Participation of local communities and indigenous peoples is a major theme in the international REDD+ debate. Ranging from consultation processes to local people working collaboratively with professionals in forest management and monitoring, participation can foster shared ownership and understanding of the forest system and its resources, ensuring forest management meets community needs. 
However, participatory processes are wrought with challenges and may be of limited value if consultations exclude certain groups or are held in cities away from natural resources and the communities that rely on them. Whilst participation may legitimise decision-making it can be distorted by powerful actors or offer little further opportunity for engagement once the process is complete.
This section highlights key resources and features around participation . You may also be interested in monitoring, verification and reporting resources or benefit sharing.
