Taita Taveta residents protest over withdrawal of carbon credit project

Part of the team managing the Mikoko Pamoja under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project. [File, Standard]

Taita Taveta residents have opposed the suspension of the carbon credit project.

The project by an NGO called Verra titled Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) was suspended over alleged sexual harassment allegations at the workplace.

About ten officers of the organisation at Marungu and Kasigau locations in Voi Sub County were sacked for allegedly abusing dozens of women.

Led by a former executive in county administration, John Mwangeka, the residents said the abolition of the project would erode the gains made on poverty alleviation, education, health, and environmental conservation.

About 5,000 children from poor families are benefiting from the scholarship program initiated by Wildlife Works, spearheading the REDD+ project in 14 ranches in six locations in Voi Sub County.

Mwangeka, who read a petition of the targeted communities in Maungu town after holding a peaceful demonstration, said the project has created green jobs, empowered local communities, and reduced deforestation rates, showcasing a model that harmonizes environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

"We have all seen a very positive impact by having the project here. This is a poor area of Kenya with very limited employment opportunities. The project has provided an ever-growing number of jobs to the community through its various departments, which we hope will continue to grow.

And on top of that, they have worked with the communities to engage them in learning about climate change and how to adapt their agricultural methods to become climate resilient," he stated.

As the community demonstrates solidarity for the project, Mwangeka noted that they are concerned about their livelihoods if the project is cancelled.

"This is why we feel compelled to correct some of the blatant falsehoods put forward about the project," he noted.

The community noted that call for global carbon offset industry abolition within their report indicates ulterior motives and a disregard for local communities embracing and benefiting from such initiatives.

"The local community condemns human rights violations and supports the project's internal investigations and corrective actions. While appreciating whistle-blowing, the community firmly rejects labeling the malpractices as systematic and radical recommendations, demanding the abolition of the carbon offset industry," he said.

We support Wildlife Works' corrective actions against alleged perpetrators and demand fair administration of justice and compensation where human rights violations are proven," Mwangeka said.