Monday 22 September 2014

Opportunities to Recognise Land Rights for Local and Global Benefits

Planting a hedge helps stake claim to your land.
Since 2002 legislation that recognises Indigenous People and local community land and forest rights has been enacted.  However,  momentum has slowed since 2008 according to a new report issued by the
The reality is that the land which Indigenous People and local communities traditionally claim is much larger than that which is currently legally recognised by governments.


Research has shown how recognition of land rights of Indigenous People and local communities delivers local and global benefits.  For example, support for community forest tenure promotes carbon capture and reduces threats of deforestation by extraction companies and loggers.

More decision-making control for Indigenous People could bring both local and global benefits. The preservation of biodiversity and carbon capture in Madagascar’s unique forests could bring long term benefits for all.

Money for Madagascar has worked with forest communities for over two decades. We are now exploring new ways to gain carbon credits for the work we do with tree-planting and water installations. More information about this will be featured on our blog as plans develop. 

E Grisenthwaite