A study published by the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) alleges problematic effects of international projects that are supposed to serve climate protection through carbon offsetting. The land and human rights of the Maasai, an indigenous East African ethnic group, are under massive pressure. The study documents the impact of two large-scale carbon projects including one financed by Volkswagen. Numerous serious abuses were identified: dubious advance payments to villages, non-transparent and in some cases illegal contract conclusions and disregard for international legal norms - particularly with regard to the participation of the local population. This is severely limited and many community members lack basic knowledge about carbon markets, contract terms and their consequences. As a result, communities are increasingly losing control over their traditional grazing land and are no longer able to carry out centuries-old practices that are vital to their survival.

Volkswagen responded to our invitation by stating that the company takes seriously the concerns raised in the report published by the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance regarding soil carbon credit projects in Northern Tanzania. Volkswagen stated that its involvement in the Longido and Monduli Rangelands Carbon Project (LMRCP), implemented by project partners Soils for the Future Tanzania (SftFTZ, the project implementing entity) and CarbonSolve LLC, is grounded in a commitment to improving rangeland health, supporting Maasai livelihoods, and promoting climate resilience through carbon finance. The project is designed to balance traditional pastoralist land use with sustainable land management while ensuring that Maasai communities retain full control over their land and benefit from participation.

A full statement from Volkswagen is available below.