Using Spatial Information to support decision making in national REDD+ strategies
by Valerie Kapos
Contents
• REDD+ strategies & associated information needs
• Spatial data applications
• Forest distribution & change• Potential benefits• Risks• Feasibility
• From data to decisions
• Going further
National REDD+ strategies
One of 4 elements specified in Warsaw framework as needed for results based payments
Outlines policies and actions for achieving REDD+ outcomes, including what, how, and . . . where
1. National REDD+ strategy or action plan
2. National forest reference emission level and/or reference level
3. National forest
monitoring system
4. Safeguard Information System
National REDD+ strategies
Which actions are most appropriate for REDD+ implementation depends on
Drivers of deforestation and forest degradation
Potential for social and environmental benefits and the priority attached to them
Potential risks
. . .
Many of these factors vary spatially
Spatial data on forest cover and change
• Inform development of country definitions of forest and deforestation
Natural forest?
LULC map dfn• Montane & lowland forest
National dfn of forest-TZ(10% canopy c + 2 m height)•Montane & lowland forest•Woodland•Mangrove•Bushland (>2m)•Thickets (>2m)
FAO FRA + NAFORMA(10% canopy c + 5 m height)•Montane & lowland forest•Woodland•Mangrove
Spatial data on forest cover and change
• Inform development of country definitions of forest and deforestation
• Help to identify drivers of deforestation and vulnerable areas and therefore where different types of action are needed and appropriate
• Past deforestation
• Modelled future deforestation
Where is forest under pressure?Modelled future deforestation in Panama - low impact scenario (SCNBI) - DINAMICA-EGO model
Potential Benefits from REDD+ vary spatially
Biomass carbon stocks Importance for biodiversity
Importance for soil erosion controlImportance for tourism
Biodiversity and ecosystem services are distributed unevenly; spatial data help identify areas important for different benefits and combinations of benefits
Where can REDD+ action help to deliver benefits in addition to mitigation?
Potential risks e.g. restricting access to NTFPs
Feasibility and costs
Feasibility and costs of different REDD+ actions vary with factors that vary spatially including:
• Local management regimes
• Local priorities
• Alternative land uses
• Agriculture
• Mining and other concessions
From data to decisions
Combining information on forest distribution, drivers of change, potential benefits, feasibility - Forest restoration opportunities, Paraguay
From data to decisions
Combining information can help identify priority areas
Involving a wide range of stakeholders can increase ownership of results
Going further
• Including economic information
• Including scenario assessments• Exploring how drivers, benefits, risks and context will change
into the future
• Can range from using participatory scenario development and conceptual models to
• Complex economic models
• Using scenarios and modelling for spatially explicit assessment of impacts of different policy options
• Integrated land use planning
