Dubai Royal’s Carbon Offset Deals Using African Forests Under Scrutiny Amidst Concerns

Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al-Maktoum, a prominent figure in Dubai’s ruling royal family, has ventured into expansive carbon offsetting agreements across African forests, signifying a significant stride in the carbon market landscape. However, these deals have stirred apprehension due to associated concerns from various stakeholders.

Al-Maktoum, through the UAE-based Blue Carbon, has sealed agreements covering extensive portions of Zimbabwe, Liberia, Zambia, and Tanzania, encompassing an area comparable to the size of the UK, with more deals expected on the horizon.

However, these ventures have faced scrutiny due to past business involvements and connections of those associated. Questions arose regarding al-Maktoum’s prior business engagements, notably his involvement in premium-priced sales of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine during the pandemic. Reports indicated discrepancies in vaccine deliveries and pricing, leading to public outrage in certain countries, including Ghana.

Although inquiries were raised about al-Maktoum’s involvement in vaccine sales, both Blue Carbon and the office for al-Maktoum opted not to comment, emphasising Blue Carbon’s focus on carbon methodologies aligning with the Paris agreement.

Concerns extend further as it came to light that Blue Carbon’s adviser, Samuele Landi, holds a criminal record in Italy for fraudulent bankruptcy. Despite being listed as the consul general for Liberia in the UAE, Landi’s legal issues remain unresolved, with multiple extradition requests from Italy.

The Guardian contacted Landi, who declined to comment on behalf of Blue Carbon and emphasised his lack of authorisation to represent them.

While Blue Carbon highlighted Landi’s blockchain expertise relevant to carbon markets, they asserted that Landi’s consul general role was independent of the company’s dealings with Liberia. Blue Carbon refrained from commenting on Landi’s legal history, redirecting inquiries to him directly.

Amidst the growing concern around carbon markets’ integrity and effectiveness in combating the climate crisis, al-Maktoum’s foray into carbon trading without prior nature conservation experience adds further complexity to the ongoing dialogue on environmental sustainability.

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Source: The Guardian