A joint resolution issued by a gathering of land and natural resource-based organizations and forest communities in Liberia signifies the growing unease surrounding the potential impacts of carbon trading and offsetting on their way of life. As custodians of the forests, they call for government intervention in the form of comprehensive policies and laws to regulate carbon emissions and protect the environment. Their collective voice is a powerful plea for the preservation of their communities and the forests of Liberia.
Background
Liberia, home to vast tracts of pristine forests, has emerged as a potential hub for carbon trading and offsetting. However, concerns are rising among land and forest communities over the potential impacts of these activities on their livelihoods and the environment.
Carbon trading involves the buying and selling of permits that allow entities to emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Offsetting refers to investments in projects that reduce or absorb carbon emissions, such as preserving forests.
In Liberia, organizations representing land and forest communities have come together to express their unease about carbon trading and offsetting. They argue that these measures could lead to the commodification of their lands and forests, with potential negative consequences for their traditional practices and cultural heritage.
Joint Resolution
In a recent joint resolution, the organizations called on the Liberian government to intervene and establish comprehensive policies and laws to regulate carbon emissions and protect the environment. They emphasized the following key points:
Impacts on Communities
Land and forest communities in Liberia rely heavily on their traditional lands for sustenance, income, and cultural identity. They fear that carbon trading and offsetting could disrupt their way of life in several ways:
Government Response
The Liberian government has acknowledged the concerns raised by land and forest communities. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to develop regulations for carbon trading and offsetting. These regulations will aim to address the following concerns:
FAQs
1. What is carbon trading? Carbon trading is the buying and selling of permits that allow entities to emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
2. How does carbon offsetting work? Carbon offsetting involves investments in projects that reduce or absorb carbon emissions, such as preserving forests or developing renewable energy sources.
3. What are the concerns of land and forest communities in Liberia? Communities fear that carbon trading and offsetting could lead to land grabbing, restrictions on traditional practices, and unfair contracts.
4. How is the Liberian government responding? The EPA is developing regulations for carbon trading and offsetting aimed at ensuring community participation, environmental protection, and social impacts.
5. Is carbon trading a viable solution to climate change? While carbon trading and offsetting can contribute to reducing emissions, they should not be used as a substitute for systemic changes that reduce fossil fuel use and promote sustainable practices.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.
After two days of violent protests, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel successfully persuaded former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the interim Chief Executive of the country. This comes after the Gen Z protests and other groups reached a consensus with political parties to restore normalcy and form an interim government. The Nepal Army, for the first time, has stepped in to quell the chaos and bring diverse political forces together for dialogue.
Days of deadly protests in Nepal have led to the overthrow of KP Sharma Oli's government and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Karki, the former chief justice, has expressed positivity towards India and its people, citing personal ties from her time studying in India. She assures the safety of Indians in Nepal and promises justice for those affected by the recent violence. Meanwhile, Nepalese troops are working to restore order and bring the country back to normalcy.
In a fiery speech at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi slammed Switzerland for its "shallow and ill-informed remarks" on India's state of press and minorities. Tyagi called on Switzerland, as the current chair of the UNHRC, to focus on tackling its own challenges such as racism and xenophobia instead of pointing fingers at India. He also delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan, labelling it as a "failed state" addicted to propaganda and terror. India, Tyagi underscored, will continue to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty with unwavering resolve.
Protests against corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal took a destructive turn as the iconic Hilton Hotel was set on fire, leaving behind a charred skeleton of its once grand glass facade. The protests also included attacks on government buildings and political leaders' residences, causing chaos throughout the city. The destruction of the Hilton Hotel is significant as it represents Nepal's aspirations for growth in the hospitality industry, with social media users expressing fear for the country's future.
Indian fruit traders have united to boycott Turkish goods, particularly apples, as a show of solidarity with their armed forces. The move comes after Turkey's open support for Pakistan in the ongoing regional tensions between India and its neighbor. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a prominent nationalist organization, has also joined the call for broader economic sanctions against Turkey, citing the country's military partnership with Pakistan as a threat to India's sovereignty. The organization also reminded Turkey of India's assistance during a devastating earthquake in 2023, calling for citizens to prioritize self-reliance and boycott Turkish products and cultural exports.