In the rainforest of Colombia’s Pacific coast, indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities live in semi-autonomous territories, highly dependent on local natural resources for their livelihoods. International conservation programs aim to combat forest conversion from mining, agriculture, and livestock in the region via REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation “plus”), an international climate change program designed to reduce carbon emissions from land use. This project explores the social consequences of this effort, premised on the popular idea that paying communities to conserve instead of use forest resources is key to successful conservation.
Group Member: Lauren Withey
Photo Credits: David Leonardo Méndez Hernández
