REDD+ Benefit Sharing in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities
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Date
2020
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Addis Ababa Unversity
Abstract
The thematic focus of this research is to put light on the international fora revolving and making
scrutiny on the Ethiopian legal system around BS in REDD+. Based on data collected from
primary and secondary sources, and analysis finds out challenges and opportunities of BS
systems in Ethiopia. Accordingly, it is becoming more complex and sophisticated than it
perceived at the time of its inception, and creating perpetuating power differentials. Legal
uncertainty over sequestered carbon remains highly prevalent, and due to low carbon prices,
there are concerns over the sustainability of the programme. Lack of definitions for the benefits,
beneficiaries and struggle to be a beneficiary, leakage, elite capture, good governance and law
enforcement, and unclear jurisdiction between stakeholders are significant identified challenges
in a national legal framework. As an opportunity, being implemented in a phased approach,
which in turn provide for identification of root causes of deforestation and forest degradation
and detail information, including legal and policy frameworks assessment, ongoing process of
MRV and RBPs are enhancing opportunities for voluntary compliance, economic incentives, and
co-benefits. Finally, this research recommends, in the absence of particular REDD+ BS legal
frameworks, the legal character of the REDD+ BS elements could draw on existing laws and
house in existing laws regarding environment, forests or natural resource management.