*See update below.
Corruption in the forest sector has until now been overwhelmingly linked to logging, both illegal and legal, which in many countries has led to significant depletion of valuable tropical forests. But today incentive mechanisms such as REDD+, intended to compensate governments, communities or other groups in developing countries for reducing forest loss, are beginning to change the face of corruption in the sector.
This briefing paper maps out potential areas for corruption and illegality under the REDD+ mechanism and draws some initial recommendations for donors and policymakers.
*Update 23 October 2015: Included in the attached report is reference to a 2010 investigation by the Overseas Anti Corruption Unit of the City of London Police into a UK company. On 22 October 2015 the police stated that in relation to this investigation, evidence has proved unobtainable in a number of key respects. They have been advised that the evidence is insufficient to commence any prosecution for corruption and accordingly the suspects are being advised that no action will be taken against them.
