Projects aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) have expanded in Central Africa following carbon certification standards, which were intended to demonstrate the feasibility of payments and rewards earned depending on a measured quantity of avoided deforestation. We used storytelling as a communication concept to analyse the narratives of five main certification standards that accompanied the implementation of REDD+ projects in Central Africa. Our analysis focuses on two storylines: the measurement of avoided deforestation, and payments or rewards. The examination of official documents disseminated by certification standards and the results from a survey of REDD+ stakeholders highlighted a gap between these promises and reality. Our findings show that carbon standards have diffused an idyllic view of REDD+, simplifying methods of measuring avoided deforestation and promising payments, co-benefits and sustainable development. Unkept promises result in disappointment and declining enthusiasm on the part of those involved in REDD+ projects at an early stage.
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1505/146554820829403469Altmetric score:
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Publication year
2020
Authors
Tsayem Demaze, M.; Sufo Kankeu, R.; Sonwa, D.J.
Language
English
Keywords
deforestation, degradation, mitigation, climate change, carbon
Geographic
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Gabon
Funders
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), International Climate Initiative (IKI), Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)
