Protecting tropical forests from the rapid expansion of rubber using carbon payments

Eleanor M. Warren-Thomas (), David P. Edwards, Daniel P. Bebber, Phourin Chhang, Alex N. Diment, Tom D. Evans, Frances H. Lambrick, James F. Maxwell, Menghor Nut, Hannah J. O’Kelly, Ida Theilade and Paul M. Dolman
Additional contact information
Eleanor M. Warren-Thomas: University of East Anglia
David P. Edwards: University of Sheffield
Daniel P. Bebber: University of Exeter, Stocker Road
Phourin Chhang: Forest and Wildlife Research Institute, Forestry Administration, Royal Government of Cambodia, Hanoi Street 1019, Phum Rongchak, Sankat Phnom Penh Tmei, Khan Sen Sok
Alex N. Diment: Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia Program, Street 21, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmorn
Tom D. Evans: Wildlife Conservation Society Global Conservation Program
Frances H. Lambrick: University of Oxford, South Parks Road
James F. Maxwell: University of Copenhagen
Menghor Nut: Forestry Administration, Royal Government of Cambodia, 40 Preah Norodom Boulevard
Hannah J. O’Kelly: Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia Program, Street 21, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmorn
Ida Theilade: University of Copenhagen
Paul M. Dolman: University of East Anglia

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Expansion of Hevea brasiliensis rubber plantations is a resurgent driver of deforestation, carbon emissions, and biodiversity loss in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian rubber extent is massive, equivalent to 67% of oil palm, with rapid further expansion predicted. Results-based carbon finance could dis-incentivise forest conversion to rubber, but efficacy will be limited unless payments match, or at least approach, the costs of avoided deforestation. These include opportunity costs (timber and rubber profits), plus carbon finance scheme setup (transaction) and implementation costs. Using comprehensive Cambodian forest data, exploring scenarios of selective logging and conversion, and assuming land-use choice is based on net present value, we find that carbon prices of $30–$51 per tCO2 are needed to break even against costs, higher than those currently paid on carbon markets or through carbon funds. To defend forests from rubber, either carbon prices must be increased, or other strategies are needed, such as corporate zero-deforestation pledges, and governmental regulation and enforcement of forest protection.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03287-9

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