REDD+ readiness in Nepal In search of effective stakeholder participation

• In Nepal, key substantive issues, such as measurement, reporting and verification, reference emission levels, governance and financing, on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) are under-addressed. Dispute regarding REDD+ procedural issues, such as participation and communication have dominated. Adjusting this balance may be productive for making headway with substantive issues. • The REDD+ process in Nepal is failing to fully engage all relevant stakeholders. This lack of genuine engagement invites the risks of non-cooperation of many forest dependent communities and stakeholders. • Language, technical and attitudinal barriers are limiting participation of a wide range of stakeholders. Work to reduce these barriers, develop capacity of weak stakeholders and forge productive dialogue between experts and civic actors may help improve their participation.