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These efforts were carried out in the midst of a marked and growing interest within the region for preparing for the implementation of actions under an eventual REDD+ mechanism. Although these processes are relatively recent, they are evolving and institutionalizing extremely rapidly, the effects of which could be highly detrimental to forest communities and indigenous peoples. In addition to these processes showing serious weaknesses with respect to consultation and participation, fundamental  issues such as rights, the underlying causes of deforestation, and the distribution of benefits, are relatively absent.

Nevertheless, the wealth of experiences in community forestry management coupled with recent advances to broaden rights in some of the territories of the region provides a strategic opportunity for Mesoamerica to play a key innovative and global leadership role in the design and implementation of inclusive REDD mechanisms.  A role that not only addresses the root causes of deforestation and degradation, but also strategically integrates indigenous peoples and forest communities as fundamental protagonists for ensuring improved forest governance. Moreover, Mesoamerica must also confront the imperative of advancing towards greater connectivity between actions related to mitigation with those of adaptation to climate change.

The research results include information and analysis of forest dynamics in the region, a map of REDD+ actors and programs in Mesoamerica, the identification of key issues and a proposal for an alternative path for REDD+ that benefits forest communities and indigenous peoples of the region. 

Download the reports here