Harnessing carbon payments to protect biodiversity

Abstract

The rapid destruction of tropical forests produces ~20% of anthropogenic carbon emissions and poses one of the greatest perils to global biodiversity (1). A highly anticipated carbon-payment mechanism termed REDD (reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation) is increasing incentives to protect threatened forests (2). REDD funding could soon dwarf all other spending for tropical conservation (3). Although designed to limit harmful climate change, REDD could provide additional benefits, such as the conservation of biodiversity.Yetwithout specific provisions for biodiversity, REDD is likely to protect forests that are most cost-effective for reducing carbon emissions (3). Here, we critically assess how well such forests protect biodiversity.