This review analyzes experiences and key lessons learned over 30 years following the introduction of legal and policy reforms supporting community rights over forests as well as community involvement in the management of forests. It presents some key lessons from community forestry that are highly relevant for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). The Latin America region is highly vulnerable to global climate change and deforestation is a significant issue. Some drivers of this deforestation are identified such as the expansion of highway networks and the agroindustrial expansion of soy in response to market demand are major drivers for these high rates of deforestation. One of the conclusions of the report includes that critical factors determining sustainability are social and economic and that community forestry is based on the recognition of the rights of communities to establish and enforce rules governing the access and use of forests.