This paper aims to demonstrate and illustrate how integrating gender equality principles into REDD+ will result in improved sustainability of climate and development outcomes. The rationale for including gender considerations in REDD+ policy, planning and implementation is predicated on the human rights-based approach to development. Gender equality is a human right as set forth in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and other international instruments. The business case for mainstreaming gender—in terms of strengthening REDD+ outcomes— is based on examining how mainstreaming gender into REDD+ may :

• increase efficiency (defined here as reducing transaction costs);
• increase efficacy (defined here as reducing greenhouse gas emissions); and
• increase sustainability (defined here as ensuring permanence and thereby reducing the risk of reversals for project investors, be they public or private).