September 2013: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) released a report titled ‘Integrating Adaptation into REDD+ – Potential Impacts and Social Return on Investment in Setulang, Malinau District, Indonesia,’ which is based on a bottom-up, stakeholder-focused process involving community members from Setulang Village, and aimed to design community-based adaptation interventions and assess their potential outcomes.

The study was conducted by CIFOR in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH with a grant from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

It uses a cost-benefit analysis and projections for returns on investment to consider climate change adaptation options in a REDD+ investment area. The study on which the report is based focused on engaging community stakeholders in vulnerability assessments, and analyzing adaptation options and their potential social benefits.

Overall, the report considers two key adaptation strategies identified by local stakeholders: rubber agroforestry and the production and sale of rattan handicrafts. The first option is expected to provide livelihood diversification and a more climate-resilient cash crop options, while the second option supports traditional practices and generates additional income.

With regards to synergies between the proposed adaptation options and REDD+, the report states that adaptation can increase carbon sequestration through the restoration and sustainable management of land and forest resources. Additionally, according to the report, REDD+ financing could help support adaptation through providing information on climate trends and projections thereby reducing uncertainty.

CIFOR is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) [Publication: Integrating Adaptation into REDD+ – Potential Impacts and Social Return on Investment in Setulang, Malinau District, Indonesia] [CIFOR Press Release]