Latest news with #REDD+
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Key Rules Agreed For Credible Climate Project Crediting Under UN Carbon Market
16 May 2025 - A UN Body responsible for setting up a carbon market under the Paris Agreement adopted important new standards to guide how emission-reducing projects measure their impact. Known as the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), it enables countries and other actors to work together on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by generating high-integrity carbon credits that support global efforts to fight climate change. Key standards agreed The rules adopted set out how to measure a project's actual emission reduction impact under the mechanism. Specifically, two key standards were agreed: A standard for estimating the emissions that would have happened without a project under the mechanism (known as the 'baseline'). The adoption of this standard is a historic step in ensuring that crediting under the mechanism reflects the ambition of the Paris Agreement. It includes a requirement for an initial downward adjustment - for example, setting historic or current baselines at a level 10% below business-as-usual emissions - as well as a minimum 1% downward adjustment over time across all baseline approaches. These features are designed to drive ongoing improvement and help avoid over-crediting by steadily lowering the benchmark against which emission reductions are measured. A standard for accounting for any unintended increases in emissions that might happen elsewhere as a result of a project (known as 'leakage'). The leakage standard will help those developing methodologies to identify all potential sources of emissions. It clarifies that project-level REDD+ activities must be included in the host country's national REDD+ strategy in order to qualify, helping ensure alignment with national climate efforts and reinforcing the credibility of emission reductions. The agreed standards reflect wide input from experts and stakeholders. They are key to ensuring that carbon credits issued under the PACM are ambitious, real, additional, and verifiable. Further outcomes Beyond adopt i ng the baseline and leakage standards, the Supervisory Body also made a number of related decisions to support implementation. These include a process of consultation on how project benefits can be shared equitably with host countries, and a renewed focus on capacity building to help countries build the systems they need to take part in the mechanism - including through clearer roles for host countries. The Supervisory Body also adopted a decision on the transition of cookstove activities, bringing earlier projects in line with the latest available data and guidance. "This was a very significant meeting. We finally adopted a groundbreaking decision ensuring crediting levels are set consistently with a pathway to net neutrality, through a process of minimum downward adjustment of crediting levels over time.' said Martin Hession, Chair of the Supervisory Body. 'We are already uniquely placed to support host countries considering crediting, and have decided here to enhance communication with countries, by providing a dedicated channel for them to secure their fair share of mitigation benefits, initiating a dialogue on host country roles and responsibilities, as well as exploring options for enhanced and targeted capacity building. We have also moved to ensure the quality of certain transition projects by requesting the application of the most recent applicable data.' Maria AlJishi, Vice Chair of the Supervisory Body, said: 'We're grateful for the ongoing engagement and feedback from stakeholders throughout this process, and for the Methodology Panel's work in helping to draft these standards. They provide the clarity developers need to begin designing activities under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism and are key to fully operationalizing it.' Next steps The outcome of this meeting paves the way for methodologies under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism to accelerate implementation. While this marks important progress, fewer than anticipated project transitions from the Clean Development Mechanism are expected to result in a short-term funding gap, until a pipeline of new projects using PACM methodologies begins to build from 2026 onward. The Supervisory Body will continue to monitor the funding situation carefully and will be reporting to the Parties to the Paris Agreement on this matter. With the foundations in place, the Supervisory Body will continue developing other key elements of the mechanism, including additional tools, guidelines, and the mechanism Registry. The first PACM methodologies are expected to be approved by the Supervisory Body by the end of the year. Notes: The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (also known as Article 6.4) is a carbon crediting mechanism established under the Paris Agreement. It allows countries to raise climate ambition and implement national action plans more affordably. It identifies and encourages opportunities for verifiable emission reductions, attracts funding to implement them, and allows cooperation among countries and other groups to conduct and benefit from these activities. The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism has a Supervisory Body tasked with developing and supervising the requirements and processes needed to operationalize it. This includes developing and/or approving methodologies, registering activities, accrediting third-party verification bodies, and managing the Article 6.4 Registry.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SOMA GOLD SUBSIDIARY ACHIEVES CARBON NEUTRALITY - A FIRST IN COLOMBIAN MINING
VANCOUVER, BC, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Soma Gold Corp. (TSXV: SOMA) (WKN: A2P4DU) (OTC: SMAGF) (the "Company" or "Soma") is pleased to announce that its Colombian subsidiary, Operadora Minera SAS ("Operadora"), has achieved carbon neutrality for the 2023 reporting period. This milestone makes Operadora the first mining company in Colombia to be certified carbon neutral for Scope 1, 2, and 4 emissions under the internationally recognized PAS 2060:2014 standard. For clarity, Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (such as fuel combustion), Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, and Scope 4 includes avoided emissions resulting from the use of a product or service that displaces emissions elsewhere, such as improving energy efficiency through more sustainable practices. The carbon neutrality certification, issued by Bureau Veritas – BVQI Colombia Ltd., is the result of a multi-year effort focused on measuring, reducing, and offsetting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Operadora's sustainability strategy includes a transition to 100% renewable hydroelectric power, major operational efficiencies, and verified offsets through REDD+ projects in the Amazon rainforest. Héctor Meléndez, Soma's Colombia Country Manager, states, "We are proud to be the first mining company in Colombia to achieve carbon neutrality. This achievement proves that mining can be part of the solution to the global climate challenge and reinforces our commitment to environmental leadership." Highlights of the Carbon Neutrality Milestone: 66% reduction in GHG emissions since 2021, equal to 2,812 tons of CO₂e. Remaining emissions – totaling 1,345 t CO₂e in 2023 – fully offset using externally verified first-class carbon credits. The entire process was independently verified and certified by Bureau Veritas. A Voluntary Alliance for Regeneration In addition to achieving carbon neutrality, Operadora Minera has signed a voluntary agreement with CORANTIOQUIA, alongside three formalized small-scale miners, to promote environmental regeneration in areas affected by illegal mining. This agreement aims to restore ecosystems, rehabilitate water sources, reforest degraded land, and promote biodiversity through sustainable practices and education programs. "This agreement reflects our life-centric values and our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship," said Héctor Meléndez. "We are proud to partner with local communities and environmental authorities to create a healthier future." These achievements underscore Soma's long-term commitment to responsible mining, aligning with its strategy to reduce environmental impact, support biodiversity, and deliver long-term value to local communities. Héctor Meléndez, Soma's Colombia Country Manager, states: "This milestone reflects the dedication and integrity of our entire team in Colombia. Achieving carbon neutrality across multiple emission scopes is no small feat. It's the result of years of hard work, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainable mining. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together." ABOUT SOMA GOLD Soma Gold Corp. (TSXV: SOMA) is a mining company focused on gold production and exploration. The Company owns two adjacent mining properties in Antioquia, Colombia, with a combined milling capacity of 675 tpd. (Permitted for 1,400 tpd). The El Bagre Mill is currently operating and producing. Internally generated funds are being used to finance a regional exploration program. With a solid commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Soma Gold Corp. is dedicated to achieving excellence in all aspects of its operations. The Company also owns an exploration property near Tucuma, Para State, Brazil that is currently under option to Ero Copper Corp. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Geoff Hampson"Chief Executive Officer and President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All statements, analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE Soma Gold Corp. View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
SOMA GOLD SUBSIDIARY ACHIEVES CARBON NEUTRALITY - A FIRST IN COLOMBIAN MINING
VANCOUVER, BC, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Soma Gold Corp. (TSXV: SOMA) (WKN: A2P4DU) (OTC: SMAGF) (the " Company" or " Soma") is pleased to announce that its Colombian subsidiary, Operadora Minera SAS ("Operadora"), has achieved carbon neutrality for the 2023 reporting period. This milestone makes Operadora the first mining company in Colombia to be certified carbon neutral for Scope 1, 2, and 4 emissions under the internationally recognized PAS 2060:2014 standard. For clarity, Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (such as fuel combustion), Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, and Scope 4 includes avoided emissions resulting from the use of a product or service that displaces emissions elsewhere, such as improving energy efficiency through more sustainable practices. The carbon neutrality certification, issued by Bureau Veritas – BVQI Colombia Ltd., is the result of a multi-year effort focused on measuring, reducing, and offsetting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Operadora's sustainability strategy includes a transition to 100% renewable hydroelectric power, major operational efficiencies, and verified offsets through REDD+ projects in the Amazon rainforest. Héctor Meléndez, Soma's Colombia Country Manager, states, "We are proud to be the first mining company in Colombia to achieve carbon neutrality. This achievement proves that mining can be part of the solution to the global climate challenge and reinforces our commitment to environmental leadership." Highlights of the Carbon Neutrality Milestone: 66% reduction in GHG emissions since 2021, equal to 2,812 tons of CO₂e. Remaining emissions – totaling 1,345 t CO ₂ e in 2023 – fully offset using externally verified first-class carbon credits. The entire process was independently verified and certified by Bureau Veritas. A Voluntary Alliance for Regeneration In addition to achieving carbon neutrality, Operadora Minera has signed a voluntary agreement with CORANTIOQUIA, alongside three formalized small-scale miners, to promote environmental regeneration in areas affected by illegal mining. This agreement aims to restore ecosystems, rehabilitate water sources, reforest degraded land, and promote biodiversity through sustainable practices and education programs. "This agreement reflects our life-centric values and our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship," said Héctor Meléndez. "We are proud to partner with local communities and environmental authorities to create a healthier future." These achievements underscore Soma's long-term commitment to responsible mining, aligning with its strategy to reduce environmental impact, support biodiversity, and deliver long-term value to local communities. Héctor Meléndez, Soma's Colombia Country Manager, states: "This milestone reflects the dedication and integrity of our entire team in Colombia. Achieving carbon neutrality across multiple emission scopes is no small feat. It's the result of years of hard work, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainable mining. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together." ABOUT SOMA GOLD Soma Gold Corp. (TSXV: SOMA) is a mining company focused on gold production and exploration. The Company owns two adjacent mining properties in Antioquia, Colombia, with a combined milling capacity of 675 tpd. (Permitted for 1,400 tpd). The El Bagre Mill is currently operating and producing. Internally generated funds are being used to finance a regional exploration program. With a solid commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Soma Gold Corp. is dedicated to achieving excellence in all aspects of its operations. The Company also owns an exploration property near Tucuma, Para State, Brazil that is currently under option to Ero Copper Corp. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Geoff Hampson" Chief Executive Officer and President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All statements, analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Earning carbon credits in Pakistan
Listen to article Pakistan, being a Non-Annexe country party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), qualifies to earn carbon credits for various eligible activities. The carbon financing and Reducing Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) are new and emerging areas that Pakistani experts have yet to understand and exploit. Therefore, enabling initiatives such as the REDD+ activities were established at the international level, which Pakistan has also benefited from in terms of establishing an enabling environment and capacity building. Other initiatives include, Methane Pledge led by the USA and also joined by Pakistan, the National Adaptation and Mitigation Actions (NAMA) facility and similar other initiatives that are aimed at supporting Pakistan to understand and embark on earning carbon credits. Pakistan, with around 5% of the total land area under forests, initiated REDD+ activities in 2010 to mitigate climate change through reduced carbon emissions from the forestry sector. Pakistan received REDD+ Readiness financial support from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) of the World Bank for readiness preparations. In Pakistan, REDD+ is an important component supporting the National Climate Change Policy, National Development Vision 2025, and the National Forest Policy. These components, and specifically the preparation of the National REDD+ Strategy (NRS). Pakistan has gone through the REDD+ readiness process and is set to undertake carbon sequestration projects. Pakistan, with a very limited contribution of only 0.28% of the CO2 emissions, is the 7th most vulnerable country to the impacts of climate change. Floods, droughts, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), and other climate-triggered disasters are more common now than ever before. As carbon credits can be earned in two major ways, such as carbon credits that are bought and sold via a cap-and-trade system (Compliance market), and secondly, the Voluntary market, where carbon offsets can be traded by anyone under a voluntary market mechanism. The voluntary market is open to any entity, and even individuals, to earn carbon credits for eligible activities. It includes all businesses and people who aim to decrease their carbon footprint. One of the main challenges in the voluntary carbon markets is the lack of standardisation, integrity and transparency. Without clear standards for carbon credits, it can be difficult for companies or individuals to know whether they are truly reducing their emissions. The most prominent reason why carbon projects fail is that they are not additional to the business as usual, meaning that the project does not contribute to achieving additional climate benefits, compared to if the project had not existed. This can happen when carbon credits are issued by protecting forests which were never in danger. In addition, Pakistan lacks capacity, technical experts and resources to develop the carbon credit proposal as per the international standards and requirements. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to the UNFCCC permits countries to collaborate voluntarily, utilising carbon markets as a means to fulfil their NDCs and raise their ambition level, while ensuring environmental integrity and promoting sustainable development. Articles 6.2, 6.4, and 6.8 provide guidelines for the creation and verification of carbon credits and safeguards against double counting. COP26 committed to establishing international standards for such markets. One of the good news for Pakistan is that it has developed Policy Guidelines for Trading in the Carbon Market; however, most of the proponents still lack technical skills to fully harness the benefits of such opportunities. These new and emerging areas require technical support, which is not only lacking but may require a great deal of financial resources. In addition, the voluntary carbon market is also loaded with an increased quantity of taxes on such earnings from carbon markets as envisaged in the Policy Guidelines for Trading in Carbon Market, which are given below: 5% of the credits generated by the project shall be deducted at source, in the form of credits, preferably to be adjusted towards Pakistan's voluntary NDCs. Corresponding Adjustment Fee (CAF) calculated at 12% of net revenues generated from the sale of carbon credits. 50% of the CAF shall be directly transferred to the province where the project is based. Remaining portion (50%) of the CAF will be credited in Pakistan Climate Change Fund, to be used for climate change initiatives across the country, in consultation with the province where the credits are generated, giving preference to initiatives within the province, barring climate induced emergencies/exceptional circumstances to be determined by the Pakistan Climate Change Council. Administrative Costs, equating to 1% of gross revenues generated from the sale of carbon credits, will go to the Federal Government. The utilisation of CAF will be guided by the principles of sustainability, equity, and effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while advancing sustainable development. In the presence of such huge taxation and fees, the Voluntary Carbon Market would not be able to claim any carbon credit. Instead of facilitating the development and submission of carbon credit proposals, the newly approved Policy Guidelines for Trading in the Carbon Market have imposed very high taxes that the proponents are not able to pay, coupled with increased cost of hiring international experts for developing the carbon credit proposals. This will certainly block the way to earn carbon credit for Pakistan and therefore, unlike other developing and non-Annexe parties to the UNFCCC, Pakistan may not avail the benefit from the carbon trade market. Way forward The Designated National Authority (DNA) of the UNFCCC and Carbon Financing in Pakistan, that is the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Coordination, shall focus on the following points, aiming at developing and submitting successful carbon credit proposals: Review and remove all the taxes proposed in the Policy Guidelines for Trading in the Carbon Market. An invitation calls for registration and expression of interest in earning carbon credits from forestry, solar, brown energy, biogas, wind, hydropower, and other such renewable resources. Develop a database of voluntary and compliance market carbon credit registration in Pakistan at the individual, company, and corporate levels and facilitate them. Develop the capacity of the concerned agencies and the private sector for developing and processing carbon credit proposals. Connect the private sector overseas buyers and sellers from Pakistan under a voluntary market and display all such listings of international carbon credit buyers on the DNA website. Provide all the required services and expertise to the carbon credit-earning entities in Pakistan. The writer holds Ph.D in Forestry and is a climate change, forestry and environment expert
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Want climate solutions in Indigenous territories? Better get consent.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Four years ago, Harvard University moved a long-planned solar geoengineering project from Arizona to Sápmi, the homelands of Sámi peoples across what is now Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Sámi had no idea it was coming. 'We did not know about the plans until we got alerted by the [Indigenous Environmental Network] and they were saying, 'You should be aware of this,'' said Sámi council member Åsa Larsson Blind. Blind said that it's unlikely Harvard deliberately ignored consulting the Sámi about the project before moving it to Kiruna, Sweden. More likely, she thinks, they weren't aware that they needed to. 'But at the same time, you don't need to do much research to know that Kiruna is in Sápmi, and that there is an Indigenous people,' Blind said. 'There is one Indigenous people in Europe, and that's the Sámi people, and we are not unknown.' The idea behind solar geoengineering is that it combats global warming by reflecting sun rays back into space with chemical particles sprayed into the atmosphere. Known as the Stratospheric Controlled Perturbation Experiment, or SCoPEx, the Harvard project would have experimented with the dispersal of those chemicals over Sámi lands. But this kind of climate manipulation goes against Sámi traditional beliefs about caring for nature, the Sámi council wrote in an open letter to Harvard that called for an end to the program. Critically, Harvard also failed to inform the Sámi people of the project or obtain their consent before starting it, the council pointed out, violating their right to free, prior, and informed consent — rights enshrined in international law. Representatives with Harvard's SCoPEx project did not return requests for comment. The Sámi are not alone in experiencing such violations and joining the ranks of Indigenous peoples relying on international law to challenge 'climate solutions' projects, like SCoPEx, in their territories. For the third year running, Indigenous leaders have called for a permanent moratorium on carbon markets, carbon offsets, and geoengineering technologies at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, or UNPFII. They also demanded an end to all carbon market initiatives within the U.N., like the REDD+, a $5 billion payment scheme that aims to protect forests through private investment in the carbon market. That call, led by the Indigenous Environmental Network, or IEN, and supported by the American Indian Law Alliance, an Indigenous nonprofit, is now bolstered by an IEN report that documents multiple cases where carbon market, carbon offset, and geoengineering projects have violated Indigenous peoples' rights, and Indigenous people have challenged them. As carbon markets expand into Indigenous homelands, advocates hope these fights for Indigenous rights, in Sápmi and beyond, offer a roadmap to stop a growing industry from exploiting Indigenous peoples. Depending on how a carbon offset project works to mitigate climate change in design and scale, it generates a certain number of carbon credits — the currency of the carbon market. This allows polluters to offset their emissions by purchasing these credits — governments, businesses, and organizations pay to sequester or remove carbon with things like geoengineering or forest restoration and conservation. Indigenous peoples' land is often targeted for these efforts, given that they manage or have tenure rights over about 40 percent of the world's ecologically intact terrestrial landscapes. Because these healthy ecosystems are prime locations for such work, Indigenous peoples living there can quickly become entangled with or impacted by a developing carbon market — often without their knowledge or consent. The IEN report details nine cases of 'lawsuits, formal complaints, and public advocacy' where Indigenous peoples, like the Sámi, have invoked the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, known as UNDRIP, to confront and resist initiatives that threaten their lands and well-being. 'I do believe it's positive that UNDRIP is being used,' Blind said. 'Everytime it is cited and it gets recognition, that builds legitimacy. And when we use it boldly and with confidence and we do that together, that builds legitimacy.' Passed in 2007 by the U.N., UNDRIP contains 46 articles that set the standard for the recognition, protection, and promotion of Indigenous peoples' rights. The IEN study reveals that more than a third of them have been violated by climate solutions projects. Repeated infringements include a lack of transparency from companies, states, and organizations about the scale of their work, intentionally sowing division within Indigenous communities, increased violence and surveillance of Indigenous peoples, and violations to free, prior, and informed consent. For some Indigenous communities, carbon markets present an opportunity to grow their economies and exercise their rights to self determination. And it's a lucrative industry: The voluntary carbon market saw $16.3 billion in funding by the end of 2024. Francesca Hillery, a member of the Round Valley Indian Tribe in California, is partnerships director at the Indigenous Greenhouse Gas Removal Commission, or IGGRC, a collective of Indigenous nations in the U.S. working to mitigate climate change through the carbon market. Hillery said carbon offset projects based in forest or ecosystem restoration often align with Indigenous values and benefit Indigenous communities. But the main benefit to tribes is the financial potential. Tribes in the U.S. need resources to run their governments, Hillery said, and carbon markets may present opportunities for economic growth. In 2015, California's first forest carbon offset project on Indigenous land was developed on the Round Valley tribe's land. 'I do understand that there's this whole critique against the commodification of nature,' Hillery said. 'I just think that tribes are looking for solutions for a bunch of different phenomena.' But for other Indigenous communities, the expansion of carbon markets raises concerns, especially as some projects have already resulted in Indigenous peoples being evicted from their lands or promised financial compensation that doesn't materialize. In Peru, for example, the Cordillera Azul National Park was created without the consent of the Kichwa people and other Indigenous communities whose territories it overlaps. Then, the Peruvian government and CIMA, the nonprofit set up to run the park, sold more than 28 million carbon credits for the project. According to IEN, the Peruvian government and CIMA refused to recognize Kichwa land claims while simultaneously profiting from carbon credit sales in the park. In an analysis of reports that detail carbon market impacts, the news outlet Carbon Brief found that more than 70 percent of the reports documented evidence of carbon offset projects harming Indigenous people as well as local communities. All of the court cases outlined in the IEN report are of Indigenous people using UNDRIP to fight against carbon markets. But Joanna Cabello, a senior researcher with SOMO, a Netherlands-based organization that investigates multinational corporations and their impacts on people and environments, said rulings in support of Indigenous land rights are still a boon to communities who might welcome carbon projects. The same logic that upholds Indigenous land rights also affords them the right to choose what they want to do with that land, including joining the carbon market. 'The recognition of [Indigenous] rights is always a strong starting point for any type of [carbon market] project, as that would mean that they have the right to say no to the proposal as well as to hold the companies or organizations behind a project accountable,' Cabello said. Cabello has studied carbon offset projects for over 20 years and said that while these markets infringing on Indigenous rights is 'not news,' more courts are ruling in favor of Indigenous communities, which isn't usually the case. In 2020, the Kichwa sued the Peruvian government, contesting its refusal to recognize Indigenous territorial rights, the creation of the conservation project on their territory without consent, and the systematic exclusion from making decisions about or receiving financial benefits from carbon credit sales. In 2023 and 2024, the court agreed with the Kichwa, becoming the first judicial rulings in Peru to recognize and uphold Indigenous territorial rights. 'Hopefully, the more and more that communities are able to reach these verdicts, the more that also governments — even if it's not at the national level, but municipal level or regional level — can start checking who is really benefiting from doing these projects in their territories,' Cabello said. 'Hopefully some will side more with Indigenous peoples' rights.' Though it's just one tool, Cabello said using UNDRIP like this shows Indigenous communities that denouncing abuse can be met with meaningful recognition — and tells industries that people are watching their work. Similarly, the letter that the Sámi council issued to Harvard demanding an end to SCoPEx clarified the risks and violations associated with such a project. Not only is it required to obtain consent for activities on their lands, Indigenous people have the right, the Sámi council reminded the university, to maintain and strengthen their spiritual relationship to their traditional lands, uphold their responsibilities to future generations, and make decisions about the territories and resources under their stewardship, including air. After continued opposition, Harvard's solar geoengineering project was terminated in March 2024. 'That's something, because we don't have many other examples of a huge institution like Harvard backing down after critique from Indigenous peoples,' Blind said, noting that this issue was successfully addressed outside the court of law. 'It is significant to see that it is actually an option to halt something when you realize that it wasn't done right.' This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Want climate solutions in Indigenous territories? Better get consent. on May 7, 2025.
