About the Observatory

The Observatory for forests and just transitions will conduct a large multi-site comparative study on the relationship between land rights, inequality, conservation and decarbonisation processes (e.g., mining for transition minerals and carbon credits) in forest landscapes.

The project will primarily work in Mexico, Brazil, Ghana and Kenya but expand to other countries through multiple evidence syntheses.  Results from our study will provide evidence to support decision-making linked to land rights and climate justice in forest landscapes.

Research approach

The Observatory is combining two work streams whose design and implementation will be informed by stakeholders working in the three case countries and beyond.

Stream 1 will combine large-scale social and environmental data (e.g., national census and satellite-based forest data) with in-depth qualitative case study analyses in Mexico, Brazil and Ghana; three forest rich countries with large land-connected communities living in or close to extractive frontiers supporting the energy transition.

Stream 2 will focus on several desk-based evidence syntheses (e.g., scoping and systematic reviews) on evidence gaps identified by key stakeholders. This stream will expand the thematic and geographical remit of the Observatory to other regions. This second stream will be centred around a capacity development programme for researchers based at relevant stakeholders.