Efforts to make forest conservation 'participatory' often result in zero improvement for the environment or the poor, as they primarily benefit the already wealthy and educated.
April 1, 2026
Original Paper
Participation and Outcomes in Early REDD+:,Evidence from Six Countries
SSRN · 6506759
The Takeaway
In a study across six countries, researchers found that the 'participatory' requirements of climate policies like REDD+ did not actually reduce forest clearing or increase household wealth. Instead, these requirements just created a new venue where the most advantaged citizens captured the decision-making roles, while the underlying structural constraints of the projects remained unaddressed.
From the abstract
Early REDD+ emphasized local participation in forest governance. Yet it remains unclear whether this early engagement led to measurable improvements in forest conservation or household welfare. This study examines the initial phase of REDD+ implementation in six countries and compares changes over time between villages with and without REDD+ projects. We find no clear evidence that REDD+ reduced forest clearing or improved household wealth during the study period. Participation in decision-makin