ID: 1734
Presenting Author: Katharine Gotto Walton
Session: 756 - Assessing Integrity: The Role of Impact Assessment in High-Quality Nature-Based Carbon Projects
Status: pending
Based on case studies and experience the paper sets out how social impact assessment and human rights due diligence can address existing gaps and weaknesses in current standards and practice
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in documented human rights violations and negative social impacts associated with carbon offset projects, particularly within the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). This presentation will focus on the risks that indicate a systemic neglect of social impact assessment (SIA) and human rights due diligence during the design and implementation of projects that specifically target forestry, agriculture, and habitat management in tropical and subtropical regions. Although the VCM has frameworks intended to address social issues and human rights, it remains unclear whether these frameworks are sufficiently integrated, operationalized, or enforced.
Building on discussions from IAIA 2025 and drawing from interviews as well as the authors’ experiences, the presentation will include: (i) a contextual overview of the evolution and current trends within the VCM; (ii) a summary of reported human rights and social issues linked to VCM projects; and (iii) an analysis of VCM standards, highlighting areas where they lack social and human rights dimensions. This review identifies key structural and procedural weaknesses that hinder effective identification, assessment, and mitigation of impacts, which in some cases lead to unintended harm.
Finally, the presentation will conclude with actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening the design and implementation of VCM projects through improved social impact management, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and alignment with international human rights standards
Katharine has over 25 years’ experience helping organizations understand and manage their interactions with society. Katharine advises carbon market projects on social and human rights aspects
Coauthor 1: Rita Sully