The Untapped Potential of Great Green Wall Voluntary Carbon Market Projects 2024

2.5 Risk of non-viable projects due to slow growth and high mortality Harsh environmental conditions, including poor soil quality, low rainfall and extreme temperatures, mean that restoration projects in the Sahel can experience slower tree growth than in other parts of Africa or the world, with potentially high mortality rates. Concerns about slow growth rates and low tree survival in restoration projects in the GGW region make these efforts appear less viable compared to tropical regions, raising doubts about their long- term effectiveness. These challenges, along with other factors outlined in this section, can potentially increase the likelihood of low returns, particularly for ARR projects where high upfront costs are needed to restore land. Risk mitigation: Despite these concerns, project designs are adapting to these challenges. The use of drought-resistant, native tree species thatare better suited to local conditions is helping to improve survival rates.45 For example, through community engagement and low-tech land management techniques, Tree Aid has achieved a survival rate of 70% (averaged from 32 million trees grown over 37 years). Innovative technologies and sustainable land management techniques, such as water harvesting and soil conservation, can also enhance soil moisture and fertility, combating low rainfall and poor soil. Combined with practices such as assisted natural regeneration, these strategies are making reforestation and restoration in the Sahel both effective and sustainable. Low returns are therefore by no means inevitable in GGW countries. Carbon projects, particularly those developed at scale, can achieve potentially high returns on investment (see Box 5). Additionally, having a presence on the ground, supported by knowledge of the local context regarding the environment and national policy, can reduce risks and increase investor confidence. Potential high returns underscore the financial viability for GGW voluntary carbon market projects, which can also deliver significant environmental and social benefits, making them a promising option for investors. Through community engagement and low-tech land management techniques, Tree Aid has achieved a survival rate of 70% averaged from 32 million trees grown over 37 years.Paralegals equip communities in Sierra Leone with legal knowledge to negotiate carbon justiceBOX 4 In August 2024, Germany’s Deutsche Welle broadcaster released a documentary on Sierra Leone’s paralegals – professionals trained in the law who travel to remote rural communities across the country.43 Supported by civil society organization Namati and equipped with an innate understanding of local culture, traditions and dialects, they provide people with a legal education on basic land-tenure rights. Legislation is an essential reinforcing component to community centred-approaches. In Sierra Leone, laws took effect in 2022 that require any land agreement to first pass review by village communities. The paralegals ask these communities to suggest bylaws that can support their own priorities before negotiating an agreement with a company. The objective is to secure fair pricing and uphold community rights and access.Namati’s carbon justice work also proposes pooled funds for the provision of legal and technical support for project- affected communities, based on six carbon justice principles championed by the Grassroots Justice Network:44 –No pay to pollute –Respect community rights to land and water –Free, prior and informed consent –Fair compensation –Fair participation –Enforcement The Untapped Potential of Great Green Wall Voluntary Carbon Market Projects 17