Weak monitoring in Senegal's mangrove carbon project leads to overestimated carbon credits
Original framing: “How did a major mangrove restoration project in Senegal end up selling ‘ghost carbon’?” — The Conversation - Global
In contrast to Senegal's carbon credit model, mangrove conservation in Indonesia and the Philippines often integrates community-based management with scientific monitoring. These models emphasize co-management and cultural respect for coastal ecosystems.
The Senegal mangrove carbon project exemplifies the systemic flaws in carbon offsetting when it is driven by market incentives rather than ecological integrity.
By excluding indigenous knowledge and failing to account for historical land use, the project created a false narrative of success that benefits carbon traders more than local ecosystems. Cross-cultural comparisons reveal that community-led conservation models are more effective and sustainable. To move forward, climate policy must integrate scientific rigor, historical awareness, and local stewardship to avoid repeating the mistakes of 'ghost carbon' projects.