Furry over new REDD draft text

Happy Protester? She was one of the people who prested last week to ensure that rights of indiginous forest communities are recognised

The text of the draft agreement on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) leaked late on Friday December 11, and reportedly contains no targets for ending deforestation.

Community and biodiversity activists have reacted furiously to the new text for what they say is its failure to set targets as well as for failing to provide sufficient safeguards for indigenous communities that utilise the forests.

“Without targets, REDD becomes toothless,” said Peg Putt of the Wilderness Society. “The so-called safeguards will be nothing but fancy window dressing unless they are given legal force.”