Content Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual abuse.
Neve Dawson
NGO reports have uncovered allegations of abuse and harassment at Kasigau Corridor, a carbon offsetting project used by Netflix and Shell.
Following an investigation made by two NGOs, male staff at a prominent Kenyan carbon offsetting project have been accused of sexual abuse dating back over a decade.
What is the Kasigau Corridor conservation project?
Based in Southern Kenya, the Kasigau Corridor conservation project creates carbon credits by sheltering dryland forests threatened by deforestation in biodiverse areas, and is operated by a Californian-based company Wildlife Works.
The project was approved by Verra, a carbon offset certifier, who praised the site for its protection of wildlife and plethora of supposed community benefits.
The conservation project is funded by numerous large corporations such as Netflix and Shell, who have purchased credits in the project. One video, produced by Netflix to promote the project, says “a key part of this project is empowering women.”
According to data from AlliedOffsets, Shell has bought nearly 2m credits from the scheme, while Netflix has bought a quarter of a million.
What are the sexual abuse allegations against Kasigau Corridor?
The allegations of sexual abuse were brought to the public’s attention through a report by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations. The latter, a Dutch NGO, alleges the sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation between 2011 and 2023.
The testimonies of 31 current and former staff members, of both genders, have been taken into consideration, alongside those provided by the local community.
President of Wildlife Works, Mike Korchinsky, made a statement claiming that three workers have already been suspended in relation to the reports of abuse, with an internal investigation finding that two individuals had engaged in “deeply inappropriate and harmful behaviour.”
Korchinksy further apologised “for the pain that has been caused,” but denied reports made by the media that the problem was widespread, instead stating the substantiated sexual harassment misconduct had been perpetrated by only one employee.
Wildlife Works, which are well-known for their ‘female empowerment’, are supposedly in the final stages of its own disciplinary process into the matter.
In a report published by the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO), numerous cases of physical and sexual assault, as well as attempted rape, were found to have taken place at the site.
According to staff statements at the carbon offset project, workers in more senior positions allegedly used their superiority to demand sex in return for promotion and opportunities.
A perpetrator also allegedly targeted the wives of male workers within the local community, making advances based on the idea that their husbands’ jobs may be at risk.
SOMO’s Executive Director, Audrey Gaughran, said its was clear that the allegations were well known among employees.
When asked about the allegations, Netflix did not respond to a request for comment.
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Featured image courtesy of Geoff Livingston via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
Neve Dawson
MA Newspaper Journalism Student at City, University of London| News, Culture and Arts Journalist for DIY Magazine, Empoword Journalism, So Young Magazine and The Rodeo Magazine.