Improving ways to record tenure rights

Abstract

This guide provides practical advice on how to improve existing ways to record rights so that the benefits and protections offered by recording systems can be available to all without discrimination. It gives guidance on how to apply the principles and practices of the “Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security”. There are many recording systems around the world that help to bring tenure security and other benefits to people who hold tenure rights, but there are also many systems that do not function well, and barriers can be placed unintentionally or deliberately to prevent people from using the systems. Recording of rights can bring benefits to people who hold the rights as well as to broader society. Potential benefits include improved tenure security, improved operation of markets, and better support for other administrative purposes.