2 July 2010: The UN-REDD Programme has provided an overview of activities undertaken to support improvement of national governance systems for the successful implementation of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks ( REDD+). The Programme has begun to support pilot countries in implementing effective and inclusive national governance systems, especially where prioritized by national stakeholders. This has included stakeholder participation, cross-sectoral coordination, legislative review towards reform and enforcement, monitoring governance safeguards, and supporting transparency and accountability. In addition, the UN-REDD Programme is finalizing a due diligence tool for applying minimum social standards using a rights-based approach established on three inter-related principles: good governance, stakeholder livelihoods and policy coherence. UN-REDD is also supporting nationally owned, multi-stakeholder, inclusive and participatory governance assessments. [UN-REDD Press Release]