Rainforest Foundation UK, SDSG. October 2026
Introduction
This guide is designed for NGOs, grassroots and other solidarity organisations and legal experts supporting local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and other customary or community-based landholders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who are approached by private developers seeking to undertake voluntary carbon market (VCM) projects on their land. These projects aim to generate carbon credits under international VCM standards (such as Verra’s VCS or Gold Standard), with the intention of profiting from the sale of credits in voluntary carbon markets.
This document provides practical contracting guidance to help Landholders:
Understand their rights and obligations; navigate negotiations with developers; secure fair, long-term agreements that reflect community interests and comply with international carbon market standards; ensure that agreements provide clear protections and remedies in the event of default, breach, or illegal activity by the Developer; and advocate for their interests if a Developer seeks to proceed without proper consent or agreement.
Suggested Citation:
RFUK, SDSG. “Protecting Community Rights and Interests in Carbon Projects Guidance for NGOs Supporting Communities” Rainforest Foundation UK, Sustainable Development Strategies Group.
