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Abstract: This paper discusses the discourses on climate change adaptation and mitigation that are currently at the forefront in the Congo Basin. On mitigation, the forests have enormous opportunities to contribute to the reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) mechanism. But the forest itself and its multiple dependent societies and sectors need to adapt to potential climate risks. Hence, actors are debating the design of climate change policy in the forest sector. Theoretically, we combine the agency-focus of frame analysis and discourse theory to analyze how different agents hold frames on climate change adaptation and mitigation policies in the region. This paper draws upon interviews with 103 different actors from government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, research institutions and private sector in three countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR) and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Three discourses were found on policy response to climate change in the forest sector: mitigation policy only, separated policy on adaptation and mitigation, and an integrated policy on adaptation and mitigation. The various frames articulated around each discourse by the coalitions include elements of: costs and benefits, scale of operation, effectiveness, financial resources and implementation mechanisms. Overall, the mitigation discourse, through its mix of actors, resources and interests seems to be stronger than the adaptation discourse. The paper finally outlines a number of implications of the discourses for policy design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Research examined how partnerships of state and civil society could function to manage commercially valuable non-wood forest products in Community Forests in Cameroon. Results indicate an effective governance arrangement should include the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Community Forest management committee, and also increase the involvement of women. An adaptive collaborative management approach could bring together stakeholders to learn collectively how to manage resources sustainably. Partnerships with non-governmental organisations and research organisations would enhance the process leading to an improved governance system. Future Scenarios, was found to be an effective tool for facilitation of social learning with stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]