Nonetheless, controversy surrounding the notion of carbon sequestration in soils
remains.Many development practitioners are skeptical, arguing that carbon brokers,
national ministries, and local leaders rather than needy rural populations will benefit
from carbon offset projects. Another argument cited refers to important hidden
‘costs’ some management practices promoted for carbon sequestration might carry,
increasing rather than reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions (Schlesinger, 2000).
Moreover, soil carbon sequestration will not be eligible during the first commitment
period of the Kyoto Protocol, although political pressure has been growing (Ringius,
2002).