Full and effective stakeholder engagement is indispensable to REDD Plus for a number of reasons. Firstly, UNFCCC decisions have consistently called for Parties to ensure the full and effective participation of relevant stakeholders in the design and implementation of REDD Plus national strategies/action plans.
Secondly, there has been a strong demand for meaningful stakeholder engagement from donors, indigenous peoples, civil society and REDD Plus countries since the early days of REDD Plus.
Thirdly, because of the transformational reforms REDD Plus can necessitate, success depends on partnerships and buy-in across a large swath of government, society, business and institutions. Stakeholder engagement is not merely a matter of integrating the views of the different actors that are concerned by REDD Plus, but can also craft partnerships, consensus and inclusive and gender-sensitive policies that will make REDD Plus transformational, attainable and enduring.
It is also encouraged that engagement made with forest-dependent communities, including indigenous peoples, which play a key role in the conservation and sustainable management of forests and possess knowledge and institutions that can contribute to REDD Plus objectives.
Sources: UN REDD
Stakeholder Engagement in Malaysia
To contribute toward Malaysia’s pledge to maintain at least 50% forest cover and fulfil our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, a detailed framework has been put in place to maximise the expertise of different stakeholder groups and encourage fruitful collaboration.
The role of stakeholders
The land administration structure in Malaysia demarcates the power to manage land to the State Authority as land is a state matter pursuant to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. Land administration and land law practices are based on the Torrens system introduced by the British. With REDD Plus implementation, below are the clear responsibility for each stakeholder:
National Level
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) which hosts the REDD Plus Unit (URP) plays the leading role in implementing the Strategy. This includes undertaking the necessary coordination among stakeholders, establishing the appropriate institutional platforms, facilitating resource mobilisation and initiating review of the Policy, as necessary. NECC will be responsible for coordinating among the various Federal ministries and States for the implementation of this strategy.
State Governments
The State Governments and their agencies have jurisdiction over and responsibility for the management of inter alia land, water and forests and will therefore play important roles in delivering the actions under the Strategy. The State government will ensure that the REDD Plus actions are implemented effectively.
Civil Society
The Strategy provides many opportunities for civil society to participate, either on its own or in collaboration with other stakeholders. Given their vast knowledge and their aptitude to work with indigenous peoples and local communities as well as with regional and international networks, civil society will play a very important role in translating the Strategy into action.
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
The Strategy places emphasis on empowering and supporting indigenous peoples and local communities to undertake biodiversity conservation. They are envisaged to be active partners in managing our forest and the resources.
Private Sector
The private sector will play an important role in ensuring the objectives of the Strategy are met. Many of the actions identified in the Strategy can be undertaken by the private sector, either on its own or in collaboration with other stakeholder groups. A framework for public –private partnership will be established under this Strategy.
Research and Education
Implementing the Strategy will require the best available scientific expertise and knowledge. Malaysia has a large research community within the universities and research institutions. This community has an important role to play in ensuring that the results obtained are reliable. Educators may also make valuable contributions by increasing the community’s awareness on climate change through establishing practical partnerships and experiential learning.
Contribute to REDD Plus Actions…
Local Communities
General Public
State Governments / Forest Departments
NGOs/ CSOs
Corporate Sector
If you represent a private company:
Around the world, environmentally and socially responsible corporations increasing want to be part of the solution to climate change and are striving for net-carbon or zero-carbon. REDD Plus offers these companies a valuable opportunity to be part of this larger movement. To find out what private corporations and companies can contribute to this change, see REDD Plus Finance FrameworkIf you represent an NGO or CSO:
Often, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) involved in the forestry subject matter hold vast knowledge and possess trusted relationships with companies and local communities including indigenous groups. Therefore, under REDD Plus in Malaysia, you have a big role to play in working with the state governments/forestry departments and local communities in the implementation of REDD Plus. As an extra set of eyes and ears of the ground and in the communities, you are crucial when it comes to translating action plan into action and results.If you represent/part of a local community:
Many local communities, including indigenous groups, call forest their home. Their heritage and way of life is intricately tied to the forest, and deforestation and forest degradation threatens not only their communities but also their sources of food, clean water, and medicine. Supporting REDD Plus actions is equivalent to local communities safeguarding their livelihood and home of their children.Collaborating Towards
Mutual Benefit
To contribute toward Malaysia’s pledge to maintain at least 50% of land mass as forest and fulfil our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, a detailed framework has been put in place to maximise the expertise of different stakeholder groups and encourage fruitful collaboration.
The Role of National and State Actors
Targets are set at the national level in line with Malaysia’s commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in order to ensure coverage of the widest possible area of forested areas in the country.
State governments and state forestry departments are responsible for the implementation of REDD Plus actions, while committees and working groups as detailed in the REDD Plus Governance Structure oversee all key functions and processes of REDD Plus in Malaysia to ensure compliance by all actors.