lR;eso t;rs

National REDD+ Strategy

INDIA

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Government of India
2018
 lR;eso t;rs

National REDD+ Strategy

INDIA

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Government of India
2018
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Indira Paryavaran Bhawan
Jor Bagh Road, Aliganj
New Delhi – 110 003

2018

Copyright: MoEFCC, Government of India, 2018

Prepared and Published by: Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun on behalf of the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India

Expert Committee constituted by Director General, ICFRE in October 2017 for drafting of the National
REDD+ Strategy of India:

1. Dr. Suresh Gairola, Director General, ICFRE

2. Dr. Jagdish Kishwan, Former ADGF (WL), MoEFCC
3. Dr. Promode Kant, Director, Institute of Green Economy, New Delhi
4. Dr. Subhash Ashutosh, PCCF, Meghalaya
5. Dr. Mohit Gera, Director, IFGTB Coimbatore
6. Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Dy. Director General, FSI
7. Mr. Noyal Thomas, DIGF (FP), MoEFCC
8. Mr. V.R.S. Rawat, ADG (Biodiversity and Climate Change) ICFRE

Document approved by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, vide
letter [Link]. 18-16/2013-FP (Vol.2) dated 7th June, 2018

Citation: MoEFCC (2018). National REDD+ Strategy India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, Government of India.
MkW- g"kZ o/kZu Hkkjr ljdkj
Dr. Harsh Vardhan i;kZoj.k] ou ,oa tyok;q ifjorZu ea=h
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Minister OF Environment, Forest &
Climate Change
lR;eso t;rs

Message
Climate change affects us all. In the developing countries climate change will be added
to existing challenges, with far fewer resources to cope with the problems. Scientific findings
indicate that risks associated with changes in climate are real, and the impacts are being witnessed
in many systems and sectors essential for our well being. Along with global community, India is
equally concerned about the impacts of climate change. The integration of climate change into
the national development planning process in India is guided by the Prime Minister’s Council on
Climate Change. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) reflects the importance
India attaches to mobilizing its national energies in meeting the challenge of climate change.

Globally forests are considered to have great potential for mitigation of climate change.
UNFCCC programme on ‘Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation,
conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of
forest carbon stocks’ in developing countries (collectively known as REDD+) aims to achieve climate
change mitigation by incentivising forest conservation in developing countries.

As well-being of forests is considered essential for healthy environment, sustainable

livelihoods of local communities, and also for conservation of biodiversity and meeting the raw
material needs of the forest-based industry, REDD+ attracts highest attention in developing country
like India where local communities, forest dwelling tribal communities have high dependency on
forests for their livelihoods.

In accordance with UNFCCC decisions on REDD+, India has prepared its National REDD+
Strategy. The Strategy builds upon existing national circumstances which have been updated in line
with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, Green India Mission and India’s Nationally
Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC.

I have great pleasure in presenting this National Strategy for REDD+. I thank Expert
Committee members and invited experts for their contribution for preparing this National REDD+
Strategy. I also acknowledge the efforts put up by the Director General, Indian Council of Forestry
Research and Education (ICFRE) for coordinating the preparation of this document.

I am hopeful that the National REDD+ Strategy of India will be a guiding document for
effective implementation of REDD+ activities in India.

Date: 01.05.2018  (Dr. Harsh Vardhan)

Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi-110 003,

Tel. : 011-24695136, 24695132, Fax : 011-24695329
 laLd`fr jkT; ea=h (Lora= izHkkj)
i;kZoj.k] ou ,oa tyok;q ifjorZu jkT; ea=h
Hkkjr ljdkj
MkW- egs'k 'kekZ Minister of State (i/C) of culture
Dr. Mahesh Sharma Minister of State for
lR;eso t;rs Environment, Forest and Climate Change
government of india

Message
In the recent years, climate change is one of the few global issues that have received
tremendous attention of common man, scientists and policy planners. Global climate change is a
threat having perceptible and tangible impacts upon human kind and nature. India is a Party to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Government of India
attaches great importance to climate change issues.
The forestry sector occupies a unique position in so far as climate change is concerned.
It contributes significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions, and at the same time also provides
significant climate change mitigation and adaptation opportunities. Further, forestry sector is
closely linked to socio-economic systems, particularly those of the forest dwellers, forest dependent
people, and rural communities in the developing countries.
The progressive conservation-oriented forest policies and afforestation programmes in
India is contributing to reduction in carbon emissions, stabilization and improvement of carbon
stocks in forests. Today, Indian forestry sector is making positive contribution in checking global
climate change and in promoting sustainable development. India has a strong policy framework
that it has enforced for conservation of its natural forest. Forest conservation in India has been
achieved, and is being sustained at huge costs on account of revenue loss from harvests, and
judicious diversion of forests for developmental purpose.
Under UNFCCC, the global programme on reducing emissions from deforestation, forest
degradation and role of conservation of forest carbon stocks and sustainable management of
forests, aims at addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. In
order to take part in this global programme of REDD+, developing countries are required to put in
place their National REDD+ Strategy or Action Plans.
India joining hands with global community has prepared its National REDD+ Strategy. I
congratulate and wish the Director General, ICFRE and his team for drafting the National REDD+
Strategy for the country. I am sure the Strategy will serve as a guiding document for speedy
implementation of REDD+ in India.

(Dr. Mahesh Sharma)

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5th Floor, Aakash Wing, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi-110 003, Ph.: 011- 24621921, 24621922 Fax: 011- 24695313
Camp Office : H-33, Sector-27, Noida-201301 (U.P.) Tel. : 0120-2444444, 2466666, Fax : 0120-2544488
E-mail : [Link]@[Link], drmahesh3333@[Link]
 lfpo
Hkkjr ljdkj
i;kZoj.k] ou ,oa tyok;q ifjorZu ea=ky;
secretary
lR;eso t;rs government of india
ministry of environment, Forest and Climate Change
lh-ds-feJk
C.K. Mishra

Message
Climate change is a major challenge for developing countries like India that face large
scale climate variability and are exposed to enhanced risks from climate change. The challenge of
climate change calls for extraordinary vision, leadership, compassion and wisdom. The cumulative
accumulation of greenhouse gases historically since industrial revolution has resulted in the current
problem of global warming. India, even though not a part of the problem, has been an active and
constructive participant in the search for solutions.
Keeping in view its development agenda, particularly the eradication of poverty coupled
with its commitment to following the low carbon path to progress and being optimistic about the
availability of clean technologies and financial resource from around the world, India communicated
its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC. Besides, reducing the emissions
intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 level, India also communicated creating
an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest
and tree cover by 2030. National initiatives like Green India Mission, National Agro-forestry Policy,
REDD+ programmes, Joint Forest Management, National Afforestation Programme and devolution
of about USD 6 billion under Compensatory Afforestation to states will be the important instruments
to achieve this task.
In accordance with the requirements of UNFCCC, to be eligible to get result based
financial incentives for REDD+, Government of India has prepared its National REDD+ Strategy.
The Strategy recognises the role of local and tribal communities in getting fair share of REDD+
benefits. The National REDD+ Strategy of India outlines the facilitative and enabling environment
for implementing REDD+, the strategy to be adopted and an implementation framework complying
the various REDD+ agreements under the UNFCCC.
I compliment the team of experts from the Ministry, Indian Council of Forestry Research
and Education, and other organisations for bringing out the National REDD+ Strategy.

(C.K. Mishra)

bafnjk i;kZoj.k Hkou] tksj ckx jksM+] ubZ fnYyh&110 003] Qksu % (011) 24695262] 24695265 QSDl % (011) 24695270
INDIRA PARYAVARAN BHAWAN, JOR BAGH ROAD, NEW DELHI-110 003 Ph.: (011) 24695262, 24695265 Fax: (011) 24695270,
E-mail : secy-moef@[Link], Website : [Link]
fLkºkUr nkl ou egkfuns'kd ,oa fo'ks"k lfpo
Hkkjr ljdkj
SIDDHANTA DAS i;kZoj.k] ou ,oa tyok;q ifjorZu ea=ky;
director general of forest & spl. secy.
government of india
lR;eso t;rs ministry of environment, Forest and
Climate Change

Message
Forests play an important role in global climate change regulation. Forests are both
source and sink of carbon. Their role in maintaining ecological balance, environmental stability
and sustainable economic development is well known. With increased concern for climate
change in recent decades, the emphasis on reducing the GHG emission from deforestation and
forest degradation, conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and
enhancement of forest carbon stocks have been at the center of discussions under REDD+ agenda
of UNFCCC. India has played an important role in REDD+ negotiations from Bali Action Plan where
for the first time concept of Conservation was added to the agenda of REDD till the inclusion of
REDD+ in Paris Agreement.
India is one of the few countries where forest and tree cover have increased in recent years
transforming country’s forests into a net sink owing to national policies aimed at conservation
and sustainable management of forests. As per the latest assessment, forests and tree cover has
increased by 8021 [Link] as compared to previous assessment in 2015, and now is 24.39% of
the geographical area of the country. Government of India’s long term goal is to bring 33% of its
geographical area under forest and tree cover eventually.
India is bracing up for implementing REDD+ at national level in order to attract result
based finance for REDD+ activities. India has already submitted its National Forest Reference Level
for REDD+ to UNFCCC in January 2018 and now second in this series is the National REDD+ Strategy.
I hope the National REDD+ Strategy when implemented in full will be a step forward in achieving
India’s target of capturing additional 2.5 to 3 billion tones of CO2 through additional forest and tree
cover by 2030.
The National REDD+ Strategy has been prepared by a team of forestry experts from
MoEFCC, ICFRE and other organizations of the country. I congratulate the team of experts led by
Dr. Suresh Chandra Gairola, Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
(ICFRE) for preparing the National REDD+ Strategy.

Date: 17.05.2018 (SIDDHANTA DAS)

bafnjk i;kZoj.k Hkou] tksj ckx jksM+] ubZ fnYyh&110 003] Qksu % 24695278] QSDl % (011) 24695412
INDIRA PARYAVARAN BHAWAN, JOR BAGH ROAD, NEW DELHI-110 003, Ph. : 24695278, Fax: (011) 24695412
E-mail : dgfindia@[Link]
lR;eso t;rs egkfuns'kd
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MkW- lqjs'k xSjksyk] Hkk-o-ls- Mkd?kj U;w QkWjsLV] nsgjknwu&248006
Dr. Suresh Gairola, IFS (vkbZ-,l-vks- 9001%2008 [Link] laLFkk)
Director General
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
P. O. New Forest, Dehradun – 248006
(An Iso 9001:2008 Certified Organisation)

Preface
India has always been in the forefront of REDD+ negotiations at the UNFCCC. Cancun
Agreements, Warsaw Framework for REDD+ and Paris Agreement have created an enabling
environment for implementing REDD+ by the developing countries. India is fully committed to
implement REDD+ activities, and, therefore, also to develop a National REDD+ Strategy to be
implemented in accordance with the UNFCCC agreements.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India initiated the
preparation of National REDD+ Strategy in the year 2013. A drafting committee was constituted
under the Chairmanship of Dr. Jagdish Kishwan former ADG (WL), MoEFCC. Other members
included were Prof. Ravindra Nath, IISc., Dr. Rekha Pai, IG Forests, MoEFCC, Mr. Subhash Chandra,
DIG Forests, MoEFCC, Rajesh Kumar, JD, FSI, Mr. V.R.S. Rawat, Scientist, ICFRE, Dr. Indu Murthy, IISc.
Mr. Arun Bansal, former ADG (FC) and Mr. Harish C. Chaudhary, Director, MoEFCC. The drafting
committee had a number of meetings to deliberate upon the contours of the strategy.
Later on in September 2017, ICFRE was mandated by the Ministry to look into the technical
aspects of REDD+ activities. ICFRE constituted an Expert Committee under the chairmanship of DG,
ICFRE to provide the requisite inputs to the Ministry. The committee had a series of meetings and
stakeholders consultations for preparation of this document. I am thankful to the members of Expert
Committee for providing vital inputs in preparation of this document and completing the task in a
short period. I am thankful to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government
of India for expressing its faith in ICFRE for drafting the National REDD+ Strategy. ICFRE acknowledges
the financial support from ICIMOD-GIZ funded collaborative project ‘REDD+ Himalaya’ for supporting
workshops and stakeholders consultation on developing National REDD+ Strategy for India.
The National REDD+ Strategy indicates Government of India’s commitment to implement
REDD+ by optimally exploring the mitigation potential of forestry sector in the country. It also
recognizes the active participation of local communities and Indigenous people. The Strategy will
also contribute towards green skill development and job creation in forestry sector.
National REDD+ Strategy is sincere contribution towards India’s preparedness for early
and effective implementation of REDD+. I am hopeful that the National REDD+ Strategy for India
will serve as a guiding document for effective implementation of REDD+ activities in India and
mobilize result based financial incentives.

Date: 30.03.2018 (Dr. Suresh Gairola)

i;kZoj.k] ou ,oa tyok;q ifjorZu ea=ky;] Hkkjr ljdkj dh ,d Lok;r ifj"kn~

An Autonomous Body of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India
nwjHkk"k/ Phone : 135 - 2759382 (O) bZ&esy/ e-mail : dg@[Link]
EPABX : 0135 - 2224855, 2224333 (O) QSDl/ Fax : 0091-135-2755353
Contents
1. Introduction and the Context 1

2. Existing Legal and Policy Framework in India 9

3. The Strategy 15

4. Implementation Framework 29

References 39

Annex I : Process involved in developing the

National REDD+ Strategy 40

Annex II: Coverage of different land categories

suitable or eligible for REDD+
components, mode of carbon benefits
and its feasibility and potential 41

Annex III: Composition of National Designated

Entity for REDD+ (NDE-REDD+) Central
Government Level 42
Abbreviation used
APCCF Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
A&R Afforestation and Reforestation
BCC Biodiversity and Climate Change
BEE Bureau of Energy Efficiency
CASFOS Central Academy for State Forest Service
CCF Chief Conservator of Forests
CF Conservator of Forests
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CO2eq Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
CFM Community Forest Management
CAMPA Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
COP Conference of Parties
DG Director General
EDCs Eco-development Committees
EFCS Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks
FC Forest Conservation
FTC Forest and Tree Cover
FREL Forest Reference Emission Level
FRL Forest Reference Level
FRM Forest Reproductive Material
FSI Forest Survey of India
GCF Green Climate Fund
GEF Global Environment Facility
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GIM Green India Mission
GoI Government of India
GIS Geographical Information System
GS Growing Stocks
HoFF Head of Forest Force
ICFRE Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
IIFM Indian Institute of Forest Management
IGNFA Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy
IPs Indigenous Peoples
JFM Joint Forest Management
JFMCs Joint Forest Management Committees
Kg Kilogram
Km Kilometre
LCs Local Communities
LPG Liquified Petroleum Gas
LULUCF Land Use Land Use Change and Forestry
MDF Moderately Dense Forest
Mha Million Hectare
MMU Minimum Mappable Unit
MoEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
MRV Measurement, Reporting and Verification
MSS Multispectral Scanner System
mt Million Tonnes
NAEB National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board
NAP National Afforestation Programme
NATCOM National Communication
NAPCC National Action Plan on Climate Change
NDC Nationally Determined Contribution
NDE-NGC National Designated Entity- National Governing Council
NFI National Forest Inventory
NFMS National Forest Measurement System
NFP National Forest Policy
NGOs Non Governmental Organisation
NGRBA National Ganga River Basin Authority
NHAI National Highway Authority of India
NRPS National REDD+ Strategy
NTFP Non-timber Forest Products
OF Open Forest
PAs Protected Areas
PCCF Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
PAT Performance Achieve and Trade
PESA Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
REDD+ Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, conservation
of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and
enhancement of forest carbon stocks
SFDs State Forest Departments
SIS Safeguard Information System
SMF Sustainable Management of Forests
TOF Tree Outside Forests
TOPS-FTC Trading of Performance by States in Forest and Tree Cover
UN United Nations
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UT Union Territory
VDF Very Dense Forest
1 Introduction and
the Context

1.1 General
India is a vast country with a rich biological The basic approach is development without
diversity. Forest is the second-largest land use destruction. This can be easily accessed
in India after agriculture. Roughly, 275 million from the fact that the Constitution of the
rural people in India depend on forests for at country, fountainhead of all national laws,
least part of their subsistence and livelihood provides space for dealing with matters
(World Bank, 2006). As per the India State of related to environment and forest. Article 48
Forest Report (FSI, 2017), the forest cover of A of the Constitution under Part IV- Directive
the country stood at 708,273 km2, while it Principles of State Policy prescribes for
was 701,495 km2 in 2015 updated assessment protection and improvement of environment
(FSI, 2017), recording an increase of 6778 km2 and safeguarding of forests and wildlife. The
within two years. The National Forest Policy subjects of ‘prevention of cruelty to animals’,
of India envisages 33% of its geographical ‘forests’, and ‘protection of wild animals and
area under forest and tree cover. Figure 1.1 birds’ respectively at S. No. 17, 17A & B, in
provides India’s forest cover over successive the Concurrent List of Schedule VII of the
assessments. The total forest and tree cover of Constitution, thereby empowering both the
the country is 24.4% of its geographical area. Central Government and State Government
to legislate on the subject in the interest
The issues related to forest and environment
of citizens of the country with overarching
management have been given adequate
objective of protecting country’s environment
importance in the overall policy and planning
and ecology.
for balanced development of the country.

22.0

21.5
% Geographical Area

21.0

20.5

20.0

19.5

19.0

18.5

18.0
1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
Year
(Source: FSI, 1987 to FSI, 2017)

Figure 1.1: India’s forest cover estimates from 1987 to 2017

 Introduction and the Context

Carbon mitigation services of India’s forests: land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector
With its focus on sustainable management of was source of CO2 in the year 1994 accounting
forests, afforestation and regulating diversion for 1.16% of CO2eq emissions when India
of forest lands for non-forest purposes, India submitted its first National Communication
has been successful in improving carbon stock (NATCOM) to UNFCCC in 2000 (MoEF, 2004).
in its forests by as much as 10% amounting In its second National Communication, LULUCF
to 592 million tons of carbon for the decade sector was a net sink of 17 % of total national
ending in 2004. Carbon stocks in India’s forests emissions (MoEF, 2012). India’s first biennial
were estimated to be 6071 million tonnes in update report to UNFCCC has reported that
the year 1994 and 6663 million tonnes in 2004. the LULUCF sector was a net carbon sink
In 2015, (FSI, 2017 assessment) estimated offsetting 252.5 million tonnes of CO2eq which
carbon stock in forest was 7,082 million tonnes is 12% of India’s total GHG emission (MoEFCC,
(FSI, 2017) while in 2013 it was 7044 million 2015). Thus, forestry sector in India is making
tonnes (FSI, 2015) which is a net increase of 38 positive contribution for climate change
million tonnes in country’s carbon stock within mitigation. Table 1.1 gives Land use land use
two years. Various national programmes and change and forestry (LULUCF) contribution to
policies have converted India’s forest from India GHG emission profile.
net source to net sink of CO2. The land use,

Table-1.1. LULUCF contribution to India GHG emission profile

GHG Emission (Gg CO2eq)

Year 1994 2004 2010
Sector Emission Share (%) Emission Share (%) Emission Share (%)
Energy 743820 62 1027016 67 1510121 71%
Industrial Process & Product use 102710 7 88608 6 171503 8
Agriculture 344485 29 355600 23 390165 18
LULUCF 14292 1.16 -222567 -17 -252532 -12
Waste 23233 2 52552 4 65052 3
Total (Without LULUCF) 1214248 1523777 2136841
Total (Net Emission) 1228540 1301209 1884309
(Source: MoEF, 2004, 2012 and MoEFCC, 2015)

1.2 Concept of REDD+

Globally anthropogenic emissions from land address the emission from deforestation
use, land use change and forestry contributes and forest degradation in 2005. With India’s
9-11% of GHG emissions owing to large intervention for inclusion of policy approach
scale deforestation and forest degradation in of conservation and sustainable management
developing countries (IPCC, 2014). The agenda of forests, the concept of “forest conservation,
of “Reducing emissions from deforestation sustainable management of forests and
and forest degradation in developing countries enhancement of forest carbon stocks in
(REDD)” was first introduced in UNFCCC developing countries” was added and the
as a climate change mitigation option to concept is now collectively referred as ‘REDD+’.

2
Introduction and the Context

1.3 Scope of REDD+

REDD+ decision in Cancun (COP16), and technological support to developing
Governments agree to boost action to country Parties, in accordance with national
curb emissions from deforestation and circumstances and respective capabilities, to
forest degradation in developing countries develop the following elements (Figure 1.2):
with technological and financial support.
(a) A national strategy or action plan,
Developing country Parties, in accordance
with their respective capabilities and national (b) A national forest reference emission
circumstances are encouraged to contribute level and/or forest reference level or, if
to mitigation actions in the forest sector appropriate, as an interim measure, sub-
by undertaking the following activities, as national forest reference emission levels
deemed appropriate by each Party: and/or forest reference levels (FREL/FRL),
(c) A robust and transparent national forest
I. Reducing emissions from deforestation;
monitoring system for the monitoring
II. Reducing emissions from forest and reporting of the REDD+ activities,
degradation; if appropriate, sub-national monitoring
III. Conservation of forest carbon stocks; and reporting as an interim measure, in
IV. Sustainable management of forest; and accordance with national circumstances
V. Enhancement of forest carbon stocks and
(d) A system for providing information
Prerequisites for REDD+: The COP decision
on how the safeguards are being
(Decision [Link]/16) requests developing
addressed and respected throughout the
country parties aiming to undertake REDD+
implementation of the REDD+ activities,
activities, in the context of the provision
while respecting sovereignty.
of adequate and predictable support,
including financial resources and technical

1.4. Broad elements of National REDD+ Strategy

In accordance with the COP decision the Key Elements of REDD+ and UNFCCC Decisions
(Cancun Agreements Para 71)
national REDD+ strategy or action plans,
should address, inter alia, the drivers of
deforestation and forest degradation, land National
National Forest
tenure issues, forest governance issues, Strategy or Monitoring
gender considerations and the safeguards Action Plan System
(MRV)
identified, ensuring the full and effective
participation of relevant stakeholders, Forest
Safeguards Reference
inter alia indigenous peoples and local Information level/Forest
System Reference
communities. emission
Level

Figure 1.2: Key elements of REDD+ to be developed by

developing country Parties

3
 Introduction and the Context

1.5 National Forest Reference Level

COP decision on REDD+ encourages India’s proposed Forest Reference Level as
developing countries to develop a “National submitted to UNFCCC
Forest Reference Emission Level (REL) and/ Historical average for the year 2000-2008 is:
or National Forest Reference Level (RL) or, -49.70 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent
if appropriate, as an interim measure, sub-
national REL and/or RL, in accordance with the decision necessitates the development of
national circumstances”. REL and or RL serve a National Forest Reference Level (RL). The
as benchmark for assessing performance of developing countries are required to submit on
implementation of REDD+ in a country. voluntary basis the proposed forest reference
levels to the UNFCCC Secretariat. Government
For India, in accordance with its strategy of India has submitted the National Forest
of increasing the forest and tree cover, this Reference Level to UNFCCC in January 2018.

1.6 National Forest Monitoring System

National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) is scale of 1:50,000 with mode of interpretation
synergy of processes that support strategic completely shifted from visual to digital.
decision making by systematic and repeated LISS-III data having spatial resolution of 23.5
measurement and observation of forest meter has been used since then. As a result
resources, efficacy of their management, uses of this advancement, the Minimum mappable
and users; and most importantly to deliver unit (MMU) has been further reduced to one
periodically valid, representative and relevant hectare from 25 ha. Thus, during last 30 years,
information on comprehensive status and there has been a significant advancement in
trends of the resource for the country with the remote sensing technology and India has
reasonable scale of accuracy. kept pace with it as far as forest resources
assessment is concerned, and is fully capable
India started forest cover assessment in 1987
of computing quantum of forest carbon stocks.
using LANDSAT-MSS satellite data with a spatial
resolution of 80 meter. Since 1995, FSI started In 2016, the National Forest Inventory (NFI)
using indigenous remote sensing satellite was reoriented keeping its focus to generate
data and mode of interpretation was partly information which are used in i) Forest policy
shifted from visual to digital. Since 2001, there making at national and international levels;
were major technological and methodological ii) National and State forest management
advancements in the techniques of forest planning; iii) Planning of forest investments; iv)
cover mapping in terms of satellite data, scale Assessing sustainability of forests v) Evaluation
of mapping and interpretation. Since then, the of greenhouse gas emissions and changes in
forest cover mapping has been carried out at a carbon storage; and vi) Research, etc.

1.7 REDD+ Safeguards

The REDD+ mechanism agreed in Cancun are consistent with the objectives of national
Agreements (1/CP.16), also includes a number forest programmes and relevant international
of principles concerning safeguards. These conventions and agreements; (b) Transparent
principles are: (a) That actions complement or and effective national forest governance

4
Introduction and the Context

structures, taking into account national social and environmental benefits; (f) Actions
legislation and sovereignty; (c) Respect for the to address the risks of reversals; and (g)
knowledge and rights of indigenous peoples Actions to reduce displacement of emissions.
and members of local communities, by taking
COP Decision 12/CP.17 on Guidance on
into account relevant international obligations,
systems for providing information on how
national circumstances and laws, and noting
safeguards are addressed and respected, COP,
that the United Nations General Assembly has
inter alia, agreed that systems for providing
adopted the United Nations Declaration on the
information on how the safeguards are
Rights of Indigenous Peoples; (d) The full and
addressed and respected should be country-
effective participation of relevant stakeholders,
driven, implemented at the national level,
in particular indigenous peoples and local
and can be built upon existing systems.
communities, in the REDD+ actions; (e) That
Additionally, COP in Durban vide its decision
actions are consistent with the conservation
12/CP.17 prescribed that each Party is required
of natural forests and biological diversity,
to submit “a summary of information on how
ensuring that the REDD+ actions are not used
all the agreed safeguards are being addressed
for the conversion of natural forests, but are
and respected throughout the implementation
instead used to incentivize the protection
of the REDD+ activities”.
and conservation of natural forests and their
ecosystem services, and to enhance other

1.8 Rationale for REDD+

All five activities of REDD+ being aligned different levels of administration. REDD+
with the precepts of the National Forest implementation with its coverage of natural
Policy (NFP), constitute a common thread forests as well as trees outside forest (TOF),
running through all programmes, schemes synergizes well with the socio-economic
and projects of forestry sector in the country. development of local communities, raw
REDD+ brings all actions and activities by all material requirement of wood-based industry,
stakeholders on a common platform making it need for conservation of biodiversity including
feasible to ensure a comprehensive monitoring plants and animals, providing a green
and assessment of the performance of environment for people, and enhancing the
forest management and development at forest carbon sink.

1.9 Dependence of Local Communities on Forest Resources and

Concept of JFM
Presently, around 1,73,000 forest fringe forest protection and management. The
villages in the country exist (MoEF, 2006) concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM)
where local communities are highly dependent recognizes the share of the protecting
on forests for their bona fide needs especially communities over forest produce. The
those of energy, food supplement, fodder, local communities and the State Forest
livestock grazing, construction material, NTFP, Department jointly plan and implement forest
traditional medicines, etc. regeneration and development activities,
and the communities are rewarded with
In 1990 India initiated a very successful
substantial share in forest produce in return
programme involving local communities in

5
 Introduction and the Context

for their efforts in protection and management The concept of JFM in India is a step towards
of forests. JFM based on principle of “Care the conversion of low-productivity forests to
and Share” now has more than 1,18,213 productive forests. Improving the stocking
JFM Committees (JFMCs) involving around of poorly stocked forests will also in turn
20 million people managing over 25 mha of increase carbon stocks. Currently, JFM covers
forest area. JFM has enabled protection and approximately 29.8% of the total forest area of
regeneration of existing forests, and raising the country. Over the years, the involvement
of indigenous forest plantations, which is of the local communities in the management
contributing in conservation of existing forests of forests has increased manifold due to
as also in increasing the carbon stocks. This setting up of JFMCs in many parts of India. The
approach matches well with the objectives of implementation of JFM programme aims to
National Environment Policy, 2006 which, inter- improve quality of forests besides improving
alia, emphasizes the identification of climate the economic status of local people involved in
change impacts on forests, and the need to the protection and management of forests.
internalize the mitigation and adaptation
measures with respect to forest management.

1.10 Eco-development in Community Areas

Eco-development programmes are being on the resources of Protected Areas, their
implemented in and around Protected involvement in conservation of biological
Areas in the country with the objectives of resources, capacity building and alternative
reducing dependency of rural communities employment generation interventions.

1.11 Involvement of Local Communities in REDD+

In India tribals, forest dwellers and other Act, 2006. The Act bestows on the local
local communities have always enjoyed legal indigenous communities the responsibilities
safeguards to exercise their customary rights and authority for sustainable use of forest,
and traditions. Acknowledging the importance conservation of biodiversity and maintenance
of indigenous communities in maintaining of ecological balance. This is intended to
forest ecosystems, the Government of strengthen the conservation regime of the
India has recognized the forest rights of the forests, along with ensuring the livelihood and
indigenous communities through enactment food security of the forest dwelling Scheduled
of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)

1.12 Need for Increase and Improvement in Forest and Tree Cover
All five activities of REDD+ coalesce in the in forest cover is supported by the fact that
single objective of increase and improvement country’s significant extent of forest areas fall
in forest and tree cover (FTC), which is in in the categories of moderately dense, and
tune with the goal of National Forest Policy open forests being subjected to continuous
of bringing 33% of country’s land area under degradation and to a much smaller extent
FTC. Scope for increase and improvement to drivers of deforestation. According to

6
Introduction and the Context

FSI (2017), country’s forest cover presently km2 (9.18%) respectively. A large number of
comprises Very Dense Forest (VDF) having programmes and schemes of the MoEFCC and
canopy density >70%, Moderately Dense State Governments including the Green India
Forest (MDF), having canopy density of Mission, National Afforestation Programme,
40-70%, and Open Forest (OF) with canopy and Integrated Forest Protection Scheme are
density of 10-40%, spread over 98,158 km2 aimed at development of FTC in the country.
(2.99%), 301,318 km2 (9.38%), and 301,797

1.13 Addressing Drivers of Forest Degradation and Deforestation

To successfully and effectively address technology and equipment will be essential to
the drivers of deforestation and forest obviate the avoidable loss of forest biomass.
degradation, it will be imperative to first Continuous and systematic monitoring of
identify these drivers. In India, such drivers, insect and pest infestation, and status of
inter alia, besides dependence of local invasive species, and deploying effective and
communities on forest resources include timely management techniques to counter
uncontrolled forest fires, insect and pest the negative impacts of these afflictions
infestation, and rampant spread of invasive will be necessary. The strategy proposes
species. Providing alternatives for various to develop an institutionalized system for
forest products being collected and used by addressing drivers of deforestation and forest
the local communities mostly residing on degradation in collaboration with State Forest
the fringes of the forest for sustaining their Departments and forestry institutions with
livelihoods, will be one important step for active involvement of local communities and
addressing the drivers. Quick detection of voluntary agencies at ground level.
forest fires and their control using modern

1.14 India’s NDC to UNFCCC: Forestry Sector Targets

Forest and tree cover besides meeting the goal provides a spin-off service by providing non-
of the national Forest Policy, and livelihood carbon benefits, other ecosystem services and
needs of the local communities are also by abating industrial pollution.
crucial to meeting the country’s Nationally REDD+ is now well matured at international
Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC level. India is fully committed to implement the
under Paris Agreement. To meet the NDC REDD+ activities and therefore has developed
target, improvement and increase in cover of its National REDD+ Strategy. The National
natural forests will need to be supplemented REDD+ Strategy of India outlines the facilitative
by a concerted focus on trees outside forests and enabling environment for implementing
(TOF), which contribute significantly to the REDD+, the strategy to be adopted and an
country’s carbon sink. Action with respect to implementation framework complying the
TOF will form a significant part of the REDD+ various REDD+ agreements under the UNFCCC.
strategy aimed at creating additional forest The strategy has been developed with due
carbon sink by 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 diligence involving inputs from various expert
equivalent by 2030 as communicated in the committees and stakeholders consultations.
country’s NDC to UNFCCC. Forest and tree The process involved in the developing
cover while essential for NDC, additionally National REDD+ Strategy is given in Annex I.

7
2 Existing Legal and Policy
Framework in India

The policy and legal framework that has almost over three decades supports the
evolved in tune with the Constitutional important precept of REDD+ that natural
provisions are effectively attuned to resources are to be conserved and protected
safeguarding the natural resources of the for enhancement of ecosystem services for
country including forests, wildlife and the benefit of local community dependent
biodiversity in general. This framework guides thereon. The other safeguards inherent in
and directs the sustainable management the concept of REDD+, i.e., conservation and
of forests ensuring the conservation of preservation of biodiversity, enhancement of
biodiversity and also respecting and upholding ecosystem services, respect for knowledge,
the rights of the local communities on lands traditions and rights of local communities, and
and forest products. open and transparent forest governance, etc.
are fully covered under various legislations
Various acts and legislations in India are a
mentioned below. A brief mention of
strong testimony of country's commitment
the relevant legislations in the following
to the philosophy of forest conservation.
paragraphs brings out clearly the synergy and
Provisions of the Policies and Acts described
support of the legislations for implementation
hereafter are in tune with the constituents of
of REDD+ in India.
REDD+. Further, the people centric approach
adopted in the management of forests for

2.1 Indian Forest Act, 1927

This is the country-wide Act to consolidate the ensuring conservation of biodiversity of the
law relating to forests, the transit of forest- natural forests as also enhancing the quality
produce and the duty leviable on timber and and extent of the forest and tree cover in the
other forest-produce. Proper implementation country, which, in turn, contribute to enhance
of the provisions of this Act is capable of REDD+ performance.

2.2 Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

As this Act provides for the protection of wild adherence to safeguards of REDD+ relating
animals, birds and plants and for matters to conservation of biodiversity and non-
connected therewith or ancillary or incidental conversion of natural forests into plantations.
thereto, it perfectly synergises with the
 Existing Legal and Policy Framework in India

2.3 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

This is the Act to provide for the prevention water conservation, and to avoid activities that
and control of water pollution and maintaining would adversely impact the quality of natural
or restoring wholesomeness of water. REDD+ or stored water.
implementation will need to ensure soil and

2.4 Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is one of forest land for non-forest purposes was around
the most effective legislations contributing to 1,60,000 hectares per annum from 1951 to
reduction in deforestation. This was enacted 1976. It come down drastically to 32,000 ha
to reduce indiscriminate diversion of forest annually (MoEFCC, 2016) during 1980-2011
lands for non-forestry purposes, and to help after the implementation of this Act (Figure
regulate and control the land use changes in 2.1). Being an Act for regulating diversion of
forests. The Act empowers only the Union forest land for non-forestry purposes, and to
Government to allow the diversion of forest strike a balance between conservation and
for non-forestry use. With the enactment of development, it helps to enhance performance
this act, the deforestation and conversion of REDD+ implementation in the country by
of forest lands to non-forest use has been supporting conservation and improvement of
drastically reduced. The pace of diversion of natural forests.

4.5

3.5
Area (in Million hectare)

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
1951-1976 1980-2016
Year

(Source: MoEFCC, 2016)

Figure 2.1: Impact of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 on pace of forest diversion for non forest purpose

2.5 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

This Act provides for the prevention, control obligatory on REDD+ activities not to give rise
and abetment of air pollution making it to or abet air pollution.

10
Existing Legal and Policy Framework in India

2.6 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

An act to provide for protection and environmental problems that are peculiar to
improvement of environment and for matters different parts of the country. REDD+ activities
connected therewith, it empowers the Central need to ensure that their implementation does
Government to establish authorities to prevent not result in any abetment of pollution of air,
pollution in all its form and to tackle specific water, land or any other natural resource.

2.7 National Forest Policy, 1988

The principal aim of National Forest Policy livelihood security of people, of the present
(NFP), 1988 is to ensure environmental and future generations, based on sustainable
stability and maintenance of ecological management of forests for the flow of
balance. The policy aims for maintaining one- ecosystem services. In order to achieve the
third of the country’s geographical area under national goal for eco-security, the country
forest and tree cover and calls for massive should have a minimum of one-third of the
afforestation and social forestry programmes total land area under forest and tree cover.
with people’s participation for increasing the
The draft National Forest Policy (2018) also
forest and tree cover in the country. The core
lays emphasis on Integrating climate change
aim of NFP perfectly synergises with REDD+
mitigation and adaptation measures in forest
objective of climate change mitigation in
management through the mechanism of
forestry sector. More the area under forest,
REDD+ so that the impacts of the climate
more the mitigation service it will provide.
change are minimised. Under the draft policy
The National Forest Policy (1988) is presently strategic actions especially sustainable forest
under revision. The overall objective and management will be taken to strengthen
goal of the draft National Forest Policy forest-based climate change mitigation and
(2018) is to safeguard the ecological and adaptation.

2.8 Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996

The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram
Act, 1996 also known as PESA, was enacted where autonomous councils exist) are not
to enable tribal self rule in these areas. The covered by PESA, as these states have their
Act extended the provisions of Panchayats own Autonomous Councils for governance.
to the tribal areas of nine states that have PESA gives special powers to the Gram
Fifth Schedule Areas. Most of the North Sabhas in scheduled areas especially for the
eastern states under Sixth Schedule Areas management of natural resources.

2.9 Biological Diversity Act, 2002

The Act provides for conservation of biological knowledge and for matters connected
diversity, sustainable use of its components therewith or incidental thereto. Essence of
and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits this Act is manifested in the core concept of
arising out of the use of biological resources REDD+ implementation, which provides for

11
 Existing Legal and Policy Framework in India

uncompromising safeguards for conservation communities who are privy to the knowledge
of biological diversity of natural forests, and about different uses of forest biodiversity.
also for upholding the rights of the local

2.10 National Environment Policy, 2006

This policy which builds on the existing policies from conservation than from degradation of
related to preservation of natural resources resource. The policy emphasises partnership of
is intended to guide action in developing different stakeholders. If local communities are
regulatory reforms, and programmes and motivated to enhance and conserve the forest
projects for environmental conservation by and wooded areas, they get the benefit of
the Central and State Governments. The enhanced goods and services generated from
dominant theme of the policy is that the the forest ecosystems. Mitigation is one of the
people dependent on natural resources services provided by a forest ecosystem, and
for their livelihood obtain better livelihood thus add quantum to REDD+ performance.

2.11 The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers

(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
This is the important Act to recognise and the nature of evidence required for such
vest the forest rights and occupations in recognition and vesting in respect of forest
forest land in forest dwelling scheduled land. Implementation of this Act contributes
tribes and other traditional forest dwellers towards adherence to the safeguards related
who have been residing in such forests for to rights of the local communities with respect
generations but whose rights could not be to their proprietorship of land and non-timber
recorded; and to provide for a framework forest products.
for recording the forest rights so vested and

2.12 The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

This Act enables creation of a special tribunal conservation of forests and for seeking
to handle the expeditious disposal of the compensation for damages caused to people
cases pertaining to environmental issues. The or property due to violation of environmental
stated objective is to provide a specialized laws or conditions specified while granting
forum for effective and speedy disposal of permissions.
cases pertaining to environment protection,

2.13 National Water Policy, 2012

The objective of the National Water Policy is also stated that conservation of rivers, river
to take cognizance of the existing situation, to corridors, water bodies and infrastructure
propose a framework for creation of a system should be undertaken in a scientifically
of laws and institutions and for a plan of action planned manner through community
with a unified national perspective. The policy participation.

12
Existing Legal and Policy Framework in India

2.14 National Agroforestry Policy, 2014

The policy underlines the environmental value addition of the tree products. The policy
contribution of agroforestry by preventing perfectly synergises with objectives of REDD+
deforestation, and promoting carbon storage, implementation in the country by explicitly
biodiversity conservation, and soil and supporting the coverage of trees outside forest
water conservation. Agroforestry provides (TOF), and by preventing decimation of natural
employment to rural as well as urban people forests.
through production, industrial processing and

2.15 National Working Plan Code-2014

According to National Working Plan Code- involvement in planning and management of
2014 (for Sustainable Management of forests fulfilling socio-economic and livelihood
Forests and Biodiversity in India) the forest needs of the people.
management planning must provide for
Chapter 2 of the National Working Plan Code-
sustainable management of forests and its
2014, refers to REDD+ at paragraph 17 of
biodiversity as enshrined in the National
National Working Plan Objectives and other
Forest Policy, encompassing the ecological
Management Planning. Paragraph 17 states,
(environmental), economic (production)
“…..Implementation of REDD+, therefore
and social (including cultural) dimensions.
requires efforts/mechanisms to measure forest
The objectives for attaining this goal include
carbon, interventions and payments to local
conservation of forests and reducing forest
people in addition to alternative activities
degradation, maintenance and enhancement
such as fodder development to avoid lopping
of ecosystem services including ecotourism,
of tree branches, and efficient cooking energy
enhancement of forest productivity together
devices, etc.” The linkage of REDD+ with forest
with establishment of regeneration to improve
measurements in the Code is mentioned at
forest health and vitality as per ecological
para 26, which, inter alia, reads, “……A robust
and silvicultural requirements of the species,
and dynamic national carbon MRV based
progressively increasing the growing stock and
on forest resource assessment of working
carbon sequestration potential, maintenance
plan can also be realized for REDD+ provided
of biological diversity, sustainable yield of
sufficient resources are made available to the
forest produce, prevention of soil erosion and
States for estimating carbon from different
stabilization of the terrain; improvement and
pools of forest carbon”.
regulation of hydrological regime; people’s

2.16 National Action Plan on Climate Change

India has launched National Action Plan implementation of the NAPCC is designed to
on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008 and take place through eight National Missions,
identifies a number of measures that which form the core of the National Action
simultaneously advance the country’s Plan and incorporate multi-pronged, long-term
development and climate change related and integrated strategies for achieving India’s
objectives of adaptation and mitigation. The key goals in the context of climate change.

13
 Existing Legal and Policy Framework in India

National Action Plan on Climate Change: Eight National Missions

1. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

2. National Mission for Enhance Energy Efficiency
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
4. National Water Mission
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystems
6. National Mission for a Green India
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
8. National Mission for Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

National Mission for a Green India also called and adaptation of climate change in the
Green India Mission (GIM) is one of the key forestry sector (MoEFCC, 2014).
missions under NAPCC dealing with mitigation

2.17 National Mission for Empowerment of Women, 2010

The Government of India has undertaken engage them in the development process’. The
various initiatives over the years including mission of this policy is to create an effective
policy reforms, programmes and action plans framework to enable the process of developing
at various levels for empowering women policies, programmes and practices, which
and facilitates their active participation in will ensure equal rights and opportunity for
the social, economic and political life of the women in the family, community, workplace
country. Some of major policy measures and in governance. From aforesaid, it can be
of Government of India include inter alia, concluded that the present legal and policy
reservation of one third to 50% of seats for framework is quite consistent and supportive
women in the local Governments for ensuring of women’s participation in the REDD+.
equal representation of women and to bring
Thus, the entire policy and legal framework
gender parity. National Environment Policy
as detailed heretofore, supports the
(2006) seeks inter alia, elimination of gender
conceptualization and implementation of
disparities. National Policy on Education (1986)
REDD+ in India. However, constant review
provides for universal access and enrolment.
and monitoring of REDD+ implementation
National Mission for Empowerment of
as also amendments in present legislative
Women (2010) aims to strengthen processes
framework in future will be required to ensure
that promote all round development of
continuation of synergy between the general
women. The New National Policy for Women
legal framework and the REDD+ execution.
(Draft 2016) is more focused on ‘from being
recipients of welfare benefits to the need to

14
3 The Strategy

3.1 Objective
The overarching objective of National REDD+ Agreements, Warsaw Framework for REDD+,
Strategy (NRPS) of India is to facilitate Paris Agreement, and the national legislative
implementation of REDD+ programme in and policy framework for conservation and
the country in conformity with relevant improvement of forests and the environment.
decisions of UNFCCC, in particular the Cancun

3.2 Definition of forest for REDD+

The definition of forest in Indian context density of more than 10 percent irrespective
for REDD+ will be the same as used by the of ownership, land use and legal status. Such
Forest Survey of India (FSI) for preparation lands may not necessarily be a recorded forest
of national GHG inventory. The definition area. It also includes orchards, bamboo and
of forest followed by FSI is “all lands, more palm.”
than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy

Warsaw Framework for REDD+

In order to access results based finance through implementation of national REDD+ strategies
was the key outcome of COP19. The set of following seven key decisions is known as Warsaw
Framework for REDD+:
1. Work programme on results-based finance (Decision 9/CP.19)
2. Coordination of support for the implementation of activities in relation to mitigation actions in
the forest sector by developing countries, including institutional arrangements (Decision 10/
CP.19)
3. Modalities for national forest monitoring systems (Decision 11/CP.19)
4. The timing and the frequency of presentations of the summary of information on how all the
safeguards are being addressed and respected (Decision 12/CP.19)
5. Guidelines and procedures for the technical assessment of submissions from Parties on
proposed forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels (Decision 13/CP.19)
6. Modalities for measuring, reporting and verifying (Decision 14/CP.19)
7. Addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation (Decision 15/CP.19)
 The Strategy

3.3 Coverage of REDD+

3.3.1 Forests

REDD+ will cover all trees within forest areas and reporting of the REDD+ performance at
and tree outisde forests (TOF) also irrespective the national level and sub-national level. To
of the legal status or ownership of land. All start with, the coverage or eligibility of forests
forest areas including TOF which qualify is considered in the context for different land
under the definition of forest as given in the categories in India, in the context of their
sub-section 3.2 will be covered under REDD+ eligibility to qualify as one of the five activities
programmes. This will facilitate measurement of REDD+.

3.3.2 Trees Outside Forests

Agroforestry, urban and peri-urban forestry, the coverage or eligibility, include forest
avenue plantations, orchards and plantations land, cropland, wetlands, settlements and
on wasteland are included in this component. wastelands. The eligibility of land categories
Broad land categories, the sub-categories to qualify as a given REDD+ activity will
under each land category, the suitability depend on the definition of the five REDD+
of the particular land category to qualify activities. In Annex II, based on the common
as a particular REDD+ activity, the mode of understanding of the components of REDD+
carbon benefit accrual and the feasibility or and its relevance to India, the eligibility of land
potential in India are given in Annex II. The categories for REDD+ activities is determined.
land categories considered for assessing

3.4 Future Coverage

Present scope under REDD+ mechanism monitor the change in carbon stocks in these
is to cover the forests. Research is being ecosystems. Therefore, with an eye on future,
undertaken to assess the potential of carbon grasslands, blue carbon and phytoplankton are
sequestration by grasslands, and coastal sea included as potential sinks of carbon.
grasses, etc, and to develop methodologies to

3.4.1 Grasslands
Presently, pristine natural grasslands are with a view to working on and developing
not eligible to qualify as a REDD+ activity as methodologies in future for MRV of the carbon
these do not meet the eligibility criterion of accumulation these lands. India with its vast
definition of a REDD+ forest. However, since natural grasslands in the mountains, plains
these are potential sink of biomass carbon, and deserts of the country can contribute
sequestering more and more carbon and substantially in enhancing its land carbon
adding to the pool of soil organic carbon, it sinks by investing technological, financial and
is considered worthwhile to include these human resources in effective management of
as a land use with high mitigation potential. its grasslands resource.
Grasslands are being flagged in the NRPS

16
The Strategy

3.4.2 Blue Carbon

Mangroves, coastal sea grasslands and salt under REDD+ for the same reason as natural
marshes are also an important sink of carbon grasslands as these do not qualify the
of biomass origin. These ecosystems are definition of a REDD+ activity. However, if
not only important for their contribution in these are protected and managed scientifically,
addressing climate change mitigation, but these have the potential of capturing and
also for the valuable ecosystem services they locking huge quantities of CO2 from the
provide to the local communities. Presently, atmosphere in their vegetative parts and
some of these systems are also not covered organic soil.

3.4.3 Phytoplankton
Phytoplanktons are huge sinks of atmospheric ecosystems do not qualify to be a REDD+
CO2. Efficient scientific management of activity, but seeing their large mitigation
phytoplankton ecosystems has the potential potential, it is considered apt to flag these for
of substantially enhancing the mitigation future consideration as a potential sink.
capability of this resource. Presently, such

3.4.4 Others
Forest or tree cover in less than one hectare will also be considered for REDD+ being a
area and having less than 10% canopy growth potential sink of carbon.

3.5 Phased Approach of REDD+

In accordance with the Cancun Agreements, (iii) Phase 3 is the evolvement into results-
REDD+ activities are defined and implemented based actions that should be fully
in three phases: measured, reported and verified.

(i) Phase 1 is the development of national Massive capacity building is needed for
strategies or action plans, policies and implementing all phases of REDD+ actions
measures, and capacity-building; including result based actions. India would
like to seek financial support for these
(ii) Phase 2 is the implementation of
actions from variety of sources domestic,
national policies and measures and
bilateral, multilateral and other instruments
national strategies or action plans that
available under UNFCCC agreed financial
could involve further capacity-building,
arrangements.
technology development and transfer and
results-based demonstration activities;

3.6 Sub-national REDD+ Approach

As per UNFCCC decisions, REDD+ can be interim measure. This provision can be
implemented at sub-national level as an usefully employed in India to seek financial

17
 The Strategy

(Source: FSI, 2001)

Figure 3.1: Physiographic zones of India

support for REDD+ implementation in regional level falling in same physiographic

a physiographic zone comprising more zone, e.g., Himalayan States, Northeastern
than one State. State Governments may States, Western Ghats, etc. can benefit from
collaborate and develop REDD+ Action Plan sub-national approach for REDD+.
in a physiographic zone. The country has
Table-3.1 Physiographic Zones of India
been divided into 14 physiographic zones by
1. Western Himalayas 8. North Deccan
the FSI (Figure 3.1). A physiographic zone,
2. Eastern Himalayas 9. East Deccan
on the basis of topography, latitude and 3. North East 10. South Deccan
altitude, besides climatic and soil properties, 4. Northern Plains 11. Western Ghats
constitutes geographical areas that exhibit 5. Eastern Plains 12. Eastern Ghats
broad similarities in factors responsible for 6. Western Plains 13. West Coast
the growth of tree vegetation. Physiographic 7. Central Highlands 14. East Coast
zones classified by the Forest Survey of India Source: FSI, 2001
(FSI, 2001) are given below in Table 3.1. Following physiographic zonal approach, with
However, in order to seek REDD+ finance at respect to Phase II of REDD+ implementation,
sub-national level, collaborating States will India can initiate pilot/ demonstration REDD+
need to develop, as an interim measure, a sub- activities on (i) reducing emissions from forest
national FREL/FRL with corresponding Forest degradation, (ii) conservation of forest carbon
Monitoring System with technical support stocks, (iii) sustainable management of forests
from Forest Survey of India and other relevant (SMF), and (iv) enhancement of forest carbon
institutions. States or a group of States at stocks (EFCS). Subject to availability of funding,

18
The Strategy

India may launch pilot/ demonstration stocks changes, and forest carbon accounting.
projects, on aforesaid REDD+ activities to These projects may be taken at locations
understand the intricacies of maintaining covering different physiographic zones of the
baseline forest carbon stocks, forest carbon country.

3.7 REDD+ Activities

3.7.1. Reducing Deforestation

Deforestation occurs only when forest land is induced conversion of forested land to non-
converted to non-forest purposes. This does forested land’. In India there is no large scale
not, however, include forest areas subjected deforestation happening except in a few states.
to harvesting as a part of forest management, All the same, there is scope of increasing the
where the harvested plots recover and performance of REDD+ by further reducing the
forest regenerates. In Decision 16/CMP.1, deforestation.
deforestation is defined as ‘the direct human-

3.7.2 Reducing Forest Degradation

Forest degradation is a complex process and its Thus, in the Indian context, degradation
drivers may be completely different than those may be defined as "Transition from higher to
for deforestation. A degraded forest may not lower tree crown density and/or removal of
become totally deforested. Degradation refers lower canopy biomass or disturbance of soil,
to changes within forest which negatively leading to reduction in forest carbon stocks".
affect the structure or function of the forest Monitoring of tree crown density is the most
stand or site and thereby lower the capacity of cost-effective and practical alternative for
the forest to supply products or services. monitoring degradation.

India has been monitoring and reporting forest

cover according to tree crown density classes.

3.7.3 Conservation of Forest Carbon Stocks

Conservation could be defined as high carbon density and its maintenance
"Maintenance of area under existing forests through conservation and development to
(and tree cover) to conserve, maintain, and reduce pressure on forests, and ii) banning
possibly enhance the forest carbon stocks" or regulation of extraction or harvesting of
through conservation efforts. This could biomass, protection of forests and improved
involve, i) consideration of forests with fire management.

Carbon Sequestration estimates in Protected Areas

Avoided emissions from deforestation and forest degradation through conservation of existing
protected areas (PAs) covering 16 mha of forest land and accounting for 5 percent of the
geographical area of the country are capable of adding 2 tonne of dry biomass per ha on an
average every year. Continued protection of PAs will add 47 mtCO2eq to forest carbon sink
every year. (16*2.0*0.4= 12.8 mtC= 47.0 mtCO2eq)
Source: Planning Commission (2014)

19
 The Strategy

The area under Protected Area (PA) carbon stocks are not only conserved but also
management is increasing in India and has grow with the time. REDD+ can be considered
potential for REDD+ activity on ‘Conservation as a financing or resource mobilization tool
of Forest Carbon Stocks’. Since in the PAs, all to strengthen management of PAs in future.
extraction is regulated or highly restricted, Himalayan regions where green felling is
the forest vegetation, biodiversity and in turn banned over past three decades can also be
forest carbon stocks are potentially conserved. considered as candidate region for developing
With the addition of biomass due to annual REDD+ concept of ‘Conservation of forest
increment, the biomass as well as the forest carbon stocks’.

3.7.4 Sustainable Management of Forests

Sustainable management of forests (SMF) Plan approved by the Government of India.
in the context of Cancun Agreements refers The working plans are prepared following
to the application of forest management a strict National Forest Working Plan Code.
practices for the primary purpose of sustaining The concept of Sustainable Management of
constant levels of carbon stocks over time. Forests assures that allowable cut should not
SMF aims to minimize reduction in carbon exceed the growth during the period, rather it
stocks in forests and plantations through should be less than the actual increment for
sustainable harvesting practices. SMF could be the period. Thus, SMF contributes towards
defined as "management of forests to sustain increase in the forest carbon stocks and also
the biomass productivity, even if subjected to ensures continuous flow of other goods and
harvest or other management practices for services. Also, another essential requirement
prevention of long-term loss of carbon stocks". of SMF is to ensure that natural forests are not
By adopting sustainable harvesting practices, converted into plantations, but are maintained
carbon stock or biomass productivity could and managed as natural vegetation.
be maintained. In due course of time when
SMF activities can be used to incentivize
harvests become less than annual increments,
maintenance of forest carbon stocks, by
SMF areas could register a net increase in
means of improvement in the quality of
carbon stocks.
existing stocks and sustainable extraction of
Sustainable management of forests (SMF) is biomass.
practiced by implementing the Forest Working

3.7.5 Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks

This approach could involve restoring carbon Indian context, enhancement of carbon stocks
stocks in degraded forests, or creating forests could be defined as "conversion of non-
in non-forest areas and approaches may forest or degraded forests to forests through
include afforestation, reforestation, restoration afforestation, reforestation, restoration
(through natural regeneration, assisted natural forestry and forest management practices,
regeneration or planting), rehabilitation, or leading to enhancement of carbon stocks".
forest landscape restoration. Thus, in the

20
The Strategy

Large potential for implementing these under this category of REDD+ activities.
activities exists in India. Agroforestry and farm National Agroforestry Policy 2014 creates an
forestry also have a potential to be included enabling environment for this action.

3.8 New Initiatives for Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks

3.8.1 Namami Gange
National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) The programme aims to rejuvenate the river
has appraised the Detailed Project Report on Ganga through massive plantation exercise, in
‘Forestry Intervention in River Ganga’. The five Ganga Basin states - Uttarakhand, Uttar
project will focus on augmenting water flow Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal on
together with abating the pollutants loads 83,946 sq km (or 83,94,600 ha) of identified
of river Ganga through appropriate forestry diverse forest areas over the next five years.
intervention along the banks of river Ganga.

3.8.2 Forestry Interventions for Other Major River Catchments

This holistic approach of appropriate forestry generation activities through regulated
interventions by way of protection, habitat tourism and awareness for other major
management, afforestation, catchment river catchments like Brahmaputra, Yamuna,
treatment-soil and moisture conservation Narmada, Tapti, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri
work, ecological restoration of vital riparian and Mahanadi will also be proposed for
forest buffer, bioremediation, improved implementation. The enhancement of forest
livelihood of forest dependent communities carbon stocks attained through these actions
and forest dwellers, and alternate income shall also be considered for REDD+ actions.

3.8.3 Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantations, beautification & Maintenance)

Policy - 2015
India has launched the Green Highways developers will need to earmark 1 per cent of
(Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and a project’s total cost for planting of trees and
Maintenance) Policy - 2015. Under this policy shrubs along national highways. Under this
there will be four columns of trees alongside policy, around 1,40,000 kilometres of national
highways. According to new policy, road highways will be lined with trees .

3.8.4 Innovative Programmes

Innovative programmes like Green Army Department called for the initiative of Green
of Maharashtra, an initiative of the State Army. To ensure partnership from people of
Government of Maharashtra to assist that all walks of life, this initiative has been taken
state to execute massive plantation program for an on-line channel for public engagement,
intended to increase the forest cover in the partnership, sharing and dissemination.
state from the current 20% to the nationally Such initiatives by other state Governments
mandated 33% of Maharashtra's land area. will also motivate people to support REDD+
Insufficient manpower with the Forest Programmes in the states.

21
 The Strategy

3.9 Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation

Dependency of the communities on forest irrigation projects; industrial requirements;
for livelihood or commercial needs results expansion of cities and towns and
in deforestation and forest degradation. removals from forests as per silvicultural
Understanding of the drivers of deforestation requirements.
and forest degradation is important for
(ii) Unplanned drivers comprise mainly
developing sub-national action plans at
unauthorized activities, which include
physiographic zone level, and implementation
unregulated anthropogenic removals by
of REDD+ programme. The REDD+ Reference
nearby households for consumptive uses
Document of the country stated two types of
like extraction of fuelwood, small timber
drivers-one, that are planned and projected
and NTFP; illegal logging and uncontrolled
in accordance with policies, legal framework
felling; social causes such as encroachment
and management plans, and second, that
of forest land for agriculture and housing;
are spontaneous, beyond government and
unregulated livestock grazing and fodder
management control (MoEF, 2013):
collection; natural disturbances caused
(i) Planned drivers include developmental by forest fires, insect attack, disease
activities, management initiatives and outbreak, forest dieback; and illegal mining
projected uses such as road and railway operations.
construction; coal, iron and other mining
activities; hydroelectric power and

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna (PMUY)

The Government has launched “Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna” for providing free LPG
connections to 50 million women belonging to the 'Below Poverty Line' families over a period
of 3 years starting in 2016. Objective of the scheme is to provide clean cooking fuel to poor
households especially in rural areas. Use of fossil fuels and conventional fuel like cow dung,
kerosene, biomass, etc. has serious implications on the health of rural womenfolk and children.
Use of LPG as a cooking fuel helps in effectively addressing health hazards associated with the
use of conventional sources of cooking fuels. It took the big step of Ujjwala and provided gas to
33 million families by September 2017.

3.10 Strategies for Addressing Deforestation and Forest Degradation

Identification of drivers will help in devising the following for addressing the drivers
suitable strategies for addressing the of deforestation and forest degradation
drivers, and states shall be encouraged for (MoEF&CC, 2014):
identification of drivers of deforestation and
• Key to sustainability will be, meeting the
forest degradation and develop appropriate
challenge of addressing and managing the
strategies to address the identified drivers.
unplanned drivers and activities which
The REDD+ Reference document stated
are mainly the anthropogenic removals of

22
The Strategy

forest products by local people from the forest degradation will be addressed by
adjoining forest, and the illegal logging providing alternatives of forest use to
and mining activities within forest, besides the local community, income generation
losses caused due to occurrence of natural activities and also by ensuring sustainable
calamities. management of local forest resources
through preparation and implementation
• Strategy to address the drivers has
of community centered micro plans.
to be two pronged- it should ensure
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna to provide
the protection of the existing forests,
free LPG connections to poor families
and simultaneously should make
will be big leap in this direction as it will
arrangements for providing the desired
relieve rural people’s dependence on
goods and services to the people through
firewood as cooking fuel.
alternatives. The effective implementation
of regulation will help to minimize the • Creation of proper awareness amongst
unplanned drivers. The natural calamities stakeholders can also play a key role in
are unavoidable, but attempts can be deciding the level of participation and
made to minimize the impacts. The commitment of different stakeholders
effective policy, legal and management in addressing the drivers. Government
framework for managing these drivers supported relevant initiatives, such
include various Policies, Legislations, Acts, as supply of cheap cooking fuel;
and regulations as mentioned in Chapter improved cook stoves; promoting non-
2 of this document. Implementation of conventional energy sources; low cost
REDD+ in India should, inter alia, take into housing; improving agricultural and
account the need for a workable strategy livestock productivity; effective and
to address the drivers of deforestation and quality education for children; better
forest degradation. This strategy should infrastructural facilities including
be chalked out in a transparent manner health; and effective use of modern
in consultation with the stakeholders communication, i.e., audio-video tools for
including the local community, whose creating awareness among community
greater involvement, in any case, will can mobilize public opinion in favour of
be required in the management of protection and conservation of forests.
forests. Drivers of deforestation and

Improved Cook Stoves for Addressing Forest Degradation

Avoided emissions from excessive use of fuel wood in cooking stoves in rural areas (800 million
people or 160 million families) can significantly contribute to increase in forest carbon stocks by
replacing ordinary cooking stoves with improved fuel efficient cooking stoves. Presuming that 75
percent of the fuel biomass used in rural areas comes from forest, and also that cooking stoves can
reduce the fuel wood consumption by about 30 percent by improving energy efficiency, each rural
family using fuel wood for energy can save about 300 kg of fuel wood annually, and consequently
will not extract that much quantity of biomass from the forests. Forests from where the fuel wood
is extracted are usually degraded, the entire quantum of fuel wood saved would result in equal
amount of biomass left intact in the forests, thereby offsetting corresponding amount of emissions
equal to 58.2 mtCO2eq. (160*0.75*0.3*0.4=14.4 mtC*44/12=52.8 mtCO2eq).
Source: Planning Commission (2014)

23
 The Strategy

3.11 Forest Productivity Enhancement through Research

Improving the productivity of plantation undertake intensive and need-based research
forests through use of quality seeds and on (i) forest inventory including growth yield
seedlings of improved genotypes through tree assessment of forest products, (ii) increasing
improvement program will help in enhancing forest productivity through forest genetic
productivity of forests/plantations. Production resource management and tree improvement
of quality seeds, seedlings, development (iii) ecosystem services (iv) biodiversity
and deployment of a fairly large number of conservation, (v) reclamation of degraded
genetically diverse clones in large scale clonal and mined areas for ecological security, (vi)
plantation programs, long term breeding integrated pest management, (vii) invasive
support, sound silvicultural management alien species management, (viii) forest fires,
of plantations and continuous research (ix) forest hydrology and (x) carrying capacity
and development support will be amongst of ecosystems etc. These actions will further
the important strategies for achieving the enhance the capacity of the forest ecosystems
targets of Green India Mission and other for carbon sequestration and community
afforestation programmes. Research inputs on benefits, and will further complement the
these activities will strategically contribute to REDD+ activities.
advantage of REDD+ programmes.
A Forest Reproductive Material (FRM)
Focus of forestry research on productivity Certification Policy-cum-Strategy shall
enhancement will be undertaken in an be developed to encourage and ensure
integrated and multidisciplinary manner production and use of certified forest
on forests and forest products aiming at reproductive material to enhance productivity
increasing livelihood support and economic of Indian forests.
growth. The strategy also proposes to

3.12 Capacity Building and Trained Human Resource

Trained human resource capable of carrying achieved by building a cadre of trained local
out forest related measurements at all levels community members, staff of all levels of SFDs
of implementation of REDD+, including at local and other relevant line departments, and civil
grassroots level will be created. This will be society.

Green Skill Development Programme

Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken up an
initiative for skill development in the environment and forest sector to enable India's youth to get
gainful employment and/or self employment, called the Green Skill Development Programme.
The programme endeavours to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and
commitment to sustainable development, which will help in the attainment of the Nationally
Determined Contribution, Sustainable Development Goals and National Biodiversity Targets.
Realizing the demand for green skilled youth, the Green Skill Development Programme has been
conceptualized and developed in MoEFCC in consultation with the National Skill Development
Agency, the nodal agency for synergizing skill development initiatives in the country, under the
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

24
The Strategy

ICFRE will be designated as a nodal with SFDs, FSI, IGNFA, CASFOS, IIFM, State
organisation for discharging the responsibility Universities and civil society to execute the
of building the capacity of all levels of the capacity building programme of all cadres of
staff of the forest and other relevant line government, institutions, civil society and local
departments, institutions, civil society, and communities.
local communities. ICFRE will collaborate

3.12.1 Building a cadre of Community Foresters

Support for REDD+ activities will also A well conceived REDD+ programme will
necessitate developing extra hands from create additional jobs in forestry sector.
within the community, mainly youths from In order to keep forest well adapted to
the community who on one hand would climate change impacts, some of the
provide service to the community, and on the activities where “community foresters”
other hand would link to a large number of can be engaged effectively are: (i) assisted
other service providers, including the Forest natural regeneration, (ii) soil and moisture
Department and other agencies. conservation, (iii) harvesting, thinning, and
hygienic removals, (iv) forest nurseries and
Given the fast changing rural scenario
raising of quality planting stocks, and (v)
with an increasing number of educated
control of forest fires, pest and disease and
unemployed/ under-employed youth, the
invasive species.
strategy will support development of youth
cadres as Community Foresters to lead This action would require large number
the charge at the local level. Green Skill of trained human resource. Rural youth
Development programme for imparting will be trained under Prime Minister’s Skill
various forestry related specialised skill will Development Programme of the Ministry
be implemented with the help of NGOs, of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
voluntary organisations and civil society. Although the jobs created will be seasonal
Support of the Forest Department, research in nature, but will develop a strong
institutions, universities/colleges from local belongingness of community youth with forest
area and NGOs would help develop this cadre protection programmes which will eventually
of Community Foresters as self-employed lead to a successful REDD+ implementation
change agents. with community benefits.

3.13 Apportioning Targets

To facilitate implementation of REDD+, meet the objectives of Green India Mission
and to channelise it towards achieving the and NDC target. The State targets will also
NDC target of achieving the additional CO2 subsume the achievements of tree plantation
sink of 2.5-3.0 billion tCO2eq by 2030, the schemes and projects being implemented by
Government of India in the MoEFCC may in other Ministries and Departments of Central
future consider to undertake an exercise in Government (excluding NHAI), like Ministry
consultation with the State/UT Governments of Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture
to work out the appropriate targets of and Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Panchayati
afforestation and reforestation (A&R) for Raj, etc.
each State/UT that would enable the country

25
 The Strategy

3.14 Infrastructure Required

Additional infrastructure in shape of levels and that of the local community will not
trained human capital and state of the art suffice, and it will need to be complemented
equipment for carrying out forest and carbon by creating modern measuring capability with
measurements at all levels is required. FSI latest equipment in each State. The existing
is charged with the overall responsibility of space application centres and GIS facilities in
measuring forest goods and services including the States will be strengthened and upgraded
carbon. In its pivotal role of measuring, FSI will to enable these to carry out measurements
be supported by SFDs and local communities. of forest carbon stocks of the State under
Building capacity of the forest staff at all guidance of the FSI.

3.15 Finance
Finance will be mobilised internally by be sourced through external funding from GCF
allocation through GIM, CAMPA, Namami under UNFCCC mechanism. The budget deficit
Gange Programme, Green Highways Policy, on this count will be estimated separately and
etc. The deficit in finance to meet the NDC communicated to UNFCCC and GCF in due
commitment on REDD+ implementation will course of time.

3.15.1 Finance Commission

14th Finance Commission has recommended 7.5% of the State’s forest cover. A part of this
for devolution of funds from the federal devolution is expected to be ploughed into the
pool to the States attaching a weightage of forestry sector.

3.15.2 Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016

This Act has been enacted by the government regeneration, protection of forests, Green
to systematically channelize the funds accrued India Programme, wildlife protection and other
from levy on user agencies on account of related activities. CAMPA funds at present
diversion of forest land under the Forest account for an amount of around Rs. 500
(Conservation) Act, 1980. The Compensatory billion which mainly will be used by the State
Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Forest Departments for undertaking aforesaid
Authority (CAMPA) funds are to be utilised activities.
for raising plantations, undertaking natural

3.15.3 Green India Mission and National Afforestation Programme

The GIM is one of the eight Missions under regime, especially India’s NDCs to UNFCCC. The
the National Action Plan on Climate Change actual implementation period of the Mission
(NAPCC), and was launched in 2014. It aims was to spread over 10 years, coinciding with
to enable the forestry sector to play an the 12th and 13th Five Year Plan periods. The
important role in protection of environment, Mission has a preparatory phase (2011-12),
while enhancing the country’s green cover. a first phase (five years) and a second phase
India needs to revisit the Green India Mission (five years). GIM activities need to be revisited
objectives and timeframe in the light of new and carry forwarded till 2030 to coincide with
developments under global climate change achieving NDC forestry targets.

26
The Strategy

3.15.4 Green Climate Fund

Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the funding Payments pilot program, as well as a scorecard
window of the UNFCCC established in 2010 to evaluate countries’ submissions to the
to limit or reduce the GHG emissions in GCF. GEF also supports REDD+ readiness
developing countries, and to help adapt programmes for phase I (Preparation of
vulnerable societies to adverse impacts of National Strategy or Action Plans) and phase II
climate change. The developed economies (implementation of national Strategy, Capacity
have agreed to mobilise USD 100 billion per building and demonstration activities) of
year by 2020. A part of this collection will REDD+. MoEFCC will work out the amount of
be routed through GCF. The Board of GCF in gap funding required for full implementation
its eighteenth meeting adopted the terms of REDD+, and communicate same to UNFCCC
of reference for the REDD+ Results-Based for funding support by the GCF.

3.15.5 Mobilising Finance for Adaptation

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is investing in soil and moisture conservation, fire protection,
developing countries’ efforts to adapt to the weed management, management of forest
effects of climate change. GCF aims to deliver insects and pests, agroforestry, tree fodder
a 50:50 balance between mitigation and production, NTFP management, bioenergy
adaptation allocations in its portfolio. Forestry production, and biodiversity and ecotourism
activities/actions supporting enhanced management activities shall be provided. This
livelihoods of the most vulnerable people, will ensure jobs to the communities and in
communities, and regions by effectively turn help forest ecosystems to adapt to climate
engaging local communities in the forest change. Local communities will also be trained
sector adaptation programmes, shall be to make them capable of assisting the SFDs
developed. Skill development of community in carrying out forest related measurements.
youths for various forest sector adaptation Such actions will also complement various
activities like assisted natural regeneration, REDD+ activities.

3.15.6 Other External Sources of Funding

COP Decision 9/CP.19 reaffirms that the predictable result based finance in a fair and
progression of developing country Parties balance manner. Finance for REDD+ shall be
towards results based actions occurs in the mobilised in accordance with the UNFCCC
context of the provision of adequate and decisions on REDD+ finance. State REDD+
predictable support for all phases of REDD+ Cells in collaboration with NDE-REDD+ shall
implementation. The result based finance explore the relevant and appropriate financing
provided to developing country Parties that entity for the support of REDD+ actions in
is new and additional and predictable may accordance with the laid down principles of
come from wide variety of sources referred the financing entities.
to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 65 (public
and private, bilateral and multilateral,
including alternative sources), and decision 9/
CP.19 (including Green Climate Fund in a key
role) to collectively channel adequate and

27
4 Implementation
Framework

4.1 Conformity with UNFCCC Decisions

National REDD+ Policy will follow the main source of the implementation guidance
provisions laid down by all the relevant for REDD+ in developing countries. Cancun
UNFCCC decisions. Most prominent among Agreements have a special place amongst
these decisions are the Paris Agreement, all UNFCCC decisions as this provides scope
Warsaw Framework for REDD+ and Cancun of REDD+ implementation by developing
Agreements. These three decisions form the countries.

4.2 Conformity with National Policy and Legal Framework

National REDD+ Policy will cover all types in tune with their contribution to enhance
of forest areas including TOF irrespective carbon stocks.
of ownership or control, but meeting the
All actions pursuant to the NRPS will be
requirement of the definition of forest
implemented with due observance of all
as adopted by the Forest Survey of India.
relevant national laws, policies, rules and
The Strategy aims at optimisation of all
regulations. This legal and policy framework
forest ecosystem services, including the
provides the guidance and also constitutes
sequestration of carbon thereby adding to the
the boundary of applicable environmental,
existing forest carbon stocks, and reducing
social and economic standards to which all the
pressure on forests by addressing drivers
actions, their consequences and implications
of deforestation and forest degradation.
should conform to. This aspect has been dealt
Performance based incentives will be paid to
with in detail earlier in Chapter 2.
stakeholders particularly local communities

4.3 Institutional Mechanism: Roles and Responsibilities of

Stakeholders
The broad institutional framework for Verification (MRV), and of enforcing social
implementing REDD+ is already in place in and environmental safeguards, will be
India. However, for REDD+ to be functional, required. The institutional arrangement for the
a system capable of forest carbon stocks implementation of REDD+ in India is shown in
accounting, Measuring, Reporting and figure 4.1.
 Implementation Framework

National Governing Council REDD+

at Central Government Level
(Overall guidance)

Thematic Liaise with UNFCCC

yy REL/RL/NFMS
Advisory
yy MRV
Committee

NDE-REDD+

yy SIS
REDD+ � Policy, Finance
Technical and State REDD+ Cell
Working Group management
yy Capacity
building, etc.

Figure 4.1: Institutional Mechanism for REDD+ implementation in India.

An effective REDD+ implementation requires discharging different roles and responsibilities.

participation of the governments, institutions, The roles and responsibilities of different
civil society and local communities, all stakeholders are described below:

4.3.1 Central Government

Acknowledging the global problem of climate Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) having
change and India’s commitment to UNFCCC, the task of coordinating and guiding REDD+
government of India gives utmost priority related actions at the national level. The
to the issues of climate change at national mandate of NGC-REDD+ includes coordinating
level as well. In order to give more focus on and monitoring of REDD+ implementation and
climate change related issues, the Ministry developing Sub-national REDD+ Action Plans.
of Environment and Forests has been re- The NGC-REDD+ would also guide formulation,
designated as Ministry of Environment, Forest development, finance, implementation,
and Climate Change. National Action Plan monitoring, evaluation and measuring
on Climate Change, Green India Mission, performance of REDD+ activities in the States.
NDC targets are strong commitments of It will direct the MoEFCC and its relevant
Government of India for addressing various agencies in developing and implementing
issues related to Climate Change. appropriate policies, methodologies,
procedures and technologies relating to REDD+
A National Governing Council for REDD+
implementation in the country.
(NGC-REDD+) at the national level shall be
established by the Ministry of Environment,

Composition of the NGC-REDD+ shall be as follows:

1. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change : Chair

2. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change : Co-Chair
3. Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change : Member
4. Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, MoEFCC : Member
5. Director General, ICFRE : Member

30
Implementation Framework

6. Additional Director General of Forests (FC), MoEFCC : Member

7. Additional Secretary (Climate Change), MoEFCC : Member
8. Director General, FSI : Member
9. Inspector General of Forests (NAEB), MoEFCC : Member
10. Joint Secretary (Climate Change), MoEFCC : Member
11. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare : Member
12. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs : Member
13. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (4) (nominated by MoEFCC) : Member
14. REDD+ Experts (2) (nominated by MoEFCC) : Member
15. Inspector General of Forests (Forest Policy), MoEFCC : Member Secretary

Tenure of the nominated members will be guidelines for the two flows: i) GOI to State
on one-year basis. NGC-REDD+ will also Governments, and ii) State Government to
be mandated to oversee and coordinate local communities. The guidelines will be
implementation of National REDD+ Strategy issued by the Government of India for this
and suggest amendments as deemed fit. purpose.

An important role of the GoI will be to A Thematic Advisory Group shall be nominated
develop the guidance for flow of incentives by the NGC-REDD+ to advise and oversee the
from Central Government to the State aspects of MRV, National Forest Monitoring
Governments, and also from State System and Forest Reference Level. FSI will
Government further down to the local have a key role to play in this group.
communities. There will be separate set of

Constitution of the Thematic Advisory Group shall be as under:

(i) Director General, FSI : Chair

(ii) Dy. Director General, FSI (I/C Forest Inventory) : Member
(iii) Representative of Director General, ICFRE : Member
(iv) Representative of PCCFs of 2 States : Members (2)
(v) Inspector General (Forest Policy), MoEFCC : Member
(vi) REDD+ Expert (to be nominated by DG, FSI) : Member
(vii) Senior Deputy Director (Forest Inventory), FSI : Member Secretary

A REDD+ Technical Working Group constituted play a lead role in this group. Both groups shall
by NGC-REDD+ will advise on the matters also assist State REDD+ Cells in devising their
related to Safeguards, Policy, Finance, State REDD+ Action Plans.
Management and capacity building. ICFRE will

Constitution of the REDD+ Technical Working Group shall be as under:-

(i) Director General, ICFRE : Chair

(ii) Dy. Director General (Research), ICFRE : Member
(iii) Representative of DG, FSI : Member
(iv) Representative of Director, IIFM : Member

31
 Implementation Framework

(v) Members of Civil Society/NGO/ Forest User Groups (JFM etc) : Members (2)
(vi) Representative of PCCFs of 2 States : Members
(vii) REDD+ Experts (to be nominated by DG, ICFRE) : Members (2)
(viii) Dy. Inspector General (Forest Policy), MoEFCC : Member
(ix) Assistant Director General (BCC), ICFRE : Member Secretary

National Designated Entity for REDD+: between the UNFCCC Secretariat and the
Government of India has established a relevant bodies under the Convention on
National Designated Entity for REDD+ (NDE- REDD+ issues with Joint Secretary (Climate
REDD+) in the Climate Change Division of the Change) in the Ministry MoEFCC as Focal
MoEFCC. The composition of the NDE-REDD+ Point for REDD+. As REDD+ intrinsically is a
is given at Annex III. forestry specific issue, with this fact in view,
the strategy proposes to revamp the present
Revamping of the NDE-REDD+ : NDE-REDD+
structure and functioning of the NDE-REDD+.
has been constituted to serve as a liaison

The revised composition of the NDE-REDD+ shall be as follows:

1. Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, MoEFCC : Chair

2. Additional Director General of Forests (FC), MoEFCC : Member
3. Additional Secretary (Climate Change), MoEFCC : Member
4. Inspector General of Forests (Forest Policy), MoEFCC : National REDD+
Focal Point & Member
5. Inspector General of Forests (NAEB), MoEFCC : Member
6. Joint Secretary (Climate Change), MoEFCC : Member
7. Joint Secretary (Green India Mission), MoEFCC : Member
8. Director General, ICFRE/Representative of ICFRE : Member
9. Director General, FSI/Representative of FSI : Member
10. External REDD+ Experts (2) nominated by the Chair : Member
11. Representative of SFD (2) nominated by the Chair : Member
12. Dy. Inspector General of Forests (Forest Policy), MoEFCC : Member Convener

The Inspector General of Forests (Forest (iii) Improvement for the effectiveness of
Policy), MoEFCC will be the National REDD+ finance (results-based finance, technology
Focal Point for UNFCCC. and capacity-building);
(iv) Sharing of information of knowledge,
Key functions of NDE-REDD+ will, inter alia,
experiences and good practices for
include the following:
REDD+;
(i) Facilitate the establishment of REDD+ (v) Liaison with UNFCCC and other
Cells and capacity building for REDD+ in international bodies on REDD+ related
the State Forest Departments and other issues and mobilizing REDD+ finance;
stakeholders; (vi) Exchange of information as per UNFCCC
(ii) Identification of possible needs and gaps requirements;
in coordination of support for REDD+ at (vii) Approval of the national and state level
National and International levels;

32
Implementation Framework

REDD+ proposals for submission to and its timely periodic communication

UNFCCC for funding; to UNFCCC in accordance with the COP
(viii) Supervising the effective implementation decisions; and
of National REDD+ Strategy; (x) Facilitating the development of
(ix) Overseeing the implementation of the State REDD+ Action Plans and its
REDD+ safeguard information system implementation by the States.

4.3.2 State Governments

The strategy devolves major responsibility Department, and appoint a Nodal Officer to
for execution of REDD+ activities and coordinate the activities of the State REDD+
measurement of their performance on the Cell. Guidelines prescribing role and mandate
State Forest Departments. It places high of REDD+ Cell, and flow of incentives will be
priority on capacity building of all levels of issued by the Government of India. States will
the SFDs, the line departments, and the local be encouraged to develop their State Action
communities to enable proper implementation Plan for REDD+. The proposed constitution and
of REDD+ and accurate assessment and terms of reference of the State REDD+ Cell is
measuring of REDD+ performance. Each State given as follows:
will create a REDD+ Cell in the State Forest

Constitution of State REDD+ Cell: Composition of the State REDD+ Cell shall be as follows:
1. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF : Chair
2. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning/Budget) : Member
3. PCCF/APCCF (nominated by Chairman) : Member
4. APCCF/ CCF (Monitoring) : Member
5. Regional APCCF, MoEFCC or his representative : Member
6. Two REDD+ Experts (Nominated by Chairman) : Member
7. Representative of prominent NGO : Member
8. APCCF/CCF/CF (In-charge of Afforestation) : Nodal Officer

The Terms of Reference of the State REDD+ d. Development of State REDD+ Learning/
Cell shall be as follows: Knowledge sharing platform for exchange
and sharing of knowledge
a. Facilitate the implementation of National
e. Explore the possibilities of REDD+
REDD+ Strategy in the State
financing, development of REDD+
b. Preparation of State REDD+ action
projects and facilitate REDD+ benefit
plan, sub-national/State level reference
sharing mechanism
emission level/reference level, forest
f. Arrange technical and institutional
monitoring system and safeguard
supports for implementation of REDD+
information system (SIS)
g. Monitoring of REDD+ implementation in
c. To oversee REDD+ preparation and
the state
implementation by JFMCs, Community
Forestry Groups, Van Panchayats/Village h. To approve and submit the plans and
Forest Protection Committees projects for REDD+ implementation to

33
 Implementation Framework

the NDE-REDD+, Government of India for k. To devise mechanisms to absorb lessons

financial support from pilots, as an input to the national
i. To organize training and capacity building and international policy processes and
seminars and workshops for the officials development
of the State Forest Department and l. REDD+ Cell will meet once in three
village level institutions months.
j. To institutionalize data collection
and management, and adherence to
safeguards

4.3.3 Forest Institutions

Forest institutions will be key players in REDD+ capacity building of all stakeholders in the
implementation contributing in accordance country. It will coordinate and mobilise the
with their respective mandates, expertise and strengths and infrastructure of FSI, IGNFA,
capabilities. FSI will be responsible for MRV CASFOS, IIFM, SFDs, State Forest Research
of forest carbon stocks duly supported by the Institutes and Forestry Universities in building
SFDs and local communities whereas ICFRE capacity of stakeholders at all levels of
with its country-wide reach will take on the administration.
responsibility of the nodal organisation for

4.3.4 Civil Society

Civil society will collaborate with ICFRE and for the local communities including Gram
SFDs in organising capacity building trainings Sabha and JFM Committees.

4.3.5 Local Communities

Local communities will discharge the addressing all REDD+ activities depending
responsibility of protecting, regenerating on local circumstances. Representation of
and managing forests, and also share the local communities, indigenous people’s
responsibility of measuring forest carbon organisations will also be encouraged to
with the SFDs. A capacity building and skill participate in the National REDD+ Governance
development programme for communities Structure (NGC-REDD+).
will be undertaken with an aim of

4.4 Centrality of Local Community

Forest management in India, essentially is and forest department work together for
people centric. Recognizing importance of conservation of forests. This shift towards
contribution and role of local communities involvement of local communities in forest
in protection and management of forests, governance did not come about rapidly,
the governance has come a long way from but evolved steadily over the last 30 years
the earlier system of policing the forests, and beginning with enactment of the National
keeping the local communities at an arm’s Forest Policy in 1988. NFP, for the first time,
distance, to the present system when people defined the framework for involvement of local

34
Implementation Framework

people in the joint management of forests. are not only to encourage participation of local
The 1990 JFM guidelines are considered a communities in participatory management
watershed in the history of management of forests, but also for safeguarding their
of forests in the country. Some States like traditional rights over use of forests and forest
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have moved products. NRPS will ensure the continuity
a step farther by experimenting on the and strengthening of the key role of local
concept of community forest management, communities including tribals to implement
which devolves almost full responsibility all phases of REDD+ along with the forest
of management of forests on the local department. Adequate technical and financial
community. These models, as deemed resources required for the purpose will be
appropriate will be replicated to other states/ made available to realize this objective, which,
regions in order to develop a facilitative regime inter alia, will include capacity building of JFM
for REDD+ implementation in community Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-development
forest management. Committees (EDCs).

Various policies, laws, regulations and

guidelines at national and sub national level

4.5 Safeguards for Rights of Local Community

National REDD+ Strategy will adhere to information System (SIS) shall be developed
Cancun safeguard principles at all stages of based on these existing principles.
implementation. Additionally, the provisions
For safeguarding the economic returns due to
of NFP, JFM Guidelines, Forest Rights Act,
the local communities, appropriate mechanism
PESA and Panchayati Raj Act detail the
will be developed in due course of time for
prescriptions to be followed for safeguarding
transfer of the accrued financial incentives
the traditional rights of the local communities
to the SFDs and finally to the communities
over forest and forest products, ensuring
in a fair, equitable and transparent manner
gender balance, and seeking consent of the
and proportionate to their performance, as
communities in certain cases to allow non-
assessed by the established MRV and result
forestry use of the forest land. A Safeguard
based payments.

4.6 Addressing Gender Equity

Gender equity is inbuilt in the relevant of women in the local decision making
laws, policies, rules and regulations dealing mechanisms in all local matters including
with joint management of forests, and local management and development of forests.
governance structures like Panchayats and REDD+ implementation intrinsically being
Gram Sabhas influencing the management core of the existing and future management
and health of forests. Reservation for and developmental initiatives and activities
women in JFMCs and EDCs, and to the in forest, will ensure adherence to gender
extent of 50% in Panchayati Raj Institutions centred sensitivity and transparency in forest
(PRIs) are good indicators of government’s governance.
intention to ensure meaningful participation

35
 Implementation Framework

4.7 First Right of Use With Local Community

National Forest Policy recognizes the demands forests in India does no longer ignore or
of local communities as the first charge on undermine the interests and dependency of
forest produce, and also provides for their local communities on the forest resource.
active participation in protection, management No action or activity is to be permitted in
and development of forests. In scheduled the forest that is inimical to the interest of
areas, people’s consent is now necessary to the local communities. Adoption of NFP, JFM
change the existing forest land use. These Guidelines, Forest Rights Act, and PESA are a
developments indicate the paramountcy of pointer towards the primacy accorded to the
local communities in the matter of recognition local communities, and also to respect for their
and exercise of their rights over forest and rights.
forest products. Management of public

4.8 Flow of Incentives

Results-based finance provided to developing to State Governments and down to the local
country Parties for the full implementation communities.
of the REDD+ activities that is new, additional
GOI/NGC-REDD+ will formulate the guidelines
and predictable may come from a variety
for flow of international and national
of sources, public and private, bilateral and
incentives in a transparent and equitable
multilateral, including alternative sources. The
manner. There will be two set of guidelines,
incentives may be generated internationally,
one dealing with flow of incentives from GoI
and also at national level. Incentives at
to State Governments, and the second dealing
national level may be generated in shape
with that from State Government to local
of performance-based awards and financial
communities.
devolution from Government of India (GoI)

4.9 Roadmap and Action Plan

For implementation of REDD+ in the country, (iii) Capacity building of all cadres of the SFDs
certain preparations will be required. to enable it implement and accurately
Preparations for REDD+ include the following: assesses and measure performance of
REDD+ and other REDD+ related activities.
(i) Establishment of a National Governing
Council for REDD+ (NGC-REDD+) at (iv) Capacity building of Forest Working Plan
the national level having the task Officers on assessment of forest carbon
of coordinating and guiding REDD+ stocks, MRV and other REDD+ related
related actions at the national level and issues for incorporating REDD+ in Forest
revamping of NDE-REDD+ Working Plans of the Forest Divisions.

(ii) Creation of a REDD+ Cell in each (v) Skill development of community

State Forest Department (SFD), and youths for various forestry activities
appointment of a Nodal Officer to like assisted natural regeneration,
coordinate the activities of the State tree nurseries, soil and moisture
REDD+ Cell. conservation, fire protection, weed

36
Implementation Framework

management, management of forest enable FSI to cope with the added

insects and pests, agroforestry, tree responsibility of undertaking REDD+
fodder production, NTFP management, measurements.
bioenergy production, and biodiversity
(viii) Creation of modern measuring capability
and ecotourism management activities.
with latest equipment in each State. The
Local communities will also be trained to
existing space application centres and GIS
make them ably assist the SFDs in carrying
facilities in the States will be strengthened
out forest related measurements.
and upgraded for the purpose.
(vi) Creation of additional infrastructure for
(ix) Focus of forestry research on productivity
SFDs comprising technical expertise,
in an integrated and multidisciplinary
trained manpower and latest equipment
manner on forests and forest products
and facilities for forest carbon
aiming at increasing livelihood support
measurement.
and economic growth.
(vii) Expansion of the technical and
(x) A Forest Reproductive Material (FRM)
technological capability of ICFRE, FSI
Certification Policy-cum-Strategy shall be
and the SFDs by upgrading its existing
developed.
technical capacity, and by creating
additional technical infrastructure to

37
References

FSI (2001). India State of Forest Report 2001. MoEF (2009). Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook
Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. Ministry Study II: India Country Report. Working Paper
of Environment and Forests, Government of No. APFSOS II/WP/2009/06. Bangkok: FAO,
India. pp. 78.

FSI (2013). India State of Forest Report 2013, MoEF (2012). India's Second National
Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. Ministry Communication to UNFCCC. Ministry of
of Environment and Forests, Government of Environment and Forests, Government of
India. India.

FSI (2015). India State of Forest Report 2015, MoEF&CC (2014). Reference document for
Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. Ministry REDD+ in India. Ministry of Environment and
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Forests, Government of India.
Government of India.
MoEFCC (2014). India’s Progress in Combating
FSI (2017). India State of Forest Report 2017, Climate Change. Briefing Paper for UNFCCC
Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. Ministry COP 20 Lima, PERU, December, 2014,
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Government of India. Change, Government of India.

MoEFCC (2015). India's First Biennial Update

IPCC (2014). Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of
Report to the United Nations Framework
Climate Change. Contribution of Working
Convention on Climate Change. Ministry of
Group III to the Fifth Assessment Report
Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Government of India.
Change (Edenhofer, O., R. Pichs-Madruga,
Y. Sokona, E. Farahani, S. Kadner, K. Seyboth, MoEFCC (2016). Annual Report 2015-16. Ministry
A. Adler, I. Baum, S. Brunner, P. Eickemeier, B. of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
Kriemann, J. Savolainen, S. Schlömer, Government of India.
C. von Stechow, T. Zwickel and J.C. Minx,
Planning Commission (2014). The Final Report of
eds.). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
the Expert Group on Low Carbon Strategies
United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.
for Inclusive Growth, Planning Commission,
MoEF (2004). India’s first national communication Government of India.
to UNFCCC. Ministry of Environment and
World Bank (2006). India: Unlocking Opportunities
Forests, Government of India.
for Forest Dependent People in India. Report
MoEF (2006). Report of the National Forest No. 34481 - IN, World Bank: South Asia
Commission. Ministry of Environment and Region, pp.85.
Forests, Government of India.
 Annexure

Annex I

40
Annexure

Annex II

Coverage of different land categories suitable or eligible for REDD+ components, mode of carbon
benefits and its feasibility and potential

Land Sub-category Qualification of land How carbon benefit Feasibility and

category category as a REDD+ accrues? potential of land
activity category for REDD+
Forests Protected Area Conservation of By conserving the Highly feasible since
forest carbon stocks existing high carbon community extraction
density forests is banned and carbon
stocks protected;
Moderate potential
Reserve Forests i) Reducing Halting conversion of Moderately feasible
emissions from forest land to non- due to community
deforestation forest uses dependence on forests
ii) Reducing By reducing tree felling for fuelwood, small
emissions from and extraction of forest timber and non-timber
forest degradation products forest products; High
potential
iii) Conservation of By conserving existing
forest carbon stocks stocks in high carbon
density forests
Community Forests Sustainable By harvesting forests Highly feasible by
management of sustainably to ensure adopting sustainable
forests carbon stock is harvest techniques
maintained while and community
meeting the needs of participation; Moderate
the community potential
Plantations Enhancement of Carbon stock enhanced High potential for
forest carbon stocks through afforestation afforestation and highly
and reforestation feasible by involving
farmers and private
sector
Mangroves i) Reducing Carbon stocks Moderate potential and
emissions from enhanced by reducing moderately feasible
forest degradation tree felling and due to community
extraction of forest dependence
products
ii) Enhancement of Carbon stock enhanced High potential and
forest carbon stocks through afforestation highly feasible
and reforestation
Trees Outside Agro-forestry, Enhancement of Carbon stock enhanced High potential and
Forests (TOF) Urban and Peri- forest carbon stocks through afforestation highly feasible
Urban forestry, and reforestation
Avenue plantations,
Fruit Orchards on
farmlands
Plantations Carbon stock enhanced Moderate potential
on wasteland, through afforestation due to low carbon
Shelterbelts and reforestation in arid sequestration rates,
zones high feasibility

41
 Annexure

Annex III

Composition of National Designated Entity for

REDD+ (NDE-REDD+) Central Government Level

1. Secretary, MoEFCC Chairman

2. Addl. Secretary (Climate Change) and Mission Director (GIM) Vice Chairman
3. Additional Director General (FC) Member
4. Joint Secretary (Climate Change) National Focal Point & Member
5. Joint Secretary (Green India Mission) Member
6. DG ICFRE/ Representative of ICFRE Member
7. DG FSI/ Representative of FSI Member
8. Representative of IIFM, Bhopal Member
9. Representative of Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc, Bangalore Member
10. Two PCCFs to be nominated by Chairman on rotation basis Members
11. Representative of CII Member
12. Representative of FICCI Member
13. Senior Consultant (REDD+ Cell) Member
14. Deputy Inspector of General (Forests) Member Convener NDE
15. Scientist (Director/Additional Director Grade) Secretary REDD+ Cell

42
 lR;eso t;rs

National REDD+ Strategy

INDIA

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Government of India
2018