Local involvement in CDM biogas projects: Argentine experiences

Mitigating climate change and contributing to the sustainable development of host countries are the goals of the CDM. In order to achieve these goals, projects follow an implementation chain, which starts with the design and ends with the issuance of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs). During the project design phase, as a means of maximizing the contribution of projects to sustainable development, the input of local stakeholders (Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Based Organisations) is required in a process of public consultation. Drawing on conclusions from a recent study of the multi-stakeholder interaction of two Argentine biogas projects, this article identifies some of the shortcomings of the CDM when it comes to the involvement of local stakeholders in the process of consultation, and highlights how this relates to the sustainable development goal of the CDM.