Geographic overlaps between priority areas for forest carbon-storage efforts and those for delivering peacebuilding programs: implications for policy design

Abstract

Of the countries considering national-level policies for incentivizing reductions in forest-based greenhouse gas emissions (REDDþ), some 25 are experiencing (or are emerging from) armedconflicts. It has been hypothesized that the outcomes of the interactions between carbon-storage and peacebuilding efforts could result in either improved or worsened forest conservation and likewise increased or decreased conflict. Hence, for this study we explore potential interactions between forest carbon-storage and peacebuilding efforts, with Colombia as a case study. Spatial associations between biomass carbon and three conflict-related variables suggest that such interactions may exist. Nonetheless, while priority areas for carbon-focused conservation are presumably those at highest risks of deforestation, our research indicates that forests with lower risk of deforestation are typically those affected by armed-conflict. Our findings moreover highlight three possible roles played by Colombian forested municipalities in armed groups' military strategies: venues for battle, hideouts, and sources of natural resources to finance war.

Responding to Climate Change in Tropical Countries Emerging from Armed Conflicts: Harnessing Climate Finance, Peacebuilding, and Sustainable Food

“…This approach underemphasizes the mitigation potential of landscapes with historic low agricultural development, forests at low risk of deforestation, and degraded lands [115]. Similarly, landscapes that used to host armed actions may not benefit from land-based mitigation actions, as they typically have lower historical rates of emissions than their more peaceful counterparts [38]. Reducing deforestation figures prominently as an emissions reduction strategy (REDD+) and as the best bet for fulfilling international commitments to the UNFCCC.…”

“…Recent studies suggest that REDD+ contributions to SDGs may also arise outside the environmental sector, for instance, in considering the mechanism's compatibility with peacebuilding activities [36][37][38]. However, there could be further examination of the peacebuilding concept and its links with rural development and forest conservation [39,40].…”

“…Upcoming causes of forest and species loss might include the opening of new deforestation frontiers, new infrastructure investments, and large-scale agricultural development [135]. Conversely, other studies have argued that the peace agreement will create an environment that is conducive to implementing policy measures to counteract threats to Colombian forest landscapes and simultaneously address structural causes of conflict [38].…”

“…Such co-benefits will be of particular interest to various countries that are designing and implementing strategies for reducing deforestation as a means to conserve forests and access climate finance, and that also experience or are emerging from armed conflicts [37]. Although empirical evidence shows further co-benefits may arise from pursuing forest carbon storage approaches in areas that are considered priorities for peacebuilding [38], further research is required to understand how climate finance might link forest conservation and peacebuilding. This paper examines opportunities to harness climate finance for conserving forests and achieving long-lasting peace.…”

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – A Political Ecology Perspective

“…coca). Castro-Nuñez et al (2017b) found that the current programmes underway in areas emerging from the conflict, including land-tenure programmes, conditional payments for production of alternative crops and forest conservation, are compatible with both development aims and forest conservation. Clearly more research will be needed to understand how these programmes unfold in practice.…”