Tenure
The set of rights and obligations governing how land and resources are held, used and transferred.
Tenure describes who holds which rights over land: to use it, exclude others, transfer it, and benefit from what it produces. It may be formal, customary or a mixture, and overlapping claims are common.
For carbon projects, tenure determines whether a developer can legitimately act at all. A project on land with unresolved customary claims creates both legal and ethical exposure, and the resulting credits carry elevated invalidation risk.
Assessment requires more than a title search. It means mapping who actually uses the land, on what seasonal basis, and under what authority — work that is documentary, spatial and social at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Is customary tenure legally recognised?
It depends on national law. Many jurisdictions recognise customary rights to varying degrees, and the practical protections differ from formal title.
Why does tenure affect permanence?
Insecure tenure raises the chance of future clearing or encroachment, which threatens the durability of stored carbon.