6533b860fe1ef96bd12c2e13

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Dissenting voices in a consenting village: lessons from implementation of free, prior and informed consent at a REDD+ pilot in Tanzania

J.r.s. TabutiD.m. TumusiimeE.t. LiwengaP.k. MukisaChristian Webersik

subject

040101 forestryEcologybiologyProject implementationmedia_common.quotation_subjectGeography Planning and DevelopmentForestry04 agricultural and veterinary sciencesPublic administrationbiology.organism_classificationFocus groupIntervention (law)Free prior and informed consentTanzaniaDissenting opinionInformed consentPolitical science0401 agriculture forestry and fisheriesDissentmedia_common

description

Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) is a key institutional tool in meeting social safeguards. Its implementation ensures respect of the local people's rights in an intervention. This paper presents a case of FPIC implementation at a REDD+ pilot site. Data were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with proponents and village members of the Lindi REDD+ project. Findings indicate that the inclusive approach to FPIC by taking the consultations to the hamlet level did not deliver a flawless process. The consent decision was reached by a majority vote, not consensus. There was some dissent, prompting the early establishment of project implementation committees. Consent was obtained, though it was not absolutely free, prior and informed. Future REDD+ projects should consider having FPIC as an independent and earlier process, separate from the main implementation of the project in order to uphold local peoples' rights in a less anxious process.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2020-03-01International Forestry Review
https://doi.org/10.1505/146554820828671508