Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

REDD+ framework and forest sustainability in Pakistan versus other South Asian countries: a multi-criteria-based analysis

  • Published:
Environment, Development and Sustainability Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

There are a tremendous need and increasing interests now in the design and development of integrated landscape approaches toward ‘reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD).’ This is being more coherently addressed now under REDD+ framework by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), particularly focusing on sustainable forest management (SFM) and relevant intensification of carbon pools in developing countries. This study has distinctively assessed the relative effectiveness of implementation of REDD+ framework and forest sustainability in prominent South Asian (SA) countries (Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan). The multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model with three sustainability evaluation indicators, i.e., (i) socio-economic, (ii) policy and governance and (iii) environment, is used for the relative evaluation of prospects and barriers toward the adoption of SFM practices and application of REDD+ framework. In this regard an exclusive combination of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and additive weighted sum method are designed and deployed to calculate the weighting factors and assessment of relative importance and performance. The characteristic findings of study reflected that ‘socio-economic’ indicator has portrayed the highest importance among the indicators chosen, and Nepal has scored the highest comparative sustainability scores as 11.2%, 19.1% and 31.8%, respectively, for all three indicators, while Pakistan has depicted the lowest respective scores of 6.8%, 8.4% and 11.4%. This study will promote an insight for the development of policy-based indicators which can be futuristically aligned with targeted plans for SFM, enhancement of carbon stocks and subsequent reduction of carbon emissions in low–middle-income developing countries like Pakistan.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

References

  • Ahammad, R., Stacey, N., & Sunderland, T. (2021). Analysis of forest-related policies for supporting ecosystem services-based forest management in Bangladesh. Ecosystem Services, 48, 101235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed, A., Mahmud, H., & Sohel, M. S. I. (2021). DPSIR framework to analyze anthropogenic factors influence on provisioning and cultural ecosystem services of Sundarbans East Reserve Forest, Bangladesh. Regional Studies in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2021.102042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alam, M. (2009). Evolution of forest policies in Bangladesh: A critical analysis. International Journal of Social Forestry (IJSF), 2, 149–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali, S., Wang, D., Hussain, T., Lu, X., & Nurunnabi, M. (2021). Forest Resource Management: An Empirical Study in Northern Pakistan. Sustainability, 13(16), 8752.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baig, M. B., & Al-Subaiee, F. S. (2009). Biodiversity in Pakistan: Key issues. Biodiversity, 10(4), 20–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Begum, F., Lobry de Bruyn, L., Kristiansen, P., & Islam, M. A. (2021). Institutionalising co-management activities for conservation of forest resources: Evidence from the Sundarban mangrove forest management of Bangladesh. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113504

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Behera, B. (2009). Explaining the performance of state–community joint forest management in India. Ecological Economics, 69(1), 177–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya, P., Pradhan, L., & Yadav, G. (2010). Joint forest management in India: Experiences of two decades. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(8), 469–480.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonan, G. B. (2008). Forests and climate change: Forcing, feedbacks, and the climate benefits of forests. Science, 320(5882), 1444–1449.

    Article  ADS  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bowler, D. E., Buyung-Ali, L. M., Healey, J. R., Jones, J. P., Knight, T. M., & Pullin, A. S. (2012). Does community forest management provide global environmental benefits and improve local welfare? Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 10(1), 29–36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brockhaus, M., & Angelsen, A. (2012). Seeing REDD+ through 4Is: a political economy framework. In Analysing REDD+: Challenges and choices. Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia, pp 15–30.

  • Cadman, T., Maraseni, T., Ma, H. O., & Lopez-Casero, F. (2017). Five years of REDD+ governance: The use of market mechanisms as a response to anthropogenic climate change. Forest Policy and Economics, 79, 8–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casse, T., Milhøj, A., Nielsen, M. R., Meilby, H., & Rochmayanto, Y. (2019). Lost in implementation? REDD+ country readiness experiences in Indonesia and Vietnam. Climate and Development, 11(9), 799–811.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chand, N., Kerr, G. N., & Bigsby, H. (2015). Production efficiency of community forest management in Nepal. Forest Policy and Economics, 50, 172–179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chauhan, J. S., Gautam, A. S., & Negi, R. S. (2018). Natural and anthropogenic impacts on forest structure: A case study of Uttarakhand state. The Open Environmental Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874213001811010038

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chhetri, R. B. (2006). From protection to poverty reduction: A review of forestry policies and practices in Nepal. Journal of Forest and Livelihood, 5(1), 66–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conroy, C., Mishra, A., & Rai, A. (2002). Learning from self-initiated community forest management in Orissa, India. Forest Policy and Economics, 4(3), 227–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cronkleton, P., Bray, D. B., & Medina, G. (2011). Community forest management and the emergence of multi-scale governance institutions: Lessons for REDD+ development from Mexico. Brazil and Bolivia. Forests, 2(2), 451–473. https://doi.org/10.3390/f2020451

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dahal, G. R., Adhikari, K., & Thwaites, R. (2017). Forest tenure and community forestry in Nepal: Trends and implications. In Community Forestry in Nepal (pp. 132–150). Routledge.

  • Danielsen, F., & Theilade, I. (2011). Potential fit of community-level monitoring of biodiversity and socio-economic outcomes with national REDD+ programmes. Linking Community Monitoring to National REDD+ MRV.

  • Dawson, N. M., Mason, M., Mwayafu, D. M., Dhungana, H., Satyal, P., Fisher, J. A., & Schroeder, H. (2018). Barriers to equity in REDD+: Deficiencies in national interpretation processes constrain adaptation to context. Environmental Science & Policy, 88, 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Den Besten, J. W., Arts, B., & Verkooijen, P. (2014). The evolution of REDD+: An analysis of discursive-institutional dynamics. Environmental Science & Policy, 35, 40–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dhital, N. (2009). Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in Nepal: Exploring the possibilities. Forests and Livelihoods, 8(1), 57–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, E. M. B. P., Xie, Y., Ahmad, S., Geldard, R. P., & Nissanka, A. H. (2020). Community forestry for livelihood Improvement: evidence from the intermediate zone, Sri lanka. Journal of Sustainable Forestry. https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2020.1794906

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • FAO. (2010). Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000. Italy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gatiso, T. T. (2019). Households’ dependence on community forest and their contribution to participatory forest management: Evidence from rural Ethiopia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 21(1), 181–197.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gautam, A. P., Shivakoti, G. P., & Webb, E. L. (2004). A review of forest policies, institutions, and changes in the resource condition in Nepal. International Forestry Review, 6(2), 136–148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Germain, R., Ghosh, C., & Jayasuriya, M. (2018). Community Forestry in the State of Uttarakhand, India: Not meeting the needs of the villagers. Small-Scale Forestry, 17(2), 225–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giri, C., Long, J., Abbas, S., Murali, R. M., Qamer, F. M., Pengra, B., & Thau, D. (2015). Distribution and dynamics of mangrove forests of South Asia. Journal of Environmental Management, 148, 101–111.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hasan, L. (2007). An anatomy of state failures in forest management in Pakistan. The Pakistan Development Review, 1189–1203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hosonuma, N., Herold, M., De Sy, V., De Fries, R. S., Brockhaus, M., Verchot, L., Angelsen, A., & Romijn, E. (2012). An assessment of deforestation and forest degradation drivers in developing countries. Environmental Research Letters, 7(4), 044009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/7/4/044009

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Jashimuddin, M., & Inoue, M. (2012). Community forestry for sustainable forest management: Experiences from Bangladesh and policy recommendations. Formath, 11, 133–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, B. A. (2019). Tree shade, temperature, and human health: Evidence from invasive species-induced deforestation. Ecological Economics, 156, 12–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalanzi, F., Nansereko, S., Buyinza, J., Kiwuso, P., Turinayo, Y., Mwanja, C., Niyibizi, G., Ongerep, S., Sekatuba, J., & Mujuni, D. (2015). Socio-economic analysis of beekeeping enterprise in communities adjacent to Kalinzu forest, Western Uganda.

  • Khan, S. R., Pracha, A. S., & Shaheen, N. (2007). The quest for sustainable forest management: exploring public-private partnerships in the forestry sector in Pakistan. Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

  • Kleinschmit, D., Böcher, M., & Giessen, L. (2009). Discourse and expertise in forest and environmental governance—An overview.

  • Lindström, S., Mattsson, E., & Nissanka, S. P. (2012). Forest cover change in Sri Lanka: The role of small scale farmers. Applied Geography, 34, 680–692.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linser, S., Wolfslehner, B., Asmar, F., Bridge, S. R., Gritten, D., Guadalupe, V., & Robertson, G. (2018). 25 years of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management: Why some intergovernmental C&I processes flourished while others faded. Forests, 9(9), 515.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liyanage, L. P. K., Withana, N. R. P., & Sandika, A. L. (2018). Assessment of tourist and community perception with regard to tourism sustainability indicators: A case study of Sinharaja World Heritage Rainforest, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Social and Business Sciences, 12(7), 911–915.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, E., Newton, A. C., & Schreckenberg, K. (2003). Commercialisation of non-timber forest products: First steps in analysing the factors influencing success. International Forestry Review, 5(2), 128–137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mattsson, E., Persson, U. M., Ostwald, M., & Nissanka, S. P. (2012). REDD+ readiness implications for Sri Lanka in terms of reducing deforestation. Journal of Environmental Management, 100, 29–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mendoza, G.A., Mcoun, P., Prabhu, R., Sukadri, D., Purnomo, H., & Hartanto, H. (1999). Guidelines for applying multi-criteria analysis to the assessment of criteria and indictors. In: Criteria and Indicators Toolbox Series. CIFOR, Bogor. C&I tool No. 9

  • Mendoza, G.A., & Prabhu, R. (2003). Qualitative multi-criteria approaches to assessing indicators of sustainable forest resource management. Forest Ecology and Management 174, 329e343.

  • Muhammed, N., Koike, M., & Haque, F. (2008). Forest policy and sustainable forest management in Bangladesh: An analysis from national and international perspectives. New Forests, 36(2), 201–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murali, K. S., Murthy, I. K., & Ravindranath, N. H. (2002). Joint forest management in India and its ecological impacts. Environmental Management and Health.

  • Nasi, R., Putz, F. E., Pacheco, P., Wunder, S., & Anta, S. (2011). Sustainable forest management and carbon in tropical Latin America: The case for REDD+. Forests, 2(1), 200–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nath, P. C., Arunachalam, A., Khan, M. L., Arunachalam, K., & Barbhuiya, A. R. (2005). Vegetation analysis and tree population structure of tropical wet evergreen forests in and around Namdapha National Park, northeast India. Biodiversity & Conservation, 14(9), 2109–2135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nath, T. K., Jashimuddin, M., & Inoue, M. (2016). Community-based forest management (CBFM) in Bangladesh (Vol. 22). Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojha, H. R., Khatri, D. B., Shrestha, K. K., Bhattarai, B., Baral, J. C., Basnett, B. S., & Bushley, B. (2016). Can evidence and voice influence policy? A critical assessment of Nepal’s forestry sector strategy, 2014. Society & Natural Resources, 29(3), 357–373.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pham, T. T., Brockhaus, M., Wong, G., Dung, L. N., Tjajadi, J. S., Loft, L., & Assembe Mvondo, S. (2013). Approaches to benefit sharing: A preliminary comparative analysis of 13 REDD+ countries. Center for International Forestry Research: Bogor, Indonesia.

  • Piazza, A., & Roy, S. (2015). Deforestation and optimal management. Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 53, 15–27.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Poffenberger, M. (2015). Restoring and conserving Khasi forests: A community-based REDD strategy from northeast India. Forests, 6(12), 4477–4494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman, H. M., Saint Ville, A., Song, A., Po, J., Berthet, E., Brammer, J., Brunet, N., Jayaprakash, L., Lowitt, K., Rastogi, A., Reed, G., & Hickey, G. (2017). A framework for analyzing institutional gaps in natural resource governance. International Journal of the Commons. https://doi.org/10.18352/ijc.758.

  • Rahman, M., & Miah, M. D. (2017). Are protected forests of Bangladesh prepared for the implementation of REDD+? A forest governance analysis from Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary. Environments, 4(2), 43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rasheed, R., Javed, H., Rizwan, A., Yasar, A., Tabinda, A. B., Mahfooz, Y., Wang, Y., & Su, Y. (2020). Sustainability and CDM potential analysis of a novel vs conventional bioenergy projects in South Asia by multi-criteria decision-making method. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(18), 23081–23093.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, C. S., Saranya, K. R. L., Pasha, S. V., Satish, K. V., Jha, C. S., Diwakar, P. G., Dadhwal, V. K., Rao, P. V., & Murthy, Y. K. (2018). Assessment and monitoring of deforestation and forest fragmentation in South Asia since the 1930s. Global and Planetary Change, 161, 132–148.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Saaty, T. L. (2013). The modern science of multicriteria decision making and its practical applications: The AHP/ANP approach. Operations Research, 61(5), 1101–1118.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Schmoldt, D. L., & Peterson, D. L. (1997). Using the analytic hierarchy process for decision-making in ecosystem management. Analysis Notes-WO/Ecosystem Management Analysis Center., 7(1), 17–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shahbaz, B., Ali, T., & Suleri, A. Q. (2007). A critical analysis of forest policies of Pakistan: Implications for sustainable livelihoods. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 12(4), 441–453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma, J., & Prasad Singh, M. (2012). Forest-fringe communities, JFPM and REDD+ in India. Indian Forester, 138(11), 991.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shrestha, K. K., & McManus, P. (2008). The politics of community participation in natural resource management: Lessons from community forestry in Nepal. Australian Forestry, 71(2), 135–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shrestha, S., Karky, B. S., & Karki, S. (2014). Case study report: REDD+ pilot project in community forests in three watersheds of Nepal. Forests, 5(10), 2425–2439.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shrestha, U. B., Shrestha, B. B., & Shrestha, S. (2010). Biodiversity conservation in community forests of Nepal: Rhetoric and reality. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2(5), 98–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, M. P., Bhojvaid, P. P., de Jong, W., Ashraf, J., & Reddy, S. R. (2017). Forest transition and socio-economic development in India and their implications for forest transition theory. Forest Policy and Economics, 76, 65–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sohel, M. S. I., Mukul, S. A., & Burkhard, B. (2015). Landscape׳ s capacities to supply ecosystem services in Bangladesh: A mapping assessment for Lawachara National Park. Ecosystem Services, 12, 128–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stapp, J. R., Lilieholm, R. J., Upadhaya, S., & Johnson, T. (2015). Evaluating the impacts of forest management policies and community-level institutions in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 34(5), 445–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, I. D., Guariguata, M. R., Okabe, K., Bahamondez, C., Nasi, R., Heymell, V., & Sabogal, C. (2013). An operational framework for defining and monitoring forest degradation. Ecology & Society, 18(2).

  • Ullah, A., Zeb, A., Saqib, S. E., & Kächele, H. (2022). Landscape co-management and livelihood sustainability: Lessons learned from the billion trees afforestation project in Pakistan. Land Use Policy, 115, 106034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106034

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UN Development Program (UNDP) & Ministry of climate change (MoCC). (2016). Sustainable Forest Management to Secure Multiple Benefits in High Conservation Value Forests. Global Environment Facility. https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/5660.

  • UNEP. (2014). Nepal Identifies Drivers of Forest Loss. SDG Knowledge Hub. http://sdg.iisd.org/news/nepal-identifies-drivers-of-forest-loss/.

  • Vacik, H., & Lexer, M. J. (2001). Application of a spatial decision support system in managing the protection forests of Vienna for sustained yield of water resources. Forest Ecology and Management, 143(1–3), 65–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Werf, G. R., Randerson, J. T., Giglio, L., Collatz, G. J., Mu, M., Kasibhatla, P. S., van Leeuwen, T. T., et al. (2010). Global fire emissions and the contribution of deforestation, savanna, forest, agricultural, and peat fires (1997–2009). Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 10(23), 11707–11735.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Weightman, B. A. (2002). Dragons and tigers: A geography of South, East, and Southeast Asia. John Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westoby, J. (1989). Introduction to world forestry: People and their trees. Basil Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yusuf, M. (2009). Legal and institutional dynamics of forest management in Pakistan. McGill Journal of Sustainable Development Law, 5(1), 45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zanzanaini, C., Trần, B. T., Singh, C., Hart, A., Milder, J., & DeClerck, F. (2017). Integrated landscape initiatives for agriculture, livelihoods and ecosystem conservation: An assessment of experiences from South and Southeast Asia. Landscape and Urban Planning, 165, 11–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2017.03.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to REDD+ Pakistan, Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan, for providing the internship and support to Ms Fizza Tahir under their National Internship Programme.

Funding

This study was funded by REDD+ Internship Programme, Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University Lahore, Katchary Road, Lower Mall, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

    Fizza Tahir & Rizwan Rasheed

  2. Department of Geography, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

    Shakeel Mahmood & Khurram Chohan

  3. College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

    Sajid Rashid Ahmad

Authors
  1. Fizza Tahir
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rizwan Rasheed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Shakeel Mahmood
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Khurram Chohan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Sajid Rashid Ahmad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

RR helped in conceptualization, visualization, methodology and supervision. FT contributed to methodology, data curation, writing and formal analysis. SM performed data review and mapping. KC reviewed the study. SRA supervised the study.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rizwan Rasheed.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing or conflict of interests.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable

Consent for publication

Not applicable

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tahir, F., Rasheed, R., Mahmood, S. et al. REDD+ framework and forest sustainability in Pakistan versus other South Asian countries: a multi-criteria-based analysis. Environ Dev Sustain 26, 6471–6492 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-02971-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-02971-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation