Thailand’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2065 has catalyzed national efforts under the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER), with a focus on carbon-financing projects in mangrove ecosystems. Through this scheme, major companies invest in mangrove restoration to offset emissions and acquire carbon credits, often via memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed with local communities. However, evidence suggests that these agreements are poorly understood by community members, raising critical concerns about transparency, negotiation power, and equitable benefit-sharing.

To address these concerns, Knowledge for Development Foundation (K4D) conducted legal and community-based participatory action research in three mangrove-dependent communities in Krabi and Trang Provinces. The research aimed to explore the power dynamics influencing decision-making, assess the impacts of the carbon credit scheme, and support community registration for Community Forestry (CF). Through consultations, capacity-building workshops, and participatory tools—including socioeconomic surveys and community mapping—the study engaged stakeholders with a particular emphasis on women’s participation and inclusive governance.

This report presents case studies from each community, capturing local experiences, concerns, and aspirations in the early phase of T-VER implementation. By acting as a mediator and knowledge facilitator, K4D highlights the urgent need for more equitable and informed engagement mechanisms in climate finance programs targeting vulnerable coastal communities.

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