Land tenure models for carbon positive land use: Comparative case studies between Scotland and New Zealand

It is argued that private property regimes in many Global North countries present a structural challenge to the transformation of food systems through sustainable agricultural production, and that there has been insufficient attention by policymakers in addressing land tenure issues (and in identifying innovative opportunities) in order to affect critical changes in land use (Calo et al., 2021). A similar case can be made for the necessary shift to reduce carbon emissions, and to mitigate for and adapt to climate change. Whilst policymakers appear to act slowly, international land markets are responding rapidly to the opportunities of carbon trading, especially in neoliberal societies such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The Scottish Government are alert to this challenge and continue to implement a programme of land reform measures.

Project aim

This project aims to explore the implications of the growing carbon market on property regimes and land governance in Scotland and New Zealand, to share knowledge between research and policy in both countries, and to co-develop a framework of land tenure solutions to mitigate the environmental and social risks of land use change for carbon, whilst maximising opportunities.

How will information be gathered?

The project involved an extensive policy and literature review (including academic and grey literature) to understand the current and historic context of the carbon market and its influence on land use and land governance in New Zealand.

This research  also draws on interviews with key informants who have experience and knowledge of the carbon market and its influence on land use and land governance in New Zealand. The interviews sought to gather perspectives and experiences regarding current land use and land governance systems in New Zealand, the key issues arising, drivers of change (e.g. the carbon market, policy change, and other factors), and the impacts of land use and land governance change. These interviews also considered what solutions or alternative land governance models exist (or could be developed), how they can maximise positive and minimise negative impacts, and how these models could develop in New Zealand.

How can I find out about the research findings?

Knowledge exchange activities relating to this project have included the provision of seminars for both New Zealand and Scottish policy and land manager audiences, and a final report for the OECD. These are available on request from the lead researcher.

Principal investigator