B1.2.2. National REDD+ Program benefits, risks and measures related to accountability and corruption control

A number of risks related to accountability and corruption control have been identified through REDD+ planning processes at the national and subnational levels. An assessment[1] on the potential benefits and risks arising from National REDD+ Action Program (NRAP)[2] policies and measures identified risks in this area, focusing on the potential for 'elite capture' of REDD+ processes and/or benefits. Risks may include:

• Social and environmental impacts are not assessed, or there is a lack of transparency in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation process, especially lack of participation from local communities;
• Financial mechanisms and business models (such as investment support for forest protection) may give priority to state organizations and businesses, while forest owners who are households, individuals, and communities have limited options to benefit and more limited income.

The NRAP assessment at the national level put forward a number of suggested measures for addressing the identified risks related to accountability/corruption control, especially elite capture, including:

• Ensure inclusive, participatory and transparent consultation processes, with clear guidelines covering selection of representatives, inclusiveness, and information sharing/disclosure.
• Develop clear policies, principles, standard operating procedures and guidelines for financial mechanisms and business models, in order to enhance social co-benefits and address social risks; attention should focus on developing and operationalising safeguards to protect rural communities and smallholders involved in producing key commodities.
• Clarify and implement forest land allocation procedures to address issues of inequity and inequality, and to enhance positive social impacts; there should be capacity-building for public sector implementation agencies (e.g. forest management boards, extension agencies) on safeguards measures and procedures.

In addition, Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs) relevant to REDD+ in Viet Nam are expected to address complaints and disputes related to issues of accountability, corruption and elite capture (see SIS B.2.6). The processes in place to ensure the transparency and fairness of benefit sharing are also covered under SIS B.2.3.

At the sub-national level, an analysis of social and environmental risks and benefits was required for the development of Provincial REDD+ Action Plans (PRAPs).[3] In specific sub-national locations, assessments have also been carried out through the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) during the development of the FCPF Emission Reductions Program (FCPF ERP), and through the assessment of Environmental and Social Considerations for the Project for Sustainable Forest Management in the Northwest Watershed Area (SUSFORM-NOW) funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The FCPF ERP’s SESA and ESMF, for example, identify a number of risks related to 'elite capture', for example of REDD+ benefits and access to forest resources.[4]

[1]	Summarised from assessment of potential benefits and risks arising from the NRAP: https://sis.kiemlam.gov.vn/web/guest/library/-/document_library/iXuUrTYhhdKx/view_file/75422
[2]	NRAP 2017, Decision No 419/QD-TTg dated 5/4/2017
[3]	Chapter 3, MARD Decision No. 5414/2015/QD-BNN-TCLN
[4]	FCPF ERP Document (2018) https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099084503102317187/p1626050ba39050d5089ad0e55dd7827da1