Legitimacy of local REDD+ processes. A comparative analysis of pilot projects in Brazil and Tanzania. Issue 78 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nantongo, Mary Gorret
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 78(2017)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Legitimacy -- Participation -- REDD+ -- Tanzania -- Brazil; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2017.09.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: Quality decision-making increases local acceptability of REDD+. Flexibility in the designing of REDD+ is necessary for increasing legitimacy. Downward accountability and access to independent information counters elite-power. Abstract: This paper compares the legitimacy of pilot projects in Kilosa and Kondoa districts of Tanzania and the Amazon region in Brazil. The analysis is both normative – i.e., based on external criteria – and sociological – i.e., based on local people's perceptions. Results show that the quality of decision-making in terms of local participation, balanced representation, openness and sufficient information increases local acceptability of REDD+. The research also suggests that power asymmetries may undermine legitimacy if not dealt with. Finally, the paper reveals that legitimacy outcomes differ under various contexts, which calls for REDD+ processes to be flexible.