From Carbon Credits To Canopy Cover: Evaluating Redd++ For Forest Conservation In India

Abstract

As global climate governance increasingly incorporates market-based mechanisms to address environmental challenges, the REDD++ framework—Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, along with conservation, sustainable forest management, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks—has gained prominence as a policy tool for forest-rich nations like India. This paper critically examines the evolution, design, and practical outcomes of REDD++ implementation in India, with a focus on its effectiveness in achieving forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation. India’s adoption of REDD++ aligns with its international obligations under the Paris Agreement and is embedded within its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), emphasizing the expansion of forest cover and enhancement of carbon sinks. While REDD++ interventions have demonstrated positive developments, including improved canopy density, advanced forest monitoring techniques, and institutional capacity-building among forest authorities, persistent challenges remain. Key concerns include the equitable distribution of benefits, transparent governance, and genuine involvement of forest-dependent communities. The monetization of carbon through carbon credit markets may inadvertently undermine the rights of indigenous populations and marginalize traditional knowledge systems, particularly in regions where legal recognition under the Forest Rights Act remains inadequate. Additionally, the integration of REDD++ with existing domestic mechanisms such as the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) often lacks coherence and effective coordination. This paper argues for a recalibration of REDD++ that transcends the narrow confines of carbon trading to encompass ecological resilience, social justice, and long-term sustainability. A shift towards holistic forest governance—balancing carbon sequestration with biodiversity preservation, livelihood security, and equitable participation—can enable REDD++ to evolve into a transformative instrument for sustainable forest management in India. Such an approach would not only strengthen India’s climate commitments but also ensure that forest conservation efforts are inclusive, transparent, and socially responsive.