Climate change has exacerbated environmental degradation processes, causing an
imbalance in the natural concentrations in atmospheric greenhouse gases. This has
resulted in a myriad of socio–economic effects which have focused global attention
on methodologies to reduce these effects, such as carbon sequestration. To achieve
long term sustainability and success, community involvement in the technical and
social aspects of carbon sequestration projects is necessary and must be
acknowledged. One such mitigation methodology which incorporates the ideals of
community proactive participation is carbon sink reforestation projects. This study is
based on a community perspective of a carbon sink reforestation project, carried out
in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study provides a holistic perspective of the
concept of carbon sequestration drawing together technical aspects of carbon
sequestration reforestation projects and the inclusion of the role of communities.
The methodology comprised of questionnaires with industry experts and a local
community, following a thematic data analysis. The current perception from industry
is that the South African government lacks significant technology, capacity and
finance to effectively manage national forest carbon sequestration regimes. Project
participants expressed the view that these types of projects provided a sense of
belonging and hope and articulated their gratitude for the environmental knowledge
they gained from the project experience. Technical and social aspects of such projects
such as carbon calculations and participatory rural appraisal techniques enhance a
country’s ability for successful implementation of such projects. Findings reveal a
need for technology, capacity building and finance; and the effects participation in
these projects has on individuals. This is followed by recommendations and a ‘How
To Guide’ developed by the researcher. This guide intends to enhance the
collaboration of the technical aspects and involvement of communities throughout the
project implementation process. Carbon regimes in this century will continue to grow
in size and complexity. Stakeholder participation will be a strong factor in the success
or failure of carbon sequestration reforestation projects. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/9478 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Ramanand, Sarisha. |
| Contributors | Trotter, Dayle Carey., Hill, Trevor R. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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