Why anti-corruption for REDD+ ? Corruption can undermine equity, effectiveness, efficiency of REDD+ actions and therefore their sustainability Assessing and addressing corruption risks in REDD+ can inform key elements of a national REDD+ strategy : A more detailed and nuanced understanding of the underlying drivers of deforestation and forest degradation Designing a safeguards approach that takes into account corruption risks Establishing transparent benefit distribution systems to mitigate risks of embezzlement and other abuses Anticipate the kind of grievances that can emanate from REDD+ Provisions of the Cancun Agreements on safeguards include “transparent forest governance structures” Countries have made commitments under the UN Convention Against Corruption, other regional agreements, and national legislations

A framework for REDD+ integrity Existing corrupt practices that enable/enhance deforestation and forest degradation New corruption risks brought about by REDD+ Understanding corruption risks for REDD+ implies understanding both : Assessment of the priority governance and corruption risks emerging with REDD+, such as land allocations and benefit distribution Assessment of historical trends and priority governance and corruption issues in the forest sector that facilitate D&D Policy recommendations

Are REDD+ countries paying attention? (Yes) Bhutan, Bangladesh, DRC, Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines, and Peru are receiving direct UN-REDD support to understand and mitigate corruption risks in REDD+ In a recent survey of anti corruption practitioners in Asia Pacific, 75% of respondents have deemed REDD+ either a priority or a top priority In February 2013, 60 REDD+ and anti-corruption practitioners (state and non-state) in LAC have deemed 16 our of 28 potential corruption risks for REDD+ either “high” or “very high” in an anonymous online survey Argentina is making its Freedom of Information law a central element of its RPP Nigeria and Indonesia have made anti-corruption a central component of their broader participatory governance assessment Viet Nam and DRC have integrated anti -corruption measures in their phase 2 proposal and investment plans Please pick most relevant example for your country/region. You may also add that Norway, the largest REDD+ donor, is making anti corruption for REDD+ a priority.

Examples of Corruption Risk Mitigation Tools Prevent Track and monitor Investigate and prosecute Participatory decision-making processes Institutionalized and regular early warning dialogues to report concerns Training of judges Independent and well-resourced oversight of public finance management systems Transparency portals that track the flow of funds and are displayed in an understandable format and language Whistleblower and witness protection Establish codes of conduct (including conflict of interest) and integrity pacts Robust systems of information on REDD+ safeguards that contain information on corruption issues Training and positive incentives for law enforcement officers (e.g forest guards) Apply the right to Free Prior and Informed Consent Wealth/lifestyle audits for people in a position of power in REDD+ Transparency and accountability as a criteria in public performance management systems Comprehensive program to encourage citizens to demand information Engage NGOs, CSOs and IPOs in the elaboration and monitoring of how REDD+ funds are received and utilized Monitor the effective implementation for REDD+ of existing laws and norms, such has freedom of information and anti-corruption laws This list is non exhaustive, but drawn from tried and tested anti corruption approaches and tools in others sectors (such as water, health & education)

How ? UN-REDD support to countries to prevent corruption in REDD+ Raising awareness Regional trainings (Thailand, Nepal, Peru, Zambia) Videos and print materials (available in 3 languages) Understanding specific risks in countries Assessments : based on the current situation, which risks are most likely and most impactful? Which should be tackled now, tomorrow, next year? Institutional context analysis (who has what powers, how do different actors relate to one another, who benefits from the status quo) Tackling those risks Capacity development plans for governments, IP and CSOs, anti corruption commissions, media.. Support incentives to effectively prevent corruption Developing tools to monitor and safely report potentially corrupt acts Ensuring that this information is followed up on Fostering partnerships Between different civil society organizations Between national REDD+ teams and anti corruption agencies, commissions or units Sharing information with relevant organizations on enforcement issues

Additional slides

Freedom of information in REDD+ Access to information is a prerequisite for transparency, accountability and meaningful engagement of stakeholders in REDD+ “REDD+ information” comprises a range of information, with technical, financial and governance elements; systems to provide information about safeguards is also a requirement of the Cancun Agreements Access to information (A2I) laws, when they exist in a REDD+ country, should be considered a part of legal preparedness for REDD+ The implementation of these A2I laws in REDD+ countries (related to forestry, environment or other relevant sectors) is rich in experience that can be used for REDD+ To be useful, information should not only be supplied but also made use of by relevant stakeholders, which requires awareness and capacity REDD+ information resides (or will reside) with various government, civil society and private sector stakeholders; therefore coordinated efforts to avoid its fragmentation are necessary See more at http://bit.ly/15uF7ys

IPs and CSOs : not just watchdog, but full partners The opportunity : Full and meaningful engagement in REDD+ platforms is a pillar of preventing corruption risks Partner with local anti-corruption organizations (ex : Transparency International chapters) Raise awareness on the risks and tools (we can provide posters to help) Demand transparent and accessible systems Timely access to accessible, relevant information is key! Information on decision-making procedures, REDD+ revenues, contracts, BDS.. Use information to monitor and report, which implies: Knowing where to turn to report Confidence that the information will be acted upon (Safely) reporting suspicious activities

More information and resources Contact estelle.fach@undp.org and tsegaye.lemma@undp.org Visit the UN-REDD workspace : http://www.unredd.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1 See the UN-REDD web site : http://www.un-redd.org/Transparent_Management_REDD_Funds/tabid/54009/Default.aspx