Liberia cedes 10% of its territory to Emirates company in controversial carbon offset deal

Proposed deal would give Emirati company control over one million hectares of forested land

 MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia is reportedly considering a carbon offset deal that could lead to the transfer of 10% of its land to a private Emirati company.

The proposed deal would give the Emirati company control over one million hectares of forested land.

The company intends to generate carbon credits by restoring and protecting land, which it would then sell to major polluters to offset emissions.

The potential MOU has come under criticism for potentially violating Liberian laws, including the Land Rights Act of 2019, which protects communities’ traditional land rights.

The agreement also raises environmental impact concerns because it would prevent Liberia from using the land to meet its own climate goals.

The secretive nature of negotiations on the agreement has also drawn opposition from local nongovernmental organizations and environmental groups.

The deal also stipulates that profits from the sale of carbon credits will go disproportionately to the Emirati company, which could leave local communities out of decisions on how funds are allocated.

Blue Carbon, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, has been criticized for its lack of experience in carbon management and its links to oil and gas projects.

The proposed agreement is reminiscent of similar deals Blue Carbon has made with other countries, raising concerns about its intentions and contribution to global climate goals.

Environmentalists worry that such agreements could divert attention from efforts to phase out fossil fuels and address the climate crisis.