The political economy of reforestation and forest restoration in Asia-Pacific: Critical issues for REDD+

► REDD+ reforestation initiatives will be mediated by powerful political economic interests. ► Prior Asia-Pacific reforestation initiatives consolidated state control over 'degraded' forests. ► They also increased inequity by channeling subsidies and rents to elite actors. ► Weak financial governance facilitated corruption and fraud, at times on a grand scale. ► Tree-planting promises benefits for small-holders, but can undermine livelihood security.