# REDD+ in cartoons URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/redd-in-cartoons Type: News Published: 2013-08-09 Updated: 2020-06-24 --- 09 August 2013 Forests are like a playground for corruption – worth a lot of money but so vast and sprawling they are hard to police. The global appetite for products like wood, beef, soy, palm oil and paper is proving a far greater force than the efforts towards conservation, and is driving a thriving black market in many forest-rich countries. Companies collude with politicians to exploit protected zones, local officials doctor forest maps to cover up wrongdoing, illegal loggers bribe wardens to turn a blind eye, and developers throw forest communities off their land. Our new poster campaign is aimed at raising awareness among forest populations about corruption risks in [REDD+](http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/pub/keeping_redd_clean) (*Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation*) – a relatively new scheme that aims to combat climate change, essentially by paying forest-dense countries not to cut down trees. REDD+ money could be a blessing for people living on REDD+ project land. Put to its proper use it should support local infrastructure and services like roads, schools and hospitals. Given the forestry sector’s track record for corruption, however, it is our concern that these funds might end up in the wrong hands. - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-works_1.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-works_2.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-works_3.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-works_4.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-works_5.jpg) The slideshow above shows what can happen when REDD+ projects are corruption-free. Funds from the programme can deliver tangible benefits to communities that preserve the forests around them. The slideshow below shows three scenarios where corruption prevents REDD+ projects from helping the intended beneficiaries. Instead, corrupt intermediaries make off with the REDD+ funds, leaving the communities cheated out of promised benefits. - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_1.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_2.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_3.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_4.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_5.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_6.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_7.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_8.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_9.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_10.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_11.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_12.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_13.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_14.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_15.jpg) - ![](/images/uploads/feature/When-REDD-goes-wrong_16.jpg) Our [Climate Finance Integrity Programme](/programmes/detail/cgip) is researching potential risks in three major REDD+ recipient countries – Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam – and promoting ideas to close the gaps. Whether meeting with government officials or [visiting forest communities](http://blog.transparency.org/2013/08/09/drawing-connections-with-cartoons-on-the-campaign-trail-in-png/), by drawing attention to these risks we want to help ensure that REDD+ works – for people and for the planet. ### Resources The cartoons seen above are available in a range of formats and can be used to raise awareness about the REDD+ risks and benefits. You can also [read a blog post about their origins](http://blog.transparency.org/2013/08/09/drawing-connections-with-cartoons-on-the-campaign-trail-in-png/). - [Download our poster](/files/content/feature/REDDPoster_EN.pdf) - More downloads coming soon! [Transparency International Indonesia](http://www.ti.or.id/) also produced an animated short highlighting corruption concerns in the forestry sector. Watch it below. ## Priorities - [Climate crisis](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/climate-crisis) ## Countries - [Indonesia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/indonesia) - [Papua New Guinea](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/papua-new-guinea) - [Vietnam](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/vietnam) ## Projects - [Climate Governance Integrity Programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/climate-governance-integrity-programme) For any press inquiries please contact ### Related Projects ## [Climate Governance Integrity Programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/climate-governance-integrity-programme) Project Features monitoring and analysis of the nearly US$100 billion invested in climate prevention and adaption. ### You might also like... ## [COP Talks: Formal Delegations, Informal Access](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cop30-formal-delegations-informal-access) News • 14 September 2026 Our analysis of EU delegations found 63 fossil fuel-linked representatives accredited through nine EU Member States at COP30, raising concerns over transparency and influence in… ## [Financial intelligence units: Powerful tools against corruption if governments let them work](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/financial-intelligence-units-powerful-tools-against-corruption) News • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can help expose corrupt money flows – but only if governments give them the powers, access and independence to do the job. ## [CoSP11: A critical moment for shaping the future of integrity worldwide](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cosp11-shaping-future-of-political-integrity-international-anticorruption-day) News • 08 December 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day highlights rising insecurity and injustice and builds momentum for CoSP11. ## [Global Corruption report: Climate Change](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/global-corruption-report-climate-change) News • 30 April 2011 Transparency International’s Global Corruption Report: Climate Change explores climate-related corruption risks and argues that a dramatic strengthening of governance mechanisms…