1. PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE ASSESSMENT (PGA) OVERVIEW OF PILOT RESEARCH IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA Tony Atah, UN-REDD+ Stakeholder Engagement Specialist February 2014

2. Nigeria PGA Objectives To assess existing legal instruments for effective REDD+ implementation and forest governance; institutional capacity of government agencies to implement the REDD+ Programme and sustainable forest management policies; existence and effectiveness of an anti-corruption strategy specifically designed for REDD+; existence and effectiveness of mechanisms established for meaningful participation by forest-dependent communities in the implementation of REDD+; existence and implementation of the benefit distribution system for REDD+ in terms of its transparency and fairness in distribution of benefits to the concerned stakeholders.

3. Principles of PGA PGA is based on four vital principles of – Accountability; – Participation; – Transparency; and – legitimacy.

4. Geographic coverage of preliminary PGA in Nigeria The preliminary PGA exercise was conducted in three pilot communities of – Esuk Mba in Akpabuyo Local Government Area (LGA); – Iko Esai in Akamkpa LGA; and – Baunchor in Boki LGA.

5. Technical coverage of preliminary PGA Looked at governance issues across the different sub-themes of – stakeholders’ perceived gains and losses, – governance risks, – private sector drivers of deforestation and – communication system.

6. Focus on Governance Risks Absence of fiduciary and fund management systems at the local community level; No clearly defined responsive feedback and grievance mechanisms; Accessibility of information & active dissemination amongst stakeholders affected by - – Inadequate knowledge of type of information available; – inadequate means of dissemination; – timeliness of message delivery; and – appropriateness of language used.

7. Focus on Governance Risks (continued) Active participation of all stakeholders, including vulnerable groups affected by - – ineffective engagement of stakeholders; and – Stakeholders’ limited capacity to participate effectively. – poor stakeholders’ identification and engagement; and – inadequate empowerment especially information sharing to encourage participation. – unmanaged expectations and inconsistent engagement of communities leading to loss of interest and confidence.

8. Focus on Governance Risks (continued) Inter-agency coordination Rule of law, access to justice & effective remedies Rights of local communities to land & to carbon Gender equality & women’s empowerment: Free, prior & informed consent by local communities Involuntary resettlements Traditional knowledge & cultural heritage Equitable & transparent benefit sharing Economic & social well-being of all, including vulnerable groups

9. Recommendations More data on governance issues for implementing REDD+ required; Stakeholder participation should be encouraged in the PGA process; Awareness raising/advocacy on PGA & REDD+ critical for stakeholder buy-in; Develop and implement effective information and communication strategy; Stakeholders’ input is needed to verify the PGA data collected; Promote learning through review of findings from the preliminary PGA; Identify opportunities for addressing poverty through pro-conservation livelihoods initiatives; Issues regarding funds management should be addressed promptly; Strengthen institutions and enforcement systems at all levels; Reflect gender considerations and equity as part of safeguards against governance risk. Sustain/improve relevant policies to implementing REDD+ and improving forest governance.

10. Conclusion Addressing governance issues is the bedrock for - – effective implementation of the UN-REDD+ program; and – sustainable forest governance in general. Taking into consideration, among several others the following:

17. Thus ensuring that the REDD+ programme – ‘complies with standards of democratic governance’, and – ‘carefully assesses potential adverse impacts on stakeholders’ long-term livelihoods and mitigate effects where appropriate.’

18. Thank you.