Review of REDD+ implementation in Mexico

Summary

The PEATREDD+ (Special Programs in REDD+ Early Action Areas) are implemented by CONAFOR (National Forestry Commission) to direct subsidies, incentives and actions to promote SRD (Sustainable rural development), to manage forest ecosystem resource diversity in an integrated manner, and reduce deforestation and forest degradation. This paper presents a review of the PEATREDD+ based on its institutional design and objectives described in its operating guidelines in order to identify progress in achieving its objectives and opportunities for improvement.

Upon review of the PEATREDD+ for the 2010-2014 period, it appears the Programs have promoted innovations in institutional frameworks and implemented more sustainable productive schemes that, according to local actor’s opinions, have represented a valuable instrument to stop deforestation in forests and rainforests, but not degradation. It was found, however, that during this period of implementation, the Programs have not put in practice the intervention program conceptually proposed in the Forests and Climate Change Project and its operating guidelines.

Furthermore, this review provides evidence that to ensure the long term forest cover permanence it is necessary to implement the PEATREDD+ through improvements in investments’ orientation, effective coordination among institutions, APDT (Public Agent for Territorial Development) and LDA (Local Development Agency) operation, community and ejido empowerment and increased support for innovative productive schemes in coordination with other actors such as SAGARPA (Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food).