REDD+ and Large-Scale Mining – What Scope for Forestry-based Legacies in Ghana?

Abstract

With support from the World Bank‟s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), Ghana is pursuing a strategy to Reduce Emis-sions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD). This process has drawn attention to the environmental impact of mining, particularly in forested areas. Debates regarding the impact of mining on forests, in both the large and small-scale sectors, hinge on the relative success of reclamation. This paper presents an exploratory assessment of the potential for large-scale min-ing companies to engage with the REDD process and include a forestry based component in their legacy. Such schemes could support the sustained success of rehabilitation programmes, improve community relations and mitigate climate change. Antece-dents for schemes, which include improved data collection and availability, community engagement and the implementation of pilot schemes, are outlined before reviewing the key challenges and most salient risks. It is concluded that while forestry based legacy schemes ought to appeal to large scale mining companies seeking to increase their environmental and social legitimacy, more work needs to be undertaken in order to establish programmes and mitigate the risks involved.