Governance structures for REDD+ Experiences from Tanzania

Abstract

This chapter discusses national gover­nance structures for REDD+ in Tanzania. It also docu­ments experiences from REDD+ pilot projects and discusses what findings from these imply for the national REDD+ strategy. The present strategy is advocating a national/fund whereas NGOs favour a market solution. Our research shows that establishing REDD+ will demand substantial develop­ments in local land/forest govern­ance structures including clarifying property rights and developing management plans. Capacities and competences at district, but also at national levels are weak. There are also important challenges related to ensuring participation and handling of conflicts that REDD+ implies. In this regard, a ‘fund’-based model seems favourable to ensure democratic accountability as well as national capacity buil­ding and avoidance of leakage. However, Tanzania’s public administration faces serious problems regarding transparency and managing of decentralisation. Thus, involving NGOs in the REDD+ Fund will help enhance openness. Moreover, learning from their experiences with engaging local com­munities in REDD+ is also helpful in making decentralisation effective.