How corporate governance affects the success of REDD+ projects in Tanzania

REDD+ has much potential but is not without risk, and although some risks can be addressed by technical means, many require the influence and engagement of higher levels of corporate governance within effective institutions. Tanzania, along with many countries preparing for REDD+, has significant involvement of non-governmental organisations as implementers of community-based REDD+ projects. Despite progress and optimism, several areas of risk to long-term project success remain, for example in ensuring development-orientated policies to address drivers of deforestation, effective conflict resolution and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Greater board involvement is necessary to ensure strategy and leadership with a focus on risk mitigation, and sufficient autonomy in key functions for local level REDD+ implementation. This is in line with contemporary corporate governance principles to integrate risk management with strategy,~performance and sustainability.