It is increasingly recognized that REDD+ can contribute to a range of policy goals in addition to climate change mitigation. It can promote biodiversity conservation and secure the provision of ecosystem services including water regulation, timber production, erosion control and the supply of non-timber forest products. Social benefits, such as improved livelihoods (including from carbon payments), clarification of land tenure, and stronger governance, may also arise from implementing REDD+.

To provide this evidence on possible benefits and risks, it is necessary to consider not only whether REDD+ is implemented, but how and where it is implemented. REDD+, with its five different activities, has become a complex policy instrument, which can be implemented in a variety of ways. Evidence is needed on the identity and magnitude of the risks and benefits of different REDD+ activities and on the likely costs of achieving benefits and avoiding risks.

After discussing REDD+ safeguards this paper outlines a series of analytical approaches that can help provide an evidence base to inform REDD+ decisions. It focuses on addressing environmental risks and benefits, and provides examples of where countries are already using these approaches.