Avoided Deforestation (REDD) and Indigenous ... - Amazon Fund

Amazon alone, indigenous communities own
and manage 21.7% of the forests, which stores
about 27% of the carbon stocks in the region,
representing approximately 13 billion tons of
carbon, a situation that, as studies indicate,
proves to be more effective in conservation
than in government-controlled forests in many
countries and that also results in improved
local livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and
carbon storage.
Forest carbon finance that recognizes the value
of standing forests and the traditional stewardship
role of local indigenous peoples may become
a powerful force to maintain large tracts
of forests globally, abating climate change,
conserving biodiversity and strengthening
cultural survival. However, strong tenure rights,
improved governance, informed decision-making,
as well as the involvement of indigenous
leaders are essential if these mechanisms are
to strengthen, rather than further undermine,
indigenous rights and their future as peoples.
Michael Jenkins
President and CEO,
Forest Trends