The broadening of the conversation on forests beyond carbon has been absolutely necessary since «there are no carbon gains from REDD + until X is solved» — where X represents all the thorny
issues that prevent a
particular country from administering a credible REDD program, such as disputes
over tenure, uncertain governance and technical capacity, and competition between food and forest.In essence, REDD + has been asked to sort out all
issues of sustainable development and equity that have plagued the forestry sector for decades, before it can begin its
job of reducing emissions.