1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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

6. Additional slides

7. 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

8. 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

9. More information and resources
Contact and
Visit the UN-REDD workspace :
See the UN-REDD web site :