Protecting carbon-rich ecosystems through REDD+ in Guinea Bissau: an impact evaluation of the Community Based Avoided Deforestation Project part 3

Abstract

This study presents the first long-term impact evaluation of a REDD+ initiative in Guinea Bissau, analyzing the Community-Based Avoided Deforestation Project's impact on ecosystems and local communities. Using satellite imagery and qualitative interviews, this study examines changes in forest, mangrove, cropland coverage, as well as population dynamics between 2000-2020. Results show significant positive effects on forest preservation and reduced agricultural expansion in protected areas after 2017. Mangrove protection shows no significant impact and population effects were not identified. While conservation measures prove to be partially effective, communities face persistent infrastructure gaps and resource constraints, highlighting implementation challenges in financially constrained settings