Building trust and efficacy in forest carbon programs: lessons from stakeholder engagement in Central Appalachia

Despite significant investments in managing forest carbon as a natural climate solution, our research indicates that many stakeholders distrust climate change mitigation promises and potential environmental injustices associated with forest carbon offsets. The Central Appalachian region of the United States offers an insightful case study of challenges associated with carbon programs in a highly forested region with numerous small, family forest owners and high rates of socioeconomic distress. We synthesized the findings from stakeholder engagement processes, reviewed the challenges and opportunities associated with forest carbon management, and developed detailed case studies capturing the complexity and opportunities for forest carbon management. The stakeholders prioritized balancing forest management for carbon and other services, such as timber production, and the need for improved stakeholder education and collaboration. On the basis of our findings, we offer recommendations for fostering cooperation among different sectors of the forestry marketplace and equitably advancing climate change solutions in the Central Appalachian region.