2024 Environment and Sustainable Development PDF

Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DIXON T. GEVAÑA, Ph.D....

Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DIXON T. GEVAÑA, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance College of Forestry and Natural Resources UP Los Baños Quick Facts: Year 2011 was the International Year of Forest March 21 – International Day of Forests 2024 with the theme “Forests and Innovation” 2024 UN Climate Change Conference – November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29) 2023 UN Climate Change Conference – 30 Nov to 12 Dec 2023 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates; theme – “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All” Conference of Parties – meeting of the parties to address climate crisis and limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius, help vulnerable communities to adapt to the effects of climate change and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 I. Environment — Environment - all factors and phenomena outside of the organism that influence its survival and reproduction. It is the life support system of all organisms including man. — Physico-chemical environment –e.g. light, water, temperature, soil, chemical elements, etc. These factors interact with one another (processes) to produce phenomena that may influence the life of organisms. — Biotic environment – refers to the influence of one organism on another (positive, negative, or neutral) Environmental Problems — Planet Earth under unprecedented stress — Productive ecosystems are threatened to collapse ¡ undermined the world’s ability to achieve sustainable development — Warnings from 1992 Earth Summit and 1994 Global Forum This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 1  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 ¡ unless ways in which development proceeded changes, a significant increase in human suffering and environmental damage will occur — Global and national levels environment-related problems threatened current efforts to sustainable development Major Global Environmental-related Problems 1. Population Growth 2. Global climate change/global warming 3. Deforestation - 4. Desertification 5. Soil erosion 6. Loss of biodiversity 7. Quality and quantity of water supply 8. Coastal problems 9. Waste management 10. Decline in food production Human Response to Global Environmental Problems I. Sustainable Development Definition “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” – Bruntland Commission Historical Background Worsening environmental problems brought about by faulty development models had led to the birth of the concept of sustainable development Concept first came to prominence in 1980 with the publication of the World Conservation Strategy by the World Conservation for Nature Document argued that three priorities should be incorporated into all development programs, namely: – maintenance of ecological processes, – sustainable use of resources, and – maintenance of genetic diversity. Sustainable development gained further credence with the United Nation’s formation of the World Commission on Environment and Development (also known as the Brundtland Commission after its Chair Gro Harlem Brundtland, the then Prime Minister of Norway) in 1983 1987, Brundtland presented to the UN General Assembly its report entitled Our Common Future, more popularly known as the Brundtland Report “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” – Bruntland Commission Other definitions / concepts is a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development, and institutional change are all in harmony. Development – involves a progressive transformation of economy and society. Satisfaction of human needs and aspirations for a better life is the major objective of development. This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 2  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Pillars of Sustainable Development Where poverty and inequity are endemic, the world will always be vulnerable to ecological and other crises. It is possible to pursue physical sustainability while utilizing natural resources but this cannot be secured unless development policies pay attention to social equity (i.e., access to resources and distribution of costs and benefits) between generations and within each generation. Two key concepts of SD Needs – overriding priority is given to the world’s poor Limitation – should be imposed by the State on technology and social organization to secure the environment’s ability to meet present and future generations’ needs. Agenda 21 is a comprehensive blueprint for action to be taken globally into the 21st century by Governments, United Nations Organizations, development agencies, non-governmental organizations, and independent sector groups, in every area in which human activity impacts on the environment. Forest Principles Crafted in 1992 during the Rio Earth summit, an addition to Agenda 21 Non-Legally Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global Consensus on the Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests Composed of fifteen (15) guiding principles 1997- Philippine Agenda 21: A National Agenda for Sustainable Development was published by the Philippine Government Philippine Agenda 21 adheres to the following principles of sustainable development: Primacy of developing human potential Holistic science and appropriate technology Cultural, moral and spiritual sensitivity Self-determination National sovereignty This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 3  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Gender sensitivity Other principles of Philippine Agenda 21 Peace, order and national unity Social justice and inter-, intra-generational and spatial equity Participatory democracy Institutional viability Viable, sound and broad-based economic development Sustainable population Ecological soundness Biogeographical equity and Community-Based Resource Management Global cooperation Sustainable Development Goals.. expanded to 17 themes during RIO +20 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere 2. End hunger, achieve food security and adequate nutrition for all, and promote sustainable agriculture 3. Attain healthy life for all at all ages 4. Provide equitable and inclusive quality education and life-long learning opportunities for all 5. Attain gender equality, empower women and girls everywhere 6. Secure water and sanitation for all for a sustainable world 7. Ensure access to affordable, sustainable, and reliable modern energy services for all 8. Promote strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all 9. Promote sustainable industrialization 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries 11. Build inclusive, safe and sustainable cities, and human settlements 12. Promote sustainable consumption and production patterns 13. Promote actions at all levels to address climate change 14. Attain conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, oceans & seas 15. Protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems and halt all biodiversity loss 16. Achieve peaceful and inclusive societies, rule of law, effective and capable institutions 17. Strengthen and enhance the means of implementation and global partnership for sustainable development This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 4  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 II. Millennium Development Goals The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the world's time-bound and quantified targets for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions-income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. They are also basic human rights-the rights of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter, and security. All 189 United Nations member states at the time (there are 193 currently) committed to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the goals / targets follow: 1. To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 2. To achieve universal primary education 3. To promote gender equality and empowering women 4. To reduce child mortality rates 5. To improve maternal health 6. To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases 7. To ensure environmental sustainability 8. To develop a global partnership for development Under the TARGET 7 Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources Reduce biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction in the rate of loss Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation Achieve, by 2020, a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers III. Sustainable Forest Management The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national, and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems. Seven thematic areas for SFM criteria and indicators (according to ITTO): 1. Extent of forest resources 2. Biological diversity 3. Forest health and vitality 4. Productive functions and forest resources 5. Protective functions of forest resources 6. Socio-economic functions 7. Legal, policy and institutional framework. Adopted in the Philippines through EO 263 and EO 318 This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 5  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 IV. Environmental Impact Assessment EIA is a process that consists of identifying and predicting the impacts of proposed project and programs on the bio-geophysical environment and on man’s health and well-being. The process also includes preparing a plan to eliminate or mitigate the adverse impacts predicted. In the Philippines… PD 1586 Establishing the Environmental Impact Statement System…provides that no person, partnership or corporation shall undertake or operate any such declared environmentally critical project or area without first securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). DAO 1992-21 Amending the Revised Rules and Regulations Implementing P.D. 1586 (Environmental Impact Statement System) V. Other Environment Standards / Initiatives Adoption of ISO 14001 Series or Environmental Management Series of the International Standards Organization (ISO) boosts national and global sustainable development efforts Voluntary compliance by the business and industry sectors to the EMS standards; focus attention to the company’s compliance with all environmental laws applicable to particular business Ground level - education, training and public awareness on the state of environment and the adverse impacts of environmental destruction at different levels necessitates the participation of the different sectors of the society, such as the government, private and civil society Strengthening environmental: DENR, DA, DOTC, DPWH, DOE, DTI, and DOH to be able to facilitate more effectively environmental programs and activities VI. International Agreements / Regimes a. Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Washington DC 1973 This convention aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival b. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Nairobi, 1972 An international legally binding United Nations treaty to deliver national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. c. International Tropical Timber Agreement (Japan 1983) An agreement to provide an effective framework for cooperation between tropical timber producers and consumers and to encourage the development of national policies aimed at: sustainable utilization and conservation of tropical forests and their genetic resources; and to ensure greater transparency in the international tropical timber market d. Ramsar Convention, Ramsar, Iran 1971 This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 6  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. e. World Heritage Convention, Paris 1972 The aim of the Convention is to ensure the proper identification, protection, conservation and presentation of cultural and natural heritage with 'outstanding universal value to all mankind In the Philippines, we have the following ‘natural’ sites enlisted: Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park f. Convention Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries (ILO Convention No. 169) This aims to protect the social, economic and cultural rights of indigenous peoples. g. UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -Climate Change 101- Weather - is the specific condition of the atmosphere at a particular space and time – measured in terms of parameters as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness and precipitation – a snapshot of the state of atmosphere over a relatively short period of time (< 1 week) Climate - usually described in terms of the mean and variability of temperature, precipitation and wind over a period of time, ranging from months to thousands of years – The classical period is 30 years Human activities produce “gasses” (air pollutants) Major greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFCs, ozone This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 7  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Global GHG Emissions IPCC – SPM, 2007 (a) Global annual emissions of anthropogenic GHGs (b) Share of different anthropogenic GHGs in total emissions in 2004 in terms of CO2-eq. (c) Share of different sectors in total anthropogenic GHG emissions in 2004 in terms of CO2-eq. Natural processes and anthropogenic activities contributes to changing and varying climate Causes of Climate Change Natural processes – e.g. volcanic eruptions Anthropogenic activities - Population increase - Land use and cover change - Industrialization - Technological innovations This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 8  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 - Production systems - Greenhouse gases emissions This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 9  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Established by World Meteorological Assoc (WMO) and UNEP in 1988 Supported by TWGs WG I – Science Aspects of CC WG II – Impacts, Adaptations and Vulnerability WG III- Mitigation of Climate Change Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Updated Knowledge on Climate Change c/o IPCC First Assessment Report (1990) Second Assessment Report (1995) Third Assessment Report (2001) Fourth Assessment Report (2007) Fifth Assessment Report (2013) Special Reports e.g. Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES, 2000) State of Knowledge on Climate Change IPCC Fourth Assessment Report 2007 - more confidence on predicted increase in temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration - more frequent and more intense extreme events e.g. extreme rainfall, typhoons, El Nino and La Nina events, etc. This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 10  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Climate Change Predictions IPCC TAR, 2001; IPCC FAR, 2007 More intense / extreme hydrologic events such as typhoons, intense rainfall, floods and drought. Source: Pachauri, 2007 This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 11  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 The Philippines and Climate Change From 1951 to 2006, records show that warming has occurred in the country (An increase of0.6104°Cfrom 1951-2006) Occurrence of ENSO events was observed to become more frequent since 1980 Legend: 3 = strong El Niño event 2 = moderate El Niño event 1 = weak El Niño event -3 = strong La Niña event -2 = moderate La Niña event -1 = weak La Niña event 0 = no El Niño or La Niña event This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 12  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 An increasing trend on the number of strong typhoons ( > 185 kph wind speed) hitting the Philippines Rising sea levels, one of the indicators that climate change is occurring Annual mean sea level is observed to increase since 1960s while for the rest of the stations, sea level rise occurred in 1970s This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 13  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Impacts of observed changes in climate trends, variability and extremes 16.00 The extreme drought that is 14.00 associated with 12.00 Production (Million MT) occurrence of El 10.00 Nino episode puts the 8.00 agricultural 6.00 sector at risk 4.00 2.00 0.00 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Year Rice Production Corn Production Source of Data: BAS, 2006, Lansigan, 2007 Damages from typhoons are also staggering This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 14  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 THIS COULD MEAN: A general reduction in crop yield Increase in food competition and hunger Decrease in water availability Increase in number of people exposed to vector-borne (e.g. malaria), and water- borne diseases (e.g. dengue, cholera), and an increase in heat-related mortality. Widespread increase in the risk of flooding for many human settlements from both increased heavy precipitation events and sea level rise. Increased energy demand for space cooling due to higher temperature. Frequent occurrence of forest fires Philippine climatic typologies This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 15  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Responses to Climate Change Adaptation increases resilience and capacity to cope with current and future changes in climate reduces adverse effects of climate change and capitalize on opportunities Note: maladaptation can exacerbate adverse impacts and further compound vulnerability Examples of Adaptation Projects in Forestry Ensuring enough forests are left in watersheds to slow down soil erosion Preserving corridors of forests to enable wildlife and plant species to move into sustainable climates Charting buffer zones to stop the spread of forest fires Planting tree species that tolerate higher temperatures and extreme weather events Introduction of new varieties of plants and seeds that are more resistant to drought, flooding or saltwater inundation Building dams or dikes along rivers or coastal areas Adoption of soil and water conservation measure in agricultural fields, especially those in the uplands Resettlement of communities from high-risk areas Examples of Mitigation Measures Reduction of CO2 emission produced by burning of forests during conversion to agricultural fields Improved forest management practices to reduce emissions from forest degradation This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 16  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Increased forest cover through afforestation and reforestation to increase carbon sequestration What developing countries must adopt in response to the Dec 2007 Bali Action Plan NAPAs – National Adaptation Programs of Action NAMAs – Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions Philippines’ Policy Response Republic Act 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009), signed into law on 23 October 2009, provides the policy and institutional framework for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Philippines. Climate Change Act of 2009 Integration of the climate change concept in various phases of policy formulation, development plans, etc. Established the “Climate Change Commission”, mandated to formulate the framework strategy on climate change and action plan Different concerned agencies were directed to perform specific responsibilities relevant to their mandate National Framework Strategy (2010-2022) Vision A climate risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous, and self-reliant communities, and thriving and productive ecosystems Mission To build the adaptive capacity of communities and increase the resilience of natural ecosystems to climate change, and optimize mitigation opportunities towards sustainable development This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 17  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Framework shall guide the national and sub-national development planning process – Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 18  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 – Medium-Term Public Investment Plans and sectoral plans – Medium Term Regional Development Plan – Medium Term Regional Development Investment Program – Provincial Development Plans – Provincial Physical Framework Plans – Comprehensive Land-use Plans – Comprehensive Development Plans Climate Change Act mandated the Commission to develop national and local climate change plans, in coordination with the following: – NGOs – POs – Civic organizations – Private and corporate sector – Academe – Other concerned stakeholders The Kyoto Protocol and CDM is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international environmental treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on treaty is intended to achieve "stabilization of greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system." The Kyoto Protocol establishes legally binding commitments for the reduction of four greenhouse gases carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride), and two groups of gases (hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons) As of January 2009, 183 parties have ratified the protocol, which was initially adopted for use on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan contains legally binding emission targets for Annex I (industrialized) countries Annex 1 countries commit themselves to reducing their collective emissions of six key greenhouse gases by at least 5%. must be achieved by the period 2008-2012. This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 19  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 What is CDM? Clean Development Mechanism a flexibility mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol allows governments or private entities in industrialized countries to implement emission reduction projects in developing countries and receive credit This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 20  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Forestry (sinks) CDM projects Only reforestation and afforestation projects allowed Small-scale forestry projects eligible (< 8000 t CO2 sequestration per year) Bundling of individual parcels of land allowed Socio-environmental impacts assessed according to country procedures Project lifetimes: max 30 years or 3 times 20 Potential forest lands for CDM those that need to be permanently forested: critical watersheds, forest reserves, NIPAS sites (4.6 M ha) degraded land areas: 3.5 M ha Example: setting aside 100,000 ha for CDM savings of US$ 62.5 M equal to 1 year of reforestation CDM in the Philippines In June 1992, the Philippines signed the UNFCCC and then ratified it on August 2, 1994. On October 22, 2003, the Philippine Senate, (Resolution no. 612), ratified the Kyoto Protocol, which the Philippines had signed earlier. May 8, 1991: the Philippine government created the IACCC composed of different government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). IACCC mandate is to coordinate various climate change-related activities, recommend climate change policies, and prepare a Philippine position on the UNFCCC negotiations This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 21  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Let’s talk REDD REDD – reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation Deforestation - “the natural or anthropogenic process that converts forest land to non-forest land” (IPCC, 2007). “It is the conversion of forest land use or the long-term reduction of the tree canopy cover below the minimum 10 percent threshold” (FAO, 2005). Degradation “refers to changes within the forest that negatively affect the structure or function of the system or site, and thereby lower the capacity to supply products and /or services” (FAO, 2005). “Deforestation produces between 12-20% of global CO2 emissions, primarily due to the loss of tropical forests (Van der Werfet al., 2009; CAIT, 2010). Only 5% of tropical forests are under Sustainable Forest Management SFM (ITTO, 2009).” (p. 2) “Deforestation produces between 12-20% of global CO2 emissions, primarily due to the loss of tropical forests (Van der Werfet al., 2009; CAIT, 2010). Only 5% of tropical forests are under Sustainable Forest Management SFM (ITTO, 2009).” (p. 2) Reducing deforestation is currently the most cost effective way to reduce GHGs (Stern, 2006). Forests could contribute up to 33% of global GHG abatement (FAO, 2006). Reforestation can significantly increase carbon sequestration. Let’s see REDD here By 2015, the Philippines could lose >8% of its carbon storage potential due to deforestation (Lasco and Pulhin), 2000). Changes in forest land use remain the Philippines’ greatest source of carbon emissions (Lasco and Pulhin, 2000). How does REDD work? Credits from reduced emissions, also called “avoided deforestation” would be quantified Positive quantity would then become a credit that could be sold in an international carbon market Alternatively, the credit could be handed to an international fund set up to provide compensation to participating countries that conserve their forests REDD schemes allow forest conservation to compete on economic terms with the drivers of deforestation (e.g. logging, pasture, etc.) Four Key Challenges for REDD Measuring carbon – Accurate measurement of how much carbon is stored in forested area Making payment – How will countries be rewarded and what form will that reward take – Who should be paid for protecting the area- government, local communities, private sector? Accountability – If REDD payment is made but a forest still get destroyed, what then? This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 22  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 Funding – Should developed countries create a fund to reward countries that reduce emissions? – Should emission reduction be linked to market-based trading systems? What is REDD+? REDD plus – results from the efforts of the negotiators who met in Poznan, Poland after the Bali Action Plan to broaden the REDD coverage Financial transfers under REDD+ will not just be used to curb deforestation and forest degradation, but also for conserving forest stocks, SFM, and enhancement of forest stocks through tree planting and rehabilitation of degraded forest lands. Who benefits from REDD initiatives? Most attractive to countries with high rates of deforestation and hence the greatest potential to reduce their emissions from forest loss Under REDD+, countries that are already effectively protecting their forests can also benefit Sustainable practices that help poor people, such as allowing communities access to forest goods will also be recognized and rewarded Replanting initiatives in deforested and degraded areas may also be considered REDD+ requires more complex framework REDD+ is more… The concept of co-benefits refer to the additional, non-carbon benefits that can result from improved forest management and conservation through REDD-plus. include socio-economic benefits and livelihood improvement, biodiversity conservation, and other ecosystem services such as watershed protection and reduced erosion. Community-based Disaster Risk Management Disaster unwanted events (such as a flood, tornado, fire, etc.) that happens suddenly and causes much damage to many people (Merriam-Webster) Risk possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen Hazard a situation that poses a level of threat to life, health, property, or environment Vulnerability ‘characteristics of a person or group and their situation that influence their capacity to anticipate, cope with, resist and recover from the impact of a natural hazard.’ (WISNER, et al 1994 p.11) CBDRM a systematic and community-based approach of identifying, assessing and reducing the risks of disaster. This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 23  Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates 2024 aims to reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disaster as well as dealing with the environmental and other hazards that trigger them Main goal: to create resilient people living within resilient communities within resilient environments within resilient countries VII. Other relevant global environmental regimes Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, Basel, Switzerland, 1992 Convention on the Protection of Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol, Montreal Canada, 1999 Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Paris, 1994 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), Bonn, 1979. VIII. International institutions related to environment-forests management 1. IUFRO - International Union of Forest Research Organizations 2. FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization 3. United Nations Forum on Forests 4. CIFOR – Center for Forestry Research 5. IUCN – Int’l. Union for Conservation of Nature 6. IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 7. IPBES - Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service 8. ITTO – International Tropical Timber Organization Others.. 1. WWF - World Wildlife Fund 2. RECOFTC - Regional Community Forestry Training Center 3. Global Forest Coalition 4. World Agroforestry Centre 5. Rainforest Alliance 6. Forest Stewardship Council 7. Conservation International 8. Fauna and Flora International This course material is for the exclusive use in the 2024 Refresher Course for Forestry Graduates. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmittal in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods of this publication is prohibited. © 2024, TREES, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Page 24