Today, I will focus on REDD+, and the possible loop holes
and dangers that exist within the mechanism. All 3 articles and videos are
related, so feel free to read/evaluate only one of them.
1) http://www.fern.org/carbonmarketswillnotdeliver - Why carbon markets will not deliver
Carbon markets based around REDD credits are likely to be
highly uncertain, inequitable, and not address the core systemic issues that
drive deforestation. Carbon markets are highly dominated by Western entities,
and the profits generated rarely feed back into re-forestation projects. It is
also argued in the report that, as is the case for CDMs, most of the funding
and profits would only make it to a select group of countries, and not necessarily
the most vulnerable ones.
The report suggests that rather than relying on a market for
funding, Southern governments should push for other means, such as taxes,
levies and financial transfer payments.
2) http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/30/peruvian-amazon-carbon-piracy
These two media items refer to the same report. Prepared by
the FPP, and presented by Indigenous groups from Bolivia, the report outlines
how REDD contracts are not in the interests and benefits of numerous indigenous
groups in the Amazon.
The main concern is the lack of understanding and accurate
communication of what indigenous groups are signing up to. Contracts are
usually in English and have complex, Western focused legal matter attached to
them. Indigenous groups are being talked into signing an agreement with to
pre-defined end period.
Market based mechanisms are deeply embedded in Western
ideology and are being pushed on communities that have had seldom experience
with the market. Although REDD has possibilities NGOs and national government
are going to be very careful with the contracts regarding carbon trading, as
the profits generated may never make it back to the community.
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