CASE STUDIESForest carbon surveys, analyses, and countermeasures
Case study
Case studyForest carbon surveys, analyses, and countermeasures
Date
2009-2011
Overview
With support from the Ford Foundation, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the carbon trading markets, focusing on the technical aspects of market design. Our research, which critiqued forest carbon markets from a financial perspective, included visits to forest communities in Latin America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. We identified key issues such as measurement inaccuracies—partially mitigated by new technologies—and persistent rent-seeking by intermediaries.
Key results
Our insights led to the development of the Dryad system, designed to directly channel funds to forest-dependent communities and reduce reliance on international intermediaries. This system enhances transparency and independence in monitoring and reporting. Our findings and recommendations were embraced by advocacy groups like Rainforest Foundation UK, Forest Peoples Programme, and REDD Monitor, underscoring the relevance and impact of our work amidst ongoing challenges in forest carbon markets.
Important lessons learned
The analysis revealed that large-scale, hidden costs in environmental solutions often go unexplored, yet they hold significant implications for investors and policymakers. Highlighting these costs can shift the debate and inform more effective strategies for managing climate, social, and environmental challenges.
Funder
- The Ford Foundation