This month ICIN presented at two forums, introducing a project it is collaborating with Charles Darwin University and NAILSMA on to co-develop Indigenous engagement guidelines and to highlight risks and opportunities in emerging 'blue carbon' markets.
The Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) conference was a gathering of marine scientists and sea Country managers, held on Nipaluna Country (Hobart) in Lutruwita (Tasmania) over a week in September.
At the AMSA conference, Shaun Evans (pictured below) - a Yanyuwa and Mara man from the Borroloola region of the Northern Territory and cultural advisor to the Li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Rangers - highlighted the importance of right-way engagement with Indigenous communities regarding blue carbon project proposals. Shaun explained that in his experience, wrong-way engagement by carbon companies can generate conflict and lead to perverse outcomes that don’t support community aspirations. "It is important to engage the right people for that country, in a proper way" he said. "Not to go around us".
ICIN CEO Anna Boustead introduced a project that Charles Darwin University, NAILSMA and ICIN are collaborating on, to work with members of ICIN, land councils and other Indigenous representative bodies to co-design Indigenous engagement guidelines in relation to blue carbon projects. The project is funded by the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Marine and Coastal Hub and is due to be completed next year.
The inaugural Australian Sea Country Conference was held on Larrakia Country (Darwin) last week, hosted by the Aboriginal Sea company.
At a workshop with the theme "Equitable Engagement" - ICIN Co-Chair Cissy Gore-Birch spoke about how new 'blue' carbon markets are creating opportunities to support caring for Country and encouraged Traditional Owners to inform themselves of both the risks and the opportunities involved. Cissy highlighted the importance of Traditional Owners being informed before making decisions about a proposed carbon project, and recommended participants refer to ICIN's Indigenous Carbon Projects Guide for further information.
At the same workshop, Anna Boustead highlighted that ICIN produces guides and reports to inform Indigenous people interested in the carbon market, to support best practice. In particular ICIN advocates that Indigenous communities must have an opportunity to provide their Free, Prior and Informed Consent for any carbon project on their country.
To inform upcoming consultations and discussions with Indigenous organisations about the 'blue' carbon engagement guidelines, ICIN has produced a background report called 'Blue Carbon in Australia; Understanding the opportunity for Indigenous People'.
The report highlighted there was only one approved blue carbon method currently available generating Australian Carbon Credit Units (the tidal restoration method). However ICIN and its member organisations along with NAILSMA and CDU are supporting scientific work led by the University of Queensland to create a carbon accounting method that measures the carbon benefit of preventing damage to Country by feral animals such as buffalo and pigs. An EoI to fully develop the method is currently being considered for Australian Government approval by the independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) with the outcome expected to be known by the end of the year.
This project highlights the importance of informing and resourcing Indigenous-led discussions about emerging carbon markets in what is a fast-moving policy space.
ICIN is grateful to both the AMSA and the Australian Sea Company for inviting us to raise awareness of this important project.
