In this brief, we (1) review the current situation of indigenous peoples (IP) and traditional communities (TC) with regards to climate change, REDD+ and low-emission rural development (LED-R) in the Tropics; (2) present a conceptual framework for Jurisdictional REDD+ to demonstrate how IP and TC forest guardians could receive greater and more lasting benefits from climate change mitigation strategies (including possible climate finance) under certain conditions; (3) present six regional case studies on Jurisdictional REDD+; and (4) summarize recommendations for the road beyond Paris. In particular, we examine which actions can be supported by IP and TC, governmental decision-makers, and other key stakeholders to ensure equitable and sustainable low-emission rural development.