Opportunities and challenges to strengthen indigenous peoples' rights and livelihoods in the context of REDD plus : a study of REDD plus implementation in Vietnam

摘要

Indigenous peoples have expressed diverging opinions on REDD+ in consideration of the risks and opportunities that it may provide for them. The present study examines the experience of REDD+ implementation in Vietnam with a view to assessing whether it has triggered changes in the recognition of indigenous peoples' rights and livelihoods, and whether they have been able to participate in REDD+ design and implementation. It does so by analysing documentary and secondary data through a dedicated analytical framework. The paper finds that REDD+ implementation has not stimulated an authentic discussion about the recognition of indigenous peoples' rights and their voice has mostly been absent. The lack of a human-rights based approach to the national REDD+ programme poses considerable risks to them. The extent to which they will be able to benefit from REDD+ will depend on how a number of key issues, including participation and local governance, are addressed.