Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradation REDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World.

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

1

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

Module developers:

Erika Romijn, Wageningen University

Martin Herold, Wageningen University

Exercise:

Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation in a tropical country

Photo credit: AFPV1, April 2015

Creative Commons License

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

2

Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation in a tropical country

This module contains general exercises which can be used in any country case

Exercise 1

Think of a strategy on how to monitor drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in your own country

Exercise 2

Perform a qualitative assessment of the drivers of deforestation in your own country

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

3

Exercise 1 - Strategy development on how to

address drivers

Try to set up a strategy for monitoring the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in your country

Use the material presented in the lecture and country examples of this module as background information

The following aspects need to be addressed:

● How to gather the necessary information on drivers and the impact of different drivers – Which are the monitoring priorities?

● Which existing data and maps can be used to analyse drivers?

● Where are the gaps and how can they be filled in order to properly monitor drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in your country?

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

4

Example of qualitative assessment of current drivers of forest carbon change in Fiji

Processes that effectforest carbon stocks

Who is doing it and forwhat purpose(historical, current,future)

Effects on theforest (carbon) inthe short andlong-term

How importantis the processnationally (areaaffected)?

carbonimpact

Forest conversion forexpansion ofagriculture (or biofuels)Conversion of forestforsettlement(squatters)/tourism – especially inmangroves andincluding illegalsettlementsPlantation clear-fellharvesting & replanting

High intensity selectivelogging of nativeforests remains native

Weaver et al., 2009

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

5

Processes that effectforest carbon stocks

Who is doing it and forwhat purpose(historical, current,future)

Effects on theforest (carbon) inthe short andlong-term

How importantis the processnationally (areaaffected)?

carbonimpact

Forest conversion forexpansion ofagriculture (or biofuels)

Landowners or lesseesof land

Source (large) 

Large Very high(+) 

Conversion of forestforsettlement(squatters)/tourism – especially inmangroves andincluding illegalsettlements

Developers andsquatters 

Source (medium) 

Large High (+)

Plantation clear-fellharvesting & replanting

Government ownedForestry companies

Sink, if notreplacing nativeforest (medium) 

Large High (-)

High intensity selectivelogging of nativeforests remains native

Contractorscommissioned by theforest owners or localcommunities – driven by market demandand/or local need forwood in village

Generally a sourcebut sustainableforestmanagement would help tominimise thecarbon impact (1-2) 

Low – SFMLow – for localuse Medium -commercial

Medium(+)

Example of qualitative assessment of current drivers of forest carbon change in Fiji

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

6

Accidental burning thatgets out of control &into forest

Forest clear-fell formining prospectsProtecting native forestfor ecosystem services,etc. e.g. Sovi Basin

Shifting cultivation –slash & burn –especially in dry areas

Afforestation oftalasiga land pineforest for wood/chipproductionAfforestation with teak

Natural regeneration ofexpired agriculturallyleased landIncreased vulnerabilityto cyclone damage/fires/landslides ofdegraded natural wetforest

Qualitative assessment of current drivers in Fiji – continued..

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

7

Accidental burning thatgets out of control &into forest

Farmers & arsonists Source (2) Low to medium– mainly in thedry westernzones – 

Medium(+)

Forest clear-fell formining prospects

Mining companies Source (3) Low Medium(+)

Protecting native forestfor ecosystem services,etc. e.g. Sovi Basin

Forest resource ownersand EnvironmentNGOs, drivers of ecotourism

Neutral, avoided emissions (2)

Medium Medium(+/-)

Shifting cultivation –slash & burn –especially in dry areas

Local communities,increasing due topopulation growth andcash crops 

Source (2) Low – more inisolated ruralareas

Some (+)

Afforestation oftalasiga land pineforest for wood/chipproduction

Government initiativeto benefit people

Sink (2) 

Low Some (-) 

Afforestation with teak Private forest company,landowners/lesseesplanting an investment

Sink (2) 

Low Some (-) 

Natural regeneration ofexpired agriculturallyleased land

Landowner leaving landidle/fallow

Sink as long as thetrees stand (2)

Low Some (-) 

Increased vulnerabilityto cyclone damage/fires/landslides ofdegraded natural wetforest

Quasi-natural process Source (1) Low Low (+)

Qualitative assessment of current drivers in Fiji – continued..

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

8

Exercise 2 - Qualitative assessment of the drivers of deforestation

Estimate the drivers of deforestation in your own country based on your current knowledge

Use the same table as for the Fiji example to fill in:

●The most important drivers of deforestation

●The actors involved in the forest change processes

●The effect of the driver on the forest carbon in the short and long-term (carbon source or sink)

●The area per driver and

●The amount of CO2 emissions per driver

Module 1.3 Assessing and analyzing drivers of deforestation and forest degradationREDD+ training materials by GOFC-GOLD, Wageningen University, World Bank FCPF

9

Recommended modules as follow up

Module 2.1 to proceed with REDD+ measuring and monitoring and focus on monitoring activity data for forests using remote sensing

Modules 3. to learn more about REDD+ assessment and reporting