This project combines efforts of Canadian civil society and Nigerian communities to better understand the Reducing Emissions From Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) process to further environmental sustainability in forest dependent communities. The research project documented from the perspective of forest communities in Cross River State, the minimum set of rules for any effective REDD scheme to enhance livelihoods of poor communities using forest resources in West Africa.

This publication is the result of an initiative to promote an exchange between Brazil and African countries on lessons learned about the role of community forestry as a strategic option to achieve the goals of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). The initiative was supported by the World Bank with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and coordinated by the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation (FAS) with support from the National Forestry Agency International (ONFI).