Safeguards tools and frameworks
The following safeguards tools and frameworks have been put in place: ESMF, PF, IPPF, RPF, SIS and Gender Strategy. The preparation of these frameworks applied standard procedures, emphasizing technical analysis of issues and stakeholder consultations and inputs. These tools provide reference for compliance with safeguards standards. Through the working of the Taskforces and dedicated training in the development and application of these tools, there is reasonable workforce to spearhead the application of these frameworks. more so, CSOs/NGOs have experts in most of these frameworks and will support their institutions in monitoring compliance with the safeguards.
The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)
The ESMF describes management interventions for the Environmental and Social issues assessed in SESA and how they should be implemented alongside the National REDD+ Strategy. The ESMF also provides a framework for how other identified environmental and social impacts and risks will be handled at national, district and lower levels in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of REDD+ activities. The ESMF proposes implementation, monitoring and evaluation arrangements.
Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF)
The RPF serves as the framework within which Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) will be developed. It will, in addition, facilitate the estimation of the magnitude of impact as a result of the proposed Emissions Reduction Programmes (ERP) land take and the likely financial implications which is vital input into the estimation of the total cost for the ERP. Therefore, RPF will be used as a practical tool to assist REDD+ and ERP implementing agencies in designing and implementing strategies that will assist appropriately in handling any anticipated issues related to involuntary resettlements, and/or acquisition of land and restriction of access (using the Process Framework) to natural assets and resources during the implementation of the proposed ERPs.
The Process Framework (PF).
This practical tool provides guidance to the REDD+ Strategy projects/subprojects in handling any anticipated issues related to acquisition of land and restriction of access to natural assets and resources in Uganda’s Forest and Wildlife protected areas. The PF will be used during the planning, designing and implementation and monitoring of the proposed REDD+ project interventions. The framework articulates applicable laws, policies, processes and procedures and identifies structures and actors in REDD+ activity implementation as well as ways of going about handling grievances that may arise during implementation of REDD+ projects.
Indigenous Peoples’ Planning Framework (IPPF)
The IPPF serves as a framework for addressing core issues of inclusivity and participation of the Forest Dependent Indigenous Peoples in the planning processes, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of REDD+ projects/subprojects. The IPPF provides measures through and within which FDIP shall be constructively and inclusively engaged and participate in the REDD+ Strategy and Action Plan implementation. In addition, the IPPF identifies structures, actors and the REDD+ Strategic Options that have implications on FDIP. The IPPF provides ways of going about handling grievances that may arise.
Feedback and Grievances Redress Mechanism (FGRM)
Uganda’s FGRM is designed to contribute to conflict detection, prevention and resolution, as well as transforming conflicts associated with implementation of REDD+ Strategy and Implementation Plan into peaceful co-existence and community cohesion. The FGRM focuses on dialogue and problem solving as an intermediate way for stakeholders to discuss and resolve conflicts. The mechanism aims to streamline existing grievance redress mechanisms that are either informal or formal. The formal ones include the court system while the informal ones include grievance redress mechanisms used by cultural or traditional institutions. The FGRM is not intended to replace the existing grievance redress mechanism but to serve as a hybrid structure that creates a more effective platform for resolving conflicts and addressing grievances resulting from the REDD+ Strategy implementation activities.
Benefit Sharing Arrangements (BSA)
The Benefit Sharing Arrangements for Uganda’s National REDD+ Strategy was developed in 2018. The BSA takes into account best practices of Benefit Sharing schemes within and outside Uganda and other benefit sharing options which could be adopted to fit within the national and local circumstances