The important elements of a well-functioning institutional system are considered to be:⁽¹⁾

• a solid, sustainable network of institutions with the necessary range of expertise
• clearly documented roles and responsibilities with a single body assigned for overall coordination
• mechanisms for communication and exchange of information between central; and local, state, or provincial level agencies
• continuity of staff and succession planning
• high level of engagement and acceptance amongst the participating stakeholders.

A long-term vision through strategic planning supported by adequate budgets should be established to support the development and ongoing monitoring, measurement, reporting and verification requirements of REDD+.

Planning, preparation, documentation and archiving, compilation of reports, national consultation, assessment, approval, submission and continual improvement are MRV functions that require effective and documented institutional arrangements.

Institutional arrangements established under REDD+ can also support broader reporting for the LULUCF sector, as well as greenhouse gas inventories for Biennial Update Reports.