3.1 How can we incorporate Carbon Justice Principles into Carbon Project Agreements?

A community in Sierra Leone is considering a project development agreement for a project that would capture carbon from the surrounding mangroves. The mangroves are an important part of the community economy – men fish nearby while women collect firewood and shellfish. [They also have cultural significance] They were initially presented with a contract with the following language:

“The landowner shall not use the leased land from the lessee for any purpose, including but not exclusive to: Agriculture, including grazing, farming, or cultivation of crops; and Wood collection, including the cutting or harvesting of mangroves, timber, or other forest resources. The access by the communities shall be restricted for the period of the lease agreement. ”

Based on the brief description of the community, what justice issues do you anticipate might be a problem for this community?

Which Carbon Justice Principle do you think might be related? [Refer back to the issue described in question 1]

The community worked with a lawyer to come up with this revised language.

“There shall be designated by the village committee after consultations within the communities, areas for exclusive mangrove conservation. Areas designated for conservation shall be specially marked with signs showing that they are conservation areas.

……..Cutting of mangroves in reserved or conservation areas is prohibited.

……… People can continue to enjoy other use rights within the conservation areas without cutting or destroying the mangroves.”

What do you notice about how the text has changed? Check all that apply.

In your opinion, do these changes sufficiently address the justice concerns? Why or why not?