Opportunities, constraints and perceptions of rural communities regarding their potential to contribute to forest landscape transitions under REDD+: case studies from Mexico

Rural communities in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and surrounding regions face significant challenges in participating effectively in REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) despite its potential benefits. While opportunities exist for reduced forest degradation and enhancement, establishing additionality—proving that REDD+ activities would not have occurred without the program—remains difficult. Community size, land rights, and limited information about eligible activities and financial rewards hinder their ability to assess REDD+'s viability. Communities largely expect it to follow Mexico's existing Payment for Environmental Services model, but current gaps in transparency and understanding may deter broader participation.

Skutsch, M., Borrego, A., Morales-Barquero, L., Paneque-G�lvez, J., Salinas-Melgoza, M., Ramirez, M. I., Perez-Salicrup, D., Benet, D., Monroy, S., & Gao, Y. (2015). Opportunities, constraints and perceptions of rural communities regarding their potential to contribute to forest landscape transitions under REDD+: case studies from Mexico. International Forestry Review, 17(1), 65–84. https://doi.org/10.1505/146554815814669025