Legitimacy of local REDD+ processes. A comparative analysis of pilot projects in Brazil and Tanzania

•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. This paper compares the legitimacy of pilot projects in Kilosa and Kondoa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & policy 2017-12, Vol.78, p.81-88
Main Author: Nantongo, Mary Gorret
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brazil
Legitimacy
Participation
REDD
Tanzania
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Summary:•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. 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.
ISSN:1462-9011
1873-6416
DOI:10.1016/j.envsci.2017.09.005