The Cancun agreement lists seven safeguards in accordance with which REDD+ activities are to be undertaken, and which are to be promoted and supported:

• consistency with existing forest programmes and international agreements;
• transparent and effective national forest governance structures;
• respect for the knowledge and rights of indigenous peoples and local communities;
• full and effective participation of relevant stakeholders;
• protection of natural forests and biodiversity;
• addressing the risk of reversals ('permanence'); and
• addressing the risk of displacement of emissions ('leakage')