Promoting small and medium forest enterprises in national REDD+ strategies: a global analysis of enabling environments

REDD+ has emerged as a key component of climate mitigation strategies in developing countries. Small and medium forest enterprises (SMFEs) can contribute towards the achievement of REDD+ goals through conservation, sustainable use of forests, and enhancement of carbon stocks, while simultaneously improving local livelihoods and contributing to local economies. Thus, the promotion of SMFEs can be thought of as an important component of a nation’s REDD+ strategy. This study assesses the degree to which enabling environments for SMFEs are being promoted in countries that are in the midst of becoming REDD-ready. It uses an analytical framework, developed from a literature review on small-scale forestry-enabling environments, to conduct a qualitative content analysis of REDD-readiness documents that 41 countries have submitted to multi-lateral funders and assess the degree to which enabling environments for small-scale forest enterprises are being promoted under the auspices of REDD+. Despite a general recognition of the importance of SMFEs in REDD+ schemes, most countries failed to propose strategies and actions for improving enabling environments, particularly with respect to internal business capacities. Priority areas for investment of REDD-readiness funds that will deliver returns for both carbon and livelihoods through SMFEs are identified and enumerated. Policy relevance Small and medium forest enterprises (SMFEs) – with their potential to bring about high returns in terms of livelihoods, forest management, and climate change mitigation when compared to alternative forest uses – represent a potentially formidable tool for successful REDD+ implementation. By uncovering gaps in countries’ REDD-readiness with regards to SMFEs, results from this work can be used to design appropriate climate policies that will foment pro-poor REDD+ implementation that creates appropriate enabling environments for SMFEs to thrive. Doing so will not only reduce emissions, but it will also deliver substantial co-benefits.