Climate Change Corruption Report Highlighted by FRA

Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is keen to highlight the finding of the Global Corruption Report on climate change, which found that Kenya is dishonestly claiming credits for non-existent forestry plantations.

The report found that Kenya is among the governments that have claimed credits for fictional plantations. The report's results are being highlighted by FRA, a research and analysis consultancy that focuses on sustainable forestry and forestry investments. FRA analyst Peter Collins, said, “These carbon credit schemes were set up to benefit developing nations like Kenya by giving their governments the chance to receive credits for increasing the amount of sustainable forestry taking place within their borders. However, it seems these carbon credit schemes are sadly being abused.”

The report has done little to allay fears that such schemes could be wasted in African nations that still struggle with major corruption issues within their governments. The report, which was introduced this week at a conference in a Nairobi hotel, stated, ‘When responses to climate change are then partially or substantially lost to corruption, not only does the quality of projects suffer, but the result is that the ongoing effects of climate change are worst for those who can least afford it.’

Meanwhile, the executive director of the Climate Change Network Africa, Grace Akumu, said that the Kenyan government has the best set of policies in place to try to reduce climate change and protect the environment. However, she added that the policies need to be adhered to and followed in order to prevent climate change crises in the future.

Some have suggested that a good way to reduce corruption is to involve the public more and make information available to them on a greater level. Some countries, like Brazil, are benefiting from plantation projects as they are generating credits and also attracting foreign investment, through plantation schemes run by companies like Greenwood Management.

About Forestry Research Associates:

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Tel: (206) 316 8394