This document summarizes research on local participation in 23 REDD+ initiatives across 6 countries. It finds that while knowledge of and involvement in REDD+ initiatives increased over time, meaningful participation remains low. Local people's top recommendations for REDD+ initiatives are improving livelihoods, transparent implementation, and better communication. The concluding remarks state that livelihood improvements are a priority for both local people and proponents, but given potential land use risks, local people must be more actively engaged throughout REDD+ processes.

1. THINKING beyond the canopy
Ida Aju Pradnja Resosudarmo, Amy E. Duchelle, Mella Komalasari,
Abdon Awono, Demetrius Kweka, Thu Ba Hyunh, Marina Cromberg
Local participation in REDD+: Lessons from Cameroon,
Tanzania, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and Peru

2. THINKING beyond the canopy
Emergence of subnational REDD+ initiatives
 Since 2007, hundreds of
subnational REDD+ initiatives
have emerged in the tropics
 Provide on-the-ground
evidence for how local people
could benefit or lose from
REDD+, particularly in relation
to respect for local rights,
participation and promotion of
social co-benefits

3. THINKING beyond the canopy
Research question
Are local people aware of REDD+ initiatives, and to
what extent do they participate in design and
implementation?

4. 6 countries - 23 sub-national REDD+ initiatives,
150 villages, 4000+ Households

5. THINKING beyond the canopy
Finding 1: Knowledge of REDD+ initiatives
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2
BRAZIL CAMEROON INDONESIA PERU TANZANIA VIETNAM
%oftotalrespondents
Phase 1: 36% heard about local REDD+ initiative  Phase 2: 77%;
Phase 1 (n=2060)
Phase 2 (n=2118)

6. THINKING beyond the canopy
Finding 2: Local involvement in decision to
establish REDD+ initiatives (FPIC)
Phase 1 (n=2060)
Phase 2 (n=2118)
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2
BRAZIL CAMEROON INDONESIA PERU TANZANIA VIETNAM
%oftotalrespondents
Phase 1: 14% involved in the decision to establish REDD+  Phase 2: 38%

7. THINKING beyond the canopy
Finding 3: Local involvement in the design of
local REDD+ initiatives
Phase1: 5% of HHs were involved in initiative design  Phase 2: 28%
0
20
40
60
80
100
P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2 P1 P2
BRAZIL CAMEROON INDONESIA PERU TANZANIA
%oftotalrespondents
Phase 1 (n=2060)
Phase 2 (n=2118)

8. THINKING beyond the canopy
Finding 4: top local recommendations for REDD+
initiatives
1. Livelihoods improvement
2. Transparent, accountable, and efficient implementation
3. Better communication and engagement
71% of
households
reached
TENURE (n=264)
ENVIRO. ED. (n=568)
CONDITIONAL LIV. (n=427)
NON-CONDITIONAL LIV. (n=902)
LAND USE
RESTRICTIONS
(n=786)

9. THINKING beyond the canopy
Concluding remarks
 Local knowledge and
participation in REDD+
initiatives increased over time,
but meaningful participation
remains very low.
 Livelihood improvements are a
priority – for local people and
proponents - but given the
potential risks associated with
land use restrictions, local
people must be more actively
engaged throughout the
REDD+ process.

10. Financial support for GCS-REDD+:
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation,
Australian Agency for International Development,
European Commission,
UK Department for International Development,
CGIAR Forests, Trees and Agroforestry (FTA) Programme.
CIFOR’s Global Comparative Study on REDD+: http://www.cifor.org/gcs/
“REDD+ on the ground” case book: http://www.cifor.org/redd-case-book/
Thank you! Terima Kasih!