Abstract:

Leakage has been one of the issues in the negotiation of forestry project activities under the clean development mechanism (CDM). Based on the definition and types of leakage and on the investigation of case studies on CDM forestry project activities, we analyzed the potential leakages of forest conservation and afforestation project activities from the points of causes, mechanism and ranges that leakage occurs. A decision tree was designed for the determination of leakage and methodology for monitoring leakage was discussed. Some suggestions for understanding and managing leakage of forestry project activities were put forwards. As CDM forestry project activities have been attracting more and more attentions in China, we hope our analyses could benefit those who are preparing or planning to do CDM forestry project activities in China on how to address and manage leakage issues.

Key words: clean development mechanism, leakage, afforestation and reforestation, forest conservation