A new study has raised concerns over forest carbon projects across Southeast Asia, warning that schemes designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are struggling to deliver social protections and biodiversity benefits. Despite their promise as tools to combat climate change, weak governance, insecure land rights and fragmented policy frameworks are limiting their success.
Researchers examined 170 social science reports on forest carbon programs, including REDD+ initiatives, and found repeated shortcomings. Projects often prioritize carbon profits over community rights, and in many cases, Indigenous peoples have faced harassment, legal challenges and loss of access to traditional lands. One prominent example is Cambodia’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, where communities reported crop destruction and property confiscation after their land was absorbed into a REDD+ project.
According to lead author Yingshan Lau of the National University of Singapore, decisions made by those profiting from carbon markets can impact vulnerable communities thousands of miles away. Forest carbon projects typically generate credits through conservation activities that absorb or store carbon, which governments, companies and individuals purchase in an effort to offset emissions.
While supporters emphasize the potential for climate benefits and increased funding for conservation, critics point to limited evidence of emissions reductions and negative consequences for local people.
The study notes that many reforestation schemes focus on monoculture plantations that provide little value for biodiversity. It also found that projects often struggle to compete with major drivers of deforestation and suffer from corruption, funding shortages and unclear land tenure. Projects where land rights were clarified early in development showed better long-term outcomes, including improved trust and fairer distribution of benefits.
Experts say accountability is now more important than ever as carbon markets expand rapidly worldwide. Maria Brockhaus, a professor of international forest policy at the University of Helsinki, warned that democratic backsliding and environmental deregulation in countries such as Indonesia, Brazil and the United States are undermining protections that once safeguarded local communities and natural ecosystems.
Researchers recommend strengthening safeguards to defend Indigenous rights and prevent land grabbing or forced eviction. They also call for greater involvement of local communities in decision-making, including improved access to information and carbon credit literacy programs. Respect for traditional forest management practices could help restore biodiversity, protect carbon stores and ensure long-term stewardship of forest landscapes.
The study concludes that a shift toward more community-centered approaches and diversified restoration efforts including ecosystem rehabilitation and agroforestry could align climate goals with social and ecological responsibility.