Investigation of the Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Nam Phui National Protected Area, Lao PDR

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Summary

In 2009, KfW in cooperation with GIZ commissioned a study to prescreen and identify NPAs in Lao PDR as possible REDD+ demonstration sites within the Laotian-German Climate Protection through Avoided Deforestation (CliPAD) program. The CliPAD program is designed to meet five main objectives: i) preparation of a national REDD Framework, ii) put in place REDD relevant planning for sub-national REDD implementation, iii) design and test local-level REDD strategies, iv) develop sustainable financing models for NPAs, and v) disseminate lessons learned from the UNFCCC.

 

The results of the joint KfW-GIZ study identified two NPAs for further development: the NP NPA and Nam Et-Phou Louey (NEPL) NPA. The NP NPA was selected because of its perceived high forest carbon stocks and existing deforestation and degradation trends that would create a high potential for emission reductions. Besides a similar perceived potential of emission reduction in the NEPL area, the NEPL NPA was especially selected because of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) longstanding commitment to this site and consequent strong relationships with local government and communities. It was therefore felt that the NEPL NPA offered an opportunity to test REDD measures more quickly than in other NPAs.

 

In order to better understand the REDD+ carbon finance potential of the NP and NEPL NPAs, CliPAD, through its Technical Cooperation Module implemented by GIZ, commissioned WCS to conduct in-depth feasibility assessments of these two sites, including assessments of their technical, financial, political and operational feasibility. In particular, these studies were to assess the feasibility of developing these sites according to the guidelines of the VCS and Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards. Additionally, a preliminary analysis of the afforestation/reforestation (A/R) carbon finance potential was to be performed.

 

The analysis of the principal drivers of deforestation and forest degradation within the NP NPA landscape comprised three different elements: a literature review of relevant studies into land use practices relating to deforestation and forest degradation; analysis of qualitative data collected through a series of meetings with villagers and district and provincial government staff; and an analysis of key proxy variables, including MODIS recorded fire locations and village population statistics.