long term or at scale;
• Forest land allocation and collaborative forest management approaches could lead to adverse effects on forest protection and legitimise unsustainable use of forests and forest lands;
• Non-timber forest product business models could result in over-exploitation and/or degradation and/or deforestation;
• Lack of maintenance or abandonment of coastal forests plantations in protection/special use forests;
• Inundation in Melaleuca forests may lead to detrimental impacts on biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions;
• Risks of soil, water and biodiversity degradation associated with the use of agro-chemicals to improve yields.

Some of the risk mitigation and benefit enhancement measures identified included:

• Conservation and protection of natural forests should be prioritised in land use planning processes, applying SEAs and ensuring that decision-support tools for REDD+ incorporate biodiversity and ecosystem service values;
• Green financial mechanisms should include clear environmental safeguards, e.g. for screening proposed investments, conducting due diligence checks, and monitoring;
• Inventories should be conducted on the baseline status of forests to be allocated, as well as studies to understand tenure arrangements, poverty, forest dependency/use and vulnerability. Participatory mapping and consultations on forest land allocation and co-management options should be carried out, including where possible promoting allocation to community groups;
• Sustainable models identified for agriculture and aquaculture should integrate practices that minimise the use of agro-chemicals and water;
• Non-timber forest product business models and associated practices should promote natural forest protection and enhancement; screening procedures should be developed in order to eliminate inappropriate investments;
• Sustainable forest management practices and certification for plantations should be promoted through access improvement to advisory services.

At subnational level, an assessment of potential benefits and risks is also required during the development of Provincial REDD+ Action Plans, including consideration of biodiversity.[3] Assessments of environmental and social benefits and risks of REDD+ in specific sub-national locations have also been carried out through the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA),[4] and through the assessment of Environmental and Social Considerations for the SUSFORM-NOW project. A summary of the non-carbon benefits of FCPF- Emission Reductions Program is also provided at SIS E5.1.2.

The Emissions Reduction Program in the South Central and Central Highlands regions, or LEAF Program,is to be based on the NRAP PaMs, which were assessed for potential benefits and risks (see above). Five provinces in the jurisdiction have issued Provincial REDD+ Action Plans, and have thus previously identified benefits and risks. The consultation processes for the Program also include discussion with stakeholders on the potential impacts of the Program. 4

 

[1] NRAP (2017), Decision No 419/QD-TTg dated 5/4/2017

[2] Summary of assessment of potential benefits and risks arising from the NRAP: https://sis.kiemlam.gov.vn/web/guest/library/-/document_library/iXuUrTYhhdKx/view_file/75422

[3] Decision No. 5414/QD-BNN-TCLN dated December 25, 2015 on guideline to develop PRAP

[4] Please see: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/es/290961551691496606/pdf/Danh-gia-chien-luoc-moi-truong-va-xa-hoi.pdf