Forests play a key role in climate change mitigation and adaptation and there are potential synergies between REDD+ and the ability of populations to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This report argues that failure to consider mitigation and adaptation in the context of forests and forest based communities may result in an undermining of sustainable forestry practices and a loss of rights and livelihoods among vulnerable communities. The report investigates the role of forests for mitigation, adaptation and livelihoods identifying potential synergies and trade-offs. The case studies from Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam are based on local experiences and aim to explore how community forestry may contribute to adaptation and mitigation goals.