Have REDD+ conservation interventions prevented degradation and associated carbon emissions in Argentina’s Atlantic forests?

Empirical evaluations of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) interventions have been largely limited to their capacity to reduce deforestation, but neglected avoided degradation (REDD’s second ‘D’).

Here, we respond to the research question ‘Have REDD+ conservation interventions prevented degradation and associated carbon emissions?’ in the context of Argentina’s Atlantic forests.

We build on our international team’s expertise and ongoing research in these forests to integrate remotely-sensed and field inventory data, along a process of participatory interpretation of findings.

Results carry direct value to local stakeholders who need to know whether this REDD+ intervention created under domestic Law 26331 is preventing the degradation of forests they depend upon, and to identify areas that should be prioritized for monitoring and restoration.

Findings have bilateral importance partly due to Sweden’s financial commitments to the Green Climate Fund invested to support forest conservation in Argentina.

Project methodologies and implications will contribute to advancing United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 13 ‘Climate Action’, 15 ‘Live on land’, and 17 ‘Partnerships for the Goals’.

We strive to make a long-lasting contribution to global sustainability efforts to curtail forest degradation and related carbon emissions while addressing local needs.