Malaysia’s Safeguards Interpretation
The Cancun Safeguards aim to reduce the risks of REDD Plus while
promoting its benefits, and constitute seven broad principles,
covering social, environmental and governance-related aspects.
The potential risks of REDD Plus can include negative impacts on
the livelihoods of forest-based communities, on the biodiversity
and ecosystem services provided by natural forests, and on the
governance and transparency of the forest sector, among others,
while potential benefits can include improved provision of forest
goods and services, strengthened participation by local communities
and other stakeholders, and support for biodiversity conservation –
addressing and respecting the safeguards helps to ensure that REDD
Plus activities are designed and implemented in ways that reduce
the potential risks and enhance the potential benefits.
The Cancun Safeguards have been interpreted in the national context,
setting out the relevant definitions and criteria for addressing
and respecting the safeguards in Malaysia.