Ida Resosudarmo

The Effect of Population and Migration on Forest Cover in Indonesia

The massive loss of quantity and quality of natural forest cover in Indonesia threatens an important source of foreign exchange and employment. Several studies and government policies indicate that population growth, particularly among small landholders, is the principal cause of deforestation. Although there is an element of truth to these studies and policies, they greatly oversimplify and distort the issue of Indonesian deforestation. This article evaluates “population-centered” (neo-Malthusian) explanations of forest cover change in Indonesia in the light of non-population-centered (non-Malthusian) evidence. The conclusion is that although population growth is an important part of the explanation of Indonesian deforestation, it should be seen as an intermediate variable, and not as an independent variable. The policy implication is that nonpopulation factors should receive greater attention in policy measures directed at controlling inappropriate deforestation.

REDD+, transformational change and the promise of performance-based payments: a qualitative comparative analysis

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) has emerged as a promising climate change mitigation mechanism in developing countries. This article examines the national political context in 13 REDD+ countries in order to identify the enabling conditions for achieving progress with the implementation of countries’ REDD+ policies and measures. The analysis builds on a qualitative comparative analysis of various countries’ progress with REDD+ conducted in 12 REDD+ countries in 2012, which highlighted the importance of factors such as already initiated policy change, and the presence of coalitions calling for broader policy change. A follow-up survey in 2014 was considered timely because the REDD+ policy arena, at the international and country levels, is highly dynamic and undergoes constant evolution, which affects progress with REDD+ policy-making and implementation. Furthermore, we will now examine whether the ‘promise’ of performance-based funds has played a role in enabling the establishment of REDD+. The results show a set of enabling conditions and characteristics of the policy process under which REDD+ policies can be established. The study finds that the existence of broader policy change, and availability of performance-based funding in combination with strong national ownership of the REDD+ policy process, may help guide other countries seeking to formulate REDD+ policies that are likely to deliver efficient, effective and equitable outcomes. Policy relevance Tropical forest countries struggle with the design and implementation of coherent policies and measures to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Evidence on which factors and configurations are crucial to make progress towards these challenging policy objectives will be helpful for decision makers and practitioners at all levels involved in REDD+. Key findings highlight the importance of already initiated policy change, and the availability of performance-based funding in combination with strong national ownership of the REDD+ process. These findings provide guidance to REDD+ countries as to which enabling conditions need to be strengthened to facilitate effective, efficient and equitable REDD+ policy formulation and implementation.