Recent reports reveal a contentious land deal between Liberia and a Dubai-based company, igniting concerns over its ramifications for Indigenous communities and the environment. The agreement entails the sale of approximately 10% of Liberia’s land to Blue Carbon, a Dubai firm, for conservation purposes aimed at selling carbon credits. However, critics dub it as “carbon colonialism,” expressing doubts about its climate benefits and warning of potential adverse effects on Indigenous livelihoods. Moreover, the lack of consultation with local communities and the absence of legal clarity regarding land ownership raise ethical and legal red flags, leaving Indigenous populations vulnerable to exploitation and displacement.
Similar initiatives across Africa have faced scrutiny for their opacity and potential harm to local populations. In Kenya, Indigenous communities have already been displaced to make room for carbon credit projects. Blue Carbon’s expansion plans in Zambia and Tanzania further highlight the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes to safeguard the rights of Indigenous peoples and protect the environment. Read more