Costs and Revenues
A meta-analysis of the ecological and economic outcomes of mangrove restorationBackgroundMangrove forests provide many ecosystem services to local and global communities that are both ecologically and economically important. Global mangrove loss and degradation decrease the provision of ecosystem services; however, mangrove restoration projects can reverse these effects and support critical ecosystem services. Therefore, syntheses of different restoration project outcomes are necessary to encourage global political support and investment into preserving mangroves and their vital ecosystem services. Open access copy available |
The Evolution of Carbon Market: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric StudyBackgroundCarbon markets are now central to climate policy because governments increasingly rely on carbon pricing to align economic decisions with emission reduction targets. As emissions trading systems and carbon taxes expand in scope and scale, policymakers and researchers need a clear picture of how underlying scholarship has developed and where knowledge gaps remain. Literature on carbon markets has grown rapidly, spanning multiple disciplines, making it difficult to track dominant themes, influential contributions, and blind spots, especially around equity, governance, and Global South experiences. Open access copy available |
Global potential and limits of mangrove blue carbon for climate change mitigationBackgroundDespite national and international policy organizations’ interest in blue carbon financing for mangrove conservation, there is a lack of investment in payments for ecosystem services from the commercial sector. To encourage future investments and scale up blue carbon projects, it is necessary to address knowledge gaps on the financial return on investment for blue carbon projects. Open access copy available |
The natural capital framework for sustainably efficient and equitable decision makingBackgroundThe concept of ‘natural capital’ is increasingly accepted in government and private sector decision-making for its role in sustaining economic and social well-being. However, the field is fragmented, and many applications misuse its foundations in economics and ecology, which this perspective addresses by proposing an integrated framework. Available with subscription or purchase |
Forests, food, and fuel in the tropics: the uneven social and ecological consequences of the emerging political economy of biofuelsBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Improving Sustainable Tropical Forest Management with Voluntary Carbon MarketsBackgroundTropical forests play a vital role in global carbon sequestration, absorbing around 1 petagram (Pg) of carbon annually—more than any other terrestrial ecosystem. However, deforestation and forest degradation weaken their ability to mitigate climate change. While reduced-impact logging and sustainable forest management (SFM) aim to minimize damage, many SFM plans overlook differences in tree growth rates, species characteristics, and local site conditions. As voluntary carbon markets grow, they create new opportunities to fund improved forest practices through “carbon-focused sustainable forest management” (SFM + C), which integrates carbon sequestration goals into existing frameworks. Open access copy available |
Could Payments for Forest Carbon Contribute to Improved Tropical Forest Management?BackgroundThis study addresses the ongoing debate over whether carbon finance can incentivize better logging practices, especially in areas where unregulated logging causes severe environmental degradation. Under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), industrialized countries finance carbon sequestration projects in developing nations to help meet their emissions reduction targets. However, this approach raises concerns that such mechanisms may let developed countries delay cutting their own fossil fuel emissions. The paper investigates whether forest carbon payments can support improved natural forest management (NFM) in tropical regions. Open access copy available |
Carbon Prospecting in Tropical Forests for Climate Change MitigationBackgroundNature-based climate solutions—such as forest protection and restoration—play an increasingly central role in global climate mitigation strategies. However, the supply of high-quality carbon credits from forest protection projects fails to keep pace with rising demand. A major barrier is the lack of reliable data to guide investment decisions, particularly in pinpointing areas where forest carbon protection delivers both environmental and financial returns. This study evaluates the global potential of tropical forest conservation to generate investible carbon credits and quantifies the return on investment under current and projected carbon market conditions. Open access copy available |
How much deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa has been caused by mining?BACKGROUND:Sub-Saharan Africa has become a major mining hub due to its vast mineral resources, which has led to significant economic growth and investment in the region since the early 2000s. However, the expansion of mining activities, especially post-2000, has raised concerns about their environmental impact, particularly in terms of deforestation and habitat disruption. The paper aims to assess the extent of deforestation caused by mining activities in Sub-Saharan Africa, employing geospatial and statistical analysis to compare areas with and without mining operations. Open access copy available |
Erythrina (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae): A Versatile Genus for Agroforestry Systems in the Tropics.BackgroundThe genus Erythrina (Leguminosae) plays a crucial role in tropical agroforestry systems. These trees are adaptable and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with over 100 species globally. Erythrina species are known for their rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing capability, and adaptability to various environments, including low-fertility soils. Historically, they have been integrated into agricultural systems as shade trees, live fences, and forage sources. The diverse ecological benefits of Erythrina highlight its importance in addressing food security, environmental conservation, and rural livelihoods in tropical regions. Open access copy available |
