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Paper short abstract:

My paper analyses the implementation of REDD+ projects in the Amazonas State, Brazil, that manifest certain concepts of participation and agency. Central is to examine how local communities become providers of services on behalf of globally discussed ideas of environmental and social sustainability.

Paper long abstract:

My research reflects the implementation of REDD+ projects (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries) in the Amazonas State, Brazil. The REDD-mechanism is being discussed internationally as an additional market mechanism for climate mitigation and adaptation for the Post-Kyoto Protocol since 2007. The idea behind it is to provide financial compensation to local communities for rendered environmental services through the protection and sustainable management of forests. Although international settlement within the United Nations has not been reached, REDD projects are being implemented based on alternative frameworks. As can be demonstrated by my analysis of projects in the state Amazonas, where environmental policies in favour of REDD have been established, collaboration between partners from private companies, transnational agencies, state governments, and representatives of Indigenous Lands or Conservational Units are generated. In this region, REDD+ supporters emphasise, firstly, the environmental benefits by reducing emissions and secondly, the social benefits for local communities in education, communication, transportation and income opportunities. However, the mechanism is also being severely criticised by social movements, not only in Brazil, as commoditization of the environment, as another form of land grab and for missing democratic processes in decision-making. Focussing on the critique, my paper questions the notions of participation and agency within these projects and tries to comprehend how local communities become providers of services on behalf of internationally discussed concepts of environmental and social sustainability.