UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Egan, Amanda R.
Dept./Program:
Natural Resources
Year:
2013
Degree:
MS
Abstract:
Integrating local communities into forest carbon projects is important to meeting social and development goals and contributes to the long-term success of a project. While much of the focus to date has been on projects in tropical forests of developing countries, this study uses the case of the Carpathian region of western Ukraine to explore community impacts from projects in post-socialist, transitional economies.
A thematic qualitative analysis of community and key informant interviews, observations, and secondary data was used to examine how communities may be affected by forest carbon projects and how they can share equitably in project costs and benefits. Our findings indicate that many local forest uses may be included in forest carbon management, but a participatory and transparent mechanism should be established to minimize negative community impacts and facilitate equitable benefit distribution. Our results further suggest that incorporating local communities into the design and implementation of forest carbon projects could assist in creating a cultural shift in how communities are involved in forest management in Ukraine.
A thematic qualitative analysis of community and key informant interviews, observations, and secondary data was used to examine how communities may be affected by forest carbon projects and how they can share equitably in project costs and benefits. Our findings indicate that many local forest uses may be included in forest carbon management, but a participatory and transparent mechanism should be established to minimize negative community impacts and facilitate equitable benefit distribution. Our results further suggest that incorporating local communities into the design and implementation of forest carbon projects could assist in creating a cultural shift in how communities are involved in forest management in Ukraine.