Case Study: The Impact of Carbon Marketing on Pouh Town

Mr. Gaye, a 70-year-old farmer and respected elder, has lived his entire life in Pouh Town. Known for his intelligence and sharp analytical mind, he is considered one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the community, particularly when it comes to the surrounding forest and natural environment. Over the years, Mr. Gaye has witnessed the transformation of his town and remains deeply connected to its evergreen scenery and calm rivers. His bond with Pouh is rooted not only in his personal history but also in the ancestral ties and cultural heritage embedded in the land.

As a lifelong farmer, Mr. Gaye, along with other residents, relies on the fertile soil of Pouh Town to grow essential crops such as cassava, cocoa, okra, cucumber, bitter ball, and pepper. These crops are not just a source of income but also of survival, ensuring food security for the community. Beyond agriculture, the forest plays a vital role in daily life, providing wood for shelter and furniture, herbs for medicine, and materials for kitchen utensils. The forest is more than a resource; it is a living part of the community’s identity, offering fresh air, cool water, and a sense of peace that refreshes the soul.

The recent introduction of a carbon marketing project to Pouh Town by ActionAid staff has stimulated both curiosity and concern. While the community appreciates efforts to raise awareness, many, including Mr. Gaye, are deeply apprehensive about the implications. His primary concern is the environmental integrity of the region, especially in light of past experiences with government-backed logging and mining activities that have left parts of Liberia degraded and communities displaced. The fear of history repeating itself is real. Mr. Gaye also worries about the potential economic consequences, losing access to farmland could lead to hunger and disrupt their traditional way of life. Additionally, corruption is a significant issue within the government. With this in mind, will the benefits from carbon marketing be fairly distributed, especially given the community’s limited trust in government accountability?

The worst-case scenario, according to Mr. Gaye, is the complete loss of their land to outsiders or foreign companies under the pretext of carbon marketing. Such a development would not only lead to exploitation but also result in long-term suffering for current and future generations. The community is therefore calling on the government to halt the implementation of carbon marketing policies and instead focus on more direct support measures. These include providing agricultural loans, business skills training, and improved education to empower local people to thrive sustainably on their land.

If the government fails to listen, the consequences could be devastating, not just for Pouh Town, but for Liberia at large. Displacing communities and stripping them of their land could lead to widespread poverty, increased corruption, and a weakening of social structures. There is also a growing skepticism toward the global narrative around carbon marketing, with many in Pouh Town questioning the real motives behind such policies, especially when they seem to benefit external actors more than local people.

ActionAid, through its Land Rights for Rural Women and Communities program, continues to play a crucial role in supporting Pouh Town. The organization has facilitated awareness sessions that help residents understand carbon marketing and its potential impact. This intervention has been instrumental in equipping hard-to-reach communities with the knowledge to advocate for their rights and protect their livelihoods.

This case study underscores the urgent need for a people-centered approach to environmental policy. It reveals the deep cultural and economic bonds between rural communities and their land, the risks posed by poorly executed carbon projects, and the importance of government and international actors respecting local voices and choosing sustainable, inclusive solutions.