Why New Zealand’s consultation process is important for REDD+ countries

Summary

EDF is pleased to announce the release of a short case study by its REDD+ Team entitled: Why New Zealand’s consultation process is important for REDD+ countries. The report is publicly available on EDF’s website through its REDD+ pages. You can access it here: http://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/New_Zealand_consultation_process_important_REDD_countries_EDF.pdf.

Abstract:

As the first country to implement a national level emissions trading system (ETS) that also includes a forestry component and meets New Zealand’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, NZ’s experience in developing this system warrants close attention. In particular, NZ’s consultation with its Indigenous Peoples for the creation of their ETS is an important example that can provide valuable lessons for countries around the world that are also beginning to construct national climate policies, particularly countries pursuing national REDD+ strategies.

This case study addresses the steps taken by the New Zealand Government to incorporate Māori interests in designing its 2008 emissions trading system (NZ ETS). It explores the NZ ETS consultation design with respect to Māori inclusion and participation, determines which, if any, strategies should be replicated elsewhere, and provides recommendations to improve future consultation processes. In order to ensure a good supply of REDD+ credits from a national level jurisdiction, it is essential that thorough consultation processes are properly implemented. Thus, it is hoped that New Zealand’s ETS consultation experience, plus this case study, can be used to inform these processes and improve them elsewhere.