Carbon Markets and Climate Justice: How Carbon Trading Frameworks Can Protect Community Land Rights

The roundtable session on carbon markets and climate justice addressed how carbon trading frameworks can be designed to protect community land rights, especially as countries in Africa and Asia establish legal frameworks in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of tenure security in achieving effective conservation, recognizing that rural communities are key to successful conservation outcomes. However, rapid implementation of carbon credit projects has often lacked safeguards, grievance mechanisms, and accountability for potential rights violations. This session sought to identify the necessary elements for national carbon trading frameworks to fully protect community rights. Presenters shared experiences from supporting local communities in Sierra Leone, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Guinea, showcasing effective approaches to safeguarding community rights during nature-based projects. Discussions emphasized the strengths found in existing laws on community land and customary tenure, the importance of enforceable community-level bylaws, and the lessons learned from other sectors like mining and agribusiness. These examples underscored the need for robust legal protections and community engagement to ensure fair participation in carbon markets. The session also created a platform for diverse stakeholders—including civil society, government, and private sector representatives—to discuss policy priorities. This dialogue aimed to ensure that carbon markets not only contribute to climate goals but also respect local community rights, fostering equitable and sustainable outcomes in carbon trading initiatives.


This resource has been made available by the organizers of the World Bank Land Conference under the following disclaimer.