This briefing paper was elaborated by the Task Force on REDD and Communities of the IUCN Commission on
Environmental, Economic and Social Policy, in collaboration with the Global Forest Coalition, a worldwide
coalition of NGOs and Indigenous Peoples' Organisations. The briefing note is a contribution to the
debate about policies and incentives to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation
(REDD). It focuses on the potential of governance of forests by indigenous peoples and local
communities, and discusses implications of envisaged REDD regimes for local rights.
Feedback on the briefing note is welcome and can be sent to Simone Lovera, co-coordinator of the Task
Force, < simonelovera@yahoo.com >