International Rights of Nature Tribunal The Case for REDD+

GFC’s latest report on REDD+ and the underlying causes of forest that through its focus on national results-based payments REDD+ is per definition not the right mechanism to address the main drivers of forest loss. In fact it provides an incentive for the international community not to address demand-side drivers. REDD+ mechanism simply does not provide the right incentives for holistic approaches as its financial incentives target carbon benefits only REDD+ and the Underlying Causes of Deforestation and Forest Degradation

A change in the way all governments approach consultation with affected people. Forest-dependent indigenous peoples and local communities, including women have generations of experience in the sustainable management of forest resources and their dependence on and cultural links to forests creates strong non-monetary incentives. These groups should be recognized as rights-holders that should have a far stronger say in forest policy development than stakeholders that are merely driven by their commercial interests in forests or forest conservation. REDD+ and the Underlying Causes of Deforestation and Forest Degradation

Rather they require responses based on integrated, coherent and effective national sustainable development policies that are gender sensitive and that are not impeded by the interests of the market. (Women in a more disadvantaged position when talking about market-based approaches) REDD+ and the Underlying Causes of Deforestation and Forest Degradation

REDD+ CONTRACTS Need for recognition that family and peasant agriculture can provide answers and proposals. consideration the implications for the social, cultural, spiritual and policy dimensions. An immediate first step should be the establishment of a moratorium on the signing of contracts for REDD+ projects on behalf of not properly informed local communities.

REDD+ CONTRACTS “(name of the company) respects the Indigenous People’s rights under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and all other human rights instruments, including non- discrimination against women, children and Indigenous People. The Project will endeavour to operate in recognition of these rights and practices” Este contrato concede a la empresa Celestial Verde Ventures PLC, … el título completo y de propiedad de cualquier crédito de carbono obtenido en el terreno de propiedad: Tierra Indígena denominada Munduruku, por un periodo de 30 (treinta) años

REDD+ CONTRACTS “Los pagos previstos en el documento Anexo 1 dan a la empresa la totalidad de los derechos sobre los créditos de carbono obtenidos,… y todos los derechos de cualquier certificado o beneficio que se obtenga a través de la biodiversidad de esta área, durante el periodo del contrato” “Este contrato otorga a la empresa el derecho de realizar todos los análisis y estudios técnicos, incluyendo el acceso sin restricciones a toda el área”

REDD+ CONTRACTS 2.1 El propietario concuerda en no realizar ninguna actividad o alteración en la propiedad, que puedan en alguna forma afectar negativamente la concesión de créditos de carbono… 3.3 Sin la autorización de la empresa, el propietario se compromete a no llevar a cabo cualquier intervención en el área del proyecto, tales como: construcciones fijas o temporales, corte y/o extracción de madera, quemas,...., agricultura,… o cualquier otra actividad que pueda tener efectos negativos sobre la metodología a ser utilizada por la empresa para la validación del proyecto”. Traducción del autor. Contrato Número: PV01. Fecha: Firmado entre la empresa Celestial Verde Ventures PLC registrada en Irlanda y la organización del pueblo indígena Munduruku de Brasil.

REDD+ CONTRACTS Hasta la fecha, al menos tres contratos considerados ilegales fueron identificados por las autoridades. "Los contratos son de venta de créditos de carbono y comprometen todo el usufructo [de las tierras], que es exclusivo de los indios, y aseguran el acceso de personas no autorizadas a las tierras indígenas", afirmó el procurador federal Flávio Chiarelli, de la procuraduría Federal Especializada junto la Fundación Nacional del Indio (Funai)… REDD+ Safeguards???????

THE CHIAPAS CASE Montes Azules Biosphere-eviction to lead way to REDD+ (“illegal settlers”), including Chiapas-California Agreement IF projects given to people = grow foreign trees Carbon storage and utilization of products (eucalyptus for paper, palm oil for CO2 absorption and products) - Chiapas positioning as leader on biofuel production. Fencing off the Lacandon jungle violating UNDRIPs..