Actions taken in forests to mitigate climate change must be integrated with measures to adapt to it, says an article on the Forests News blog of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

The article describes research undertaken in Cameroon showing how efforts to mitigate global warming by curbing deforestation can no longer be conducted separately from measures to help people adapt to climate change.

Climate change is expected to impact on cultivation seasons and crop production, driving farmers to clear more forests for agricultural land. This could undermine any mitigation projects which involve people being paid to protect forests to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (such as through REDD+). Adaptation needs to be added as a co-benefit of mitigation programs otherwise projects involving farming practices will never be sustainable, says co-author of the study, Denis Sonwa of CIFOR.

In analyzing 2 community forest-carbon conservation projects in Cameroon, the study found that many of their activities contributed to both adaptation and mitigation. “For example, improved agricultural practices such as agroforestry helped communities strengthen their livelihoods in the face of climate change, while reducing the impact of farming on the forest.”

The studies’ authors say there are many challenges in promoting integrated policies, such as mitigation and adaptation often crossing numerous different and disconnected sectors, uncertain land tenure and limited know-how on how to implement and monitor the different activities.

Read the full story: Cameroon research adds to growing consensus on sustainable climate change strategies

Download the study: Forest–climate nexus: linking adaptation and mitigation in Cameroon’s climate policy process