Implication of voluntary carbon markets for introducing CSR in the forestry sector of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at opportunities for Kazakhstan to participate in voluntary carbon markets by submitting forest protection, afforestation and reforestation projects that can be offered to domestic or foreign participants willing to take corporate social responsibility (CSR) and reduce their anthropogenic impact on the climate system by buying these projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a qualitative approach which is based on analysis of scientific articles, entity reports, and national legislative framework related to the topic of the research.

Findings

The findings reveal that the issues of CSR, participation in voluntary carbon markets and domestic forestry sector may be integrated if addressed properly. However, Kazakhstan lacks the level of understanding and acceptance of social or environmental responsibilities necessary to engage in CSR practices. In addition, participation of project developers from Kazakhstan in voluntary carbon markets is a subject to the complicated project submission process. Although voluntary carbon markets are not driven by specific regulations and do not require national legal frameworks to enter the voluntary market system, participation may still be a subject to other national legal aspects.

Practical implications

The study shows how CSR actions may bring win‐win situations both for entities’ sustainability reporting which undertake these actions, and for the forestry sector of Kazakhstan. Therefore, a specific strategy should be customized to reflect national circumstances, and which provides assistance for and enhance discussions about CSR, voluntary carbon markets, and their overall contribution to sustainable development.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the aspects of taking CSR in a developing country as Kazakhstan where the concept of CSR still lacks supportive legal and promotional mechanisms. It introduces the possible relation of the voluntary carbon markets to the forestry sector of Kazakhstan.

Citation

Sabitova, S. (2012), "Implication of voluntary carbon markets for introducing CSR in the forestry sector of Kazakhstan", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 686-700. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831211262954