And Yet It Moves: Success Stories and Drivers of CDM Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa (UNEP)

background

This report by the UNEP reviews CDM (Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol) projects in Africa. CDM projects allow polluting countries to offset their carbon emissions by financing clean development projects such as clean energy and efficiency, emissions capture, and reforestation in developing countries. This study examines CDM projects in Africa and includes a reforestation project in the DR Congo. 

conclusions & takeaways

The report states that the project was developed by native people of the region with considerable support from the in-country designated national authority of the Ministry of the Environment. The goal of the project was to sequester carbon through a native tree plantation and create a source of biofuel for local people in order to avert use of CO2-intensive fuels. The project was a success because it had strong public sector commitment which facilitated private sector investment.