A critical evaluation of REDD+ in Vietnam and Indonesia

Three studies from the project 'REDD+: the forest grab of all times?' indicate several challenges for REDD+ to fulfil the donor expectations, and the initial optimism towards this governance model.

The studies are presented in three recently published papers.

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First study

Can PES and REDD+ match Willingness To Accept payments in contracts for reforestation and avoided forest degradation? The case of farmers in upland Bac Kan, Vietnam

The study by Nielsen et al. finds that funds from REDD+, PES and reforestation programmes in Vietnam fails to match farmers' Willingness-To-Accept compensation for establishing and maintaining tree cover. Hence, findings indicate that a REDD+ project restricting access to forestland may compromise social safeguard measures.

Can PES and REDD+ match Willingness To Accept payments in contracts for reforestation and avoided forest degradation? The case of farmers in upland Bac Kan, Vietnam

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Second study

REDD+ policy design and policy learning: The emergence of an integrated landscape approach in Vietnam

Wurtzebach et al. find that limited capacity, problematic design and bureaucratic politics has challenged policy integration and implementation of the REDD+ process in Vietnam. However, it may have promoted deeper policy learning among state actors and substantive reforms in state institutions.

REDD+ policy design and policy learning: The emergence of an integrated landscape approach in Vietnam

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Third study

Lost in implementation? REDD+ country readiness experiences in Indonesia and Vietnam

The final study by Casse et al. finds that the readiness phase in Vietnam and Indonesia has emphasised policy framing and procedural policy tools, treating these as end goals in themselves and not fully operationalised any of the main REDD+ pillars. Hence, it is argued that the goal of stopping deforestation and promoting transparent governance have been overlooked in the race to reach the implementation phase, and in this clash with the national political reality.

Lost in implementation? REDD+ country readiness experiences in Indonesia and Vietnam

More on the project

The project ran from 2014-2017, and was funded by Danida.