Deal #10472 Version #94155

The draft contract overrides Liberian land laws requiring developers to undertake free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) negotiations with communities on customary land. Although the contract obligates Blue Carbon to “apply best efforts” to conduct FPIC negotiations, this would only happen within three months of the agreement signing, which many believe is too late (see: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/liberia-uae-concede-territory-firm-carbon-offset-deal) (#9LkLGdsI). Local leaders and residents are demanding more transparency and participation in the decision-making process, emphasizing that their consent should have been obtained before the initial Memorandum of Understanding was signed (see: https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-communities-demand-consent-right-in-blue-carbon-deal/) (#555Afjlc).

The legality of the Blue Carbon deal is questionable and poses potential land conflicts. It threatens rural Liberians' land rights, with 70% of the country's land owned by communities. About a third of the population lives in forested areas, and locals will only be consulted after the deal is signed, if at all. The agreement may violate Liberia's constitution and several laws, including the National Forestry Reform Law, the Community Rights Law, the Public Procurement and Concessions Act, and the Land Right Act (see: https://www.globalissues.org/news/2023/09/15/34740) (#ZEN2XuHI).