The Reference Document is divided into 9 chapters starting with an introduction and overview of the subject, moving on gradually and logically to required policy framework to support REDD+ implementation as part of the forest management in the country. The document describes in detail the issues and concepts related to definitions as also approach to construct national forest reference level. It also assigns the roles and responsibilities to different government and other organizations, including MoEF, FSI, ICFRE, State Forest Department, JFM Committees, Panchayats and Gram Sabhas, etc. Governance and safeguards to ensure that REDD+ implementation supports the rights of the local communities and indigenous peoples (tribals) as also conservation of biodiversity in natural forests. Reference Document comprehensively addresses the need of capacity building across all levels of the government, expert organizations, civil society, other organizations and local communities. Important aspects of National Forest Monitoring System comprising MRV and Safeguards Information systems have been dealt with lucidly in the document. Research needs of REDD+ are also compiled in a separate chapter.