The message coming from the Copenhagen Accord clearly indicates the need for deep cuts in global emissions of greenhouse gases. In recognising the role of forests in reducing global emissions, the Conference of Parties admitted the validity of a mechanism now known as REDD-plus or Reduction of Emission from Deforestation, Land Degradation, Land Use Change, Forest Preservation and Management.
Nigeria has over 13 million square km of forests. Forests are not only important for reducing emission of greenhouse gases, they are important as sources of livelihood for a large majority of Nigerians. Forests are sources of food, medicines, timber, wood-fuel and homes to many communities. These ecosystems provide fertile land, catchment for conserving soil water and improve the microclimate for livestock. Therefore, forests play very important roles in the economic development of the country.
The Accord recognises that developing countries like Nigeria have overriding priorities of socio-economic development and poverty eradication over and above emissions reduction. As such, Nigeria’s vast forest resources give an opportunity for the country to contribute to emission reductions as well as meet its development objectives. The Accord provides funding support for preparing REDD Readiness plans, engaging in policy reforms and land use legislations. Therefore, there is an urgent need for national reforms to improve forest governance, clarify forest/ land ownership and rights, particularly of communities.
REDD-plus will enable the mobilization of financial resources for developing countries to pursue forest preservation and management. Through this mechanism, Nigeria can access new and additional resources from the USD 30 billion available between 2010 and 2012 and a further USD 100 billion annually by 2020.
Nigeria should take advantage of the Accord to strengthen and support ongoing national forestry efforts through building capacity, technical assistance and technology transfer. There are also investment opportunities for scaling-up successful pilot projects. Therefore, existing forestry projects that qualify for REDD-plus funding should be properly documented and submitted to the relevant United Nations institutions. We must also expedite engagement with the private sector and local communities in national REDD-plus planning and implementation.
In order to maximize the benefits of the Copenhagen Accord, Nigeria must prepare a REDD –Readiness Plan. This opens the door for participation in several international partnerships including, the World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility or Norway’s International Climate Forest Initiative. This will enable Nigeria to begin a REDD readiness programme that will cover awareness-raising, education and capacity building. The plan will address carbon trade, forest carbon assessment, monitoring, reporting and verification. These activities will also include pilot demonstration of REDD in practice, among other things, to generate lessons for the refinement of REDD operations.
With Nigeria’s vast forest resources REDD-plus can provide funds to increase forest optimization. However, before we can tap into these international opportunities, we must establish a clear baseline, set out policies and develop plans.
The Copenhagen Accord will be reviewed again in 2015. Five years provides ample time for policies to be put in place, tested and implemented. By 2015, Nigeria should be able to provide clear evidence of increased carbon absorption, poverty reduction and development, if REDD –plus is properly implemented.
