In our mission to support Indigenous communities in unlocking the value of carbon finance projects, we took part in a session with the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) as they explore options for helping First Nations interested in developing their own land-based carbon projects that respect and affirm Indigenous Rights.
On April 19, 2022, Ecotrust Canada’s Climate Innovation team presented in a virtual meeting with BCAFN, along with the Coastal First Nations’ Great Bear Initiative, the Government of British Columbia, and the Assembly of First Nations. The session aimed to discuss the benefits, limitations, opportunities, and challenges of community-led land-based carbon offset projects.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and many others have confirmed that recognizing Indigenous land rights decreases deforestation rates, increases carbon storage, and leads to greater biodiversity. — BCAFN
In addition to this session, Climate Innovation Project Manager, Michelle Connolly, presented, and authored the First Nations Carbon discussion paper that provides information and promotes dialogue on carbon, First Nations rights with respect to carbon, how carbon offsets work, and how First Nations can benefit from them.
