Multi-Level Governance Conditions for Implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements: The Case of CDM Forestry Readiness in Cameroon

Abstract

Multilateral Environmental Agreements including the Clean Development Mechanism represent complex multi-level governance systems that often face serious implementation challenges especially in developing countries. This paper presents a framework for assessing the capacity or readiness for the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), within the context of CDM forestry of the Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC in the first instance, and specifically analyses issues of multi-level governance relevant for successful implementation in Cameroon. The framework highlights a set of key cross-scale enabling conditions for MEA implementation including regulatory compatibility, institutional synergy, complementary and coordinated capacities, information and data availability and the presence of governance mechanisms. The research has identified the need for targeted policy actions for enhancing regulatory compatibility and institutional synergy between levels of the formal system – i.e. global, national, sectoral, sub-national and local levels. However, we have also highlighted the problems of, not just the conflicts between forms and functions of governance between the formal national set ups and community ‘traditional’ institutions, but even the lack of common understanding between them. Overcoming these gaps will require considerably more open-minded and reciprocal communication, and respect for differing perceptions in the implementation of MEAs. The relevance of a framework for assessing multi-level governance in a post 2012 Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation mechanism is also underlined.