REDD is a complicated process under a very appealing name, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, arguably the most dangerous mechanism in place for Indigenous and forest-dependent communities in the global South due to the threat of land dispossession and/or loss of livelihoods.

It is also useless in terms of emission reductions, as the constant rise of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere shows besides more than 7000 ongoing REDD projects around the world today.  REDD does not have an impact in emission reductions or deforestation.  Why is that so? Below a highly recommended, very informative 7 minute video explaining why REDD projects do not work:

As with CDM and biofuel projects, the promise of revenues from REDD projects is attracting Southern governments to design mitigation strategies to reduce carbon emissions in their territories when they have no binding commitments to do so, simultaneously neglecting very much needed adaptation efforts.

Central America has a mitigation strategy for the whole region, particularly concentrated on the region forests via REDD projects. Panama is making preparations to adjust to World Bank requirements in order to have REDD projects in Panamanian forests. The Indigenous Kuna, however, have already taken the decision to reject all REDD projects in Guna Yala territory:

“The Guna General Congress has taken the decision to reject all REDD projects in Guna Yala territory in Panama and specifically to reject a proposed project by Wildlife Works Carbon, a US-based REDD project developer.” (Kuna General Congress, Muladub, 6-9 June 2013)