The legitimacy of multilevel governance structures for benefit sharing REDD+ and other low emissions options in Peru

Key points Local governments, indigenous organizations, producer groups and government agriculture offices are noticeably absent from broad regional REDD+ discussions about benefit sharing.The legitimacy of project-level benefit-sharing arrangements may be compromised if existing locally recognized institutions and actors are not integrated into both the design and implementation of benefit-sharing schemes.Non-monetary benefits are currently more important than direct cash payments in existing benefit-sharing arrangements in Peru, especially because of the absence or delay of carbon payments.