Afforestation and Reforestation Projects in South and South-East Asia Under the Clean Development Mechanism: Trends and Development Opportunities

background

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was created as part of the 2007 Kyoto Protocol to assist countries in achieving both development and sustainability. Afforestation and reforestation (AR) projects are a part of the CDM protocal, but can be challenging to implement and measure.

research goals & methods

This study reports on survey results regarding CDM-AR projects. Surveys were conducted in South and South-east Asia of both (i) experts and (ii) developers, investors, and consultants.

conclusions & takeaways

Respondants had a wide variety of opinions about the viability of CDM-AR projects, but both groups agreed that the programs strengths were in the availability of land for planting as well as the possibilities for community-based forestry with a focus on local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Differences between the groups were also identified to assist with management of potential future conflicts.