Conflict in REDD+: An Analysis of Sources of Conflict Based on Case Studies from South and Southeast Asia

Based on empirical case studies in four countries in South (Nepal) and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Myanmar and Viet Nam), this issue paper examines how REDD+ can be a driver of conflict (and cooperation), particularly between forest communities, governments and REDD+ project developers, as well as between and within communities and within national government agencies. The paper aims to flag issues (such as increased restrictions on forest access by local communities) that need greater attention regarding conflict and cooperation from the development and implementation of REDD+ as well as put forward recommendations to key stakeholders to ensure that REDD+ succeeds in providing real opportunities for achieving sustainable forest management in a region where deforestation, rural poverty and land use conflicts are a significant challenge.