Unclear and/or insecure forest tenure has been identified by many as an indirect driver of deforestation and forest degradation. Consequently, reforming tenure is considered an important measure in order to control deforestation. Clarifying tenure is also seen as a way of promoting equitable REDD+ implementation. By clarifying tenure it will be harder for governments or powerful external actors to reap the benefits of REDD. Clear and secure tenure can also protect poor forest dwellers and local communities from exclusion or even eviction from forest lands and provide them with greater leverage in national REDD+ processes.