Livelihoods' Senegal mangrove project faces over-crediting claims, community benefit concerns

The Livelihoods’ Mangrove Restoration project in Senegal, which has sold nearly 500,000 carbon credits, faces scrutiny over potential over-crediting and minimal community benefits. A 2017 verification report noted 25% tree cover loss in sample plots, impacting emission reduction calculations, with a subsequent report in 2021 confirming no replanting with recommended species. Critics allege the project, backed by 20 firms including Danone and Hermès, provided only 5.2% of its budget to local communities, echoing a 'colonial model'. A 2020 study also found 96% of mangrove regeneration in the area was natural, questioning the project's additionality.