National REDD+ Framework Strategy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This Framework Strategy aims at achieving sustainable management of Nigeria’s forests and ecosystems as well as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by 20%, while promoting sustainable livelihoods and a climate resilient national economy, in compliance with the objectives of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The mission of this Strategy is based on the following pillars: promotion of a green economy; improving the capacity of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to manage forest and ecosystem resources effectively and efficiently; promotion of alternative livelihood options as co-benefits to REDD+ implementation; improving relevant policies, laws and regulations and strengthening law enforcement towards inclusive, transparent and accountable systems to achieve national development goals and global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Strategy, in order to provide guiding steps for a development of REDD+ process, focuses on: assessment of land use, and land use change drivers; discussing land use change trends in agro-ecological zones; assessment of governance structures for REDD+ implementation.
Concerning the goals, the Strategy defines: short-term goal (2017-2019), in order to support forest governance systems at state level, spatial planning and the REDD+ investment environment, and thus fulfil states’ commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining economic growth; medium-term goal (2017-2025), in order to implement governance systems in line with policies, measures and procedures developed by the Federal Government to achieve the nationally targeted 20% reduction in emissions by 2025; long-term goal (2017-2030): transforming Nigeria’s land areas in a net carbon sink by 2030, following the implementation of appropriate policies and measures for sustaining economic development, ecosystem service functions of forests, and contribution to Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Concerning guiding principles, this Strategy improves community livelihoods and enhances green economy; applies a gender based approach with respect to principle of gender equality and human rights protection in forest and natural resources management; involves all stakeholders including local communities in decision making processes.