Community guidelines for accessing forestry voluntary carbon ... - FAO

Chapter 2: VCM project types and standards
2.6.2 Social benefits
Forestry VCM projects may well result in enhanced livelihoods, as a
result of both income from carbon credits, and diversification of income
sources through improved environmental conditions, as noted above.
However, certain social conditions regarding rights, governance and
benefits need to be in place for a forestry VCM project to succeed. The
process of meeting these conditions may yield additional non-monetary
benefits for local people, such as:
• Clarifying land tenure and access rights. Forestry VCM
projects need maps and clarification of boundaries in order
to accurately account for carbon and determine what laws
and policies govern the project area. This can help clarify
outstanding tenure disputes for rural communities who lack
legal tenure but are instrumental in managing and maintaining
the forest area. The emerging issue of ‘carbon rights’ will bring
these rights issues into sharper focus. See box 7 below.
• Gaining new knowledge and training in new skills. Local
forest managers may have opportunities to receive training in
carbon accounting methods, including forest mapping, forest
inventory and plot sampling, GPS usage, and computer-based
skills like remote sensing, GIS, and interpreting aerial images.
• Building local participation and democratic processes. No
project can take place without widespread consultation of
multiple stakeholders. Creating a venue for participation can
enhance transparency and social equity.
• Receiving global recognition as responsible forest managers.
Undertaking a successful forestry VCM project provides proof
that the project developers, staff, and local partners are
capable forest managers. This can be used to leverage funds
for other projects from other companies and international
donors.
57