What is a clean development mechanism for climate change and how can it support social forestry?

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a project-based mechanism established by the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and earn credits that can be used to meet their own emission reduction targets. The CDM aims to promote sustainable development in developing countries while also reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the project types eligible for the CDM is afforestation and reforestation (A/R) projects, which involve planting new forests or restoring degraded lands with trees. These A/R projects can support social forestry by providing income-generation opportunities for local communities, promoting sustainable forest management practices, and helping to improve local ecosystem services such as water and soil conservation.

Under the CDM, developed country investors can provide funding for A/R projects in developing countries, which can earn Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits for each tonne of CO2 equivalent emissions that are avoided or removed by the project. These CER credits can then be used by developed countries to meet their own emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

The revenue generated from the sale of CER credits can be used to support social forestry projects, such as providing training and education on sustainable forest management practices, developing local markets for forest products, and improving forest governance and community participation.

CDM can support social forestry by providing funding for A/R projects that promote sustainable forest management and benefit local communities while also contributing to global efforts to address climate change.

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