Despite the global commitment to halt deforestation by 2030, only eight of the top 20 countries with the highest rates of tropical deforestation have set quantified targets for forest protection in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This has come up in the report from the UN-REDD Programme titled “Raising Ambition, Accelerating Action: Towards Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions for Forests”.
DEFORESTATION ; KEY FINDINGS OF THE UN-REDD REPORT
The UN-REDD report reveals that the current NDCs submitted between 2017 and 2023 fall short of the global ambition to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. Forests, which can potentially contribute one-third of the emissions reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement targets, are not adequately prioritized in these climate action plans.
While 11 NDCs include quantified targets related to afforestation and reforestation, the report stresses the importance of reducing deforestation first. Afforestation and reforestation efforts take many years to recapture the carbon lost through deforestation. Immediate and aggressive actions to curb deforestation are crucial for effective climate mitigation.
The report highlights the need for NDCs to integrate existing national strategies to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Currently, 15 of the 20 countries with high deforestation rates have adopted such strategies, but their integration into NDCs is often lacking. Harmonizing these efforts is vital for achieving broader climate goals.
DEFORESTATION ; THE ROLE OF FORESTS IN CLIMATE MITIGATION
Forests play a crucial role in regulating hydrological cycles, buffering temperature extremes, preventing extreme weather events, and protecting biodiversity and human health. Their role in sequestering carbon makes them indispensable in the fight against climate change. Forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable management are essential for achieving the 2030 deforestation goal and avoiding significant risks to humanity and the planet.
Despite some positive developments, such as a recent decline in deforestation rates in Brazil, global deforestation continues to increase. This trend poses a significant threat to climate mitigation efforts and underscores the need for immediate and decisive action.
DEFORESTATION ; URGENT NEED FOR ENHANCED NDCS AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
As countries prepare for the submission of the next round of NDCs for COP30, known as NDCs 3.0, the report urges nations, particularly those with extensive forest cover, to include concrete, measurable targets on forests in their revised NDCs. Dechen Tsering, Acting Director of UNEP’s Climate Division, emphasizes, “Climate action plans, due in 2025, need to have ambitious, consistent, detailed, targeted, and actionable goals for forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.”
The report calls for enhancing support for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, who are the frontline stewards of forests. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices are invaluable for effective forest management and conservation.
Increased ambition in NDCs must be accompanied by strong and immediate action, supported by predictable financial aid at scale. Forest-rich countries require substantial resources to implement effective conservation and restoration initiatives. International collaboration and financial support are crucial for these countries to meet their forest-related targets.
DEFORESTATION ; THE PATH FORWARD
Countries must prioritize integrating specific, measurable forest conservation targets into their NDCs. This involves not only setting ambitious goals but also developing actionable plans and policies to achieve them. Collaboration with international organizations and other nations can help share best practices and innovative solutions.
National strategies to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation need to be aligned with NDCs. This alignment will ensure a cohesive approach to climate mitigation, leveraging existing frameworks and policies for maximum impact.
Global collaboration is essential to address the deforestation crisis. Countries must work together to develop and implement effective forest management practices, share knowledge and resources, and support one another in achieving their climate goals.
