Over the past 25 years, developing countries have transitioned toward decentralized forest management that allows local actors increased rights and responsibilities (1–4), and has helped protect forests in many regions (5, 6). A new approach to mitigating terrestrial emissions associated with climate change, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), is poised to interrupt this trend. Given the implications for tropical forest management, REDD+ governance links should be a research priority (7).