Preamble

From 18-20 February, over 500 representatives from 110 organisations across Australia met in Larrakia Country, Darwin, to discuss issues critical to them from their experience in the carbon industry. The below statement was developed with ICIN members based on themes highlighted during the forum.

Central to this statement is recognition that this is our space, an Indigenous-led space. Indigenous people have been using fire to manage Country for tens of thousands of years and it is this knowledge and practice that drives us to be leaders in the carbon industry. Through these unique projects, we are protecting our country, our culture, and our livelihoods on Country for future generations.

Statement

1. We are driven by a strong commitment to care for our country, respect country and culture, and support self-determination of our communities.
2. There are currently 39 Indigenous-owned and operated carbon projects across Northern Australia. These projects cover 24 million hectares, generate 1.2 million tonnes of carbon emissions reductions each year, and are valued at an estimated $60 million per year. It is vital that the value of ACCUs generated by Indigenous carbon projects is protected.
3. Indigenous people are placed to lead the carbon industry by managing country the right way. We hold rights and interests to over 70% of land and 66% of the coastline across Australia.  
4. We know that projects succeed when they are formed based on the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).
5. For FPIC to become common practice, carbon project developers must take time to understand who can speak for Country and that these groups have the time, information, and resources to make decisions. Governments must also provide funding to Indigenous groups and organisations to engage in consultation and agreement making.
6. We welcome the Australian Government’s commitment to implement the 2023 Independent ACCU Review (Chubb Review) recommendation that carbon projects on Native Title lands no longer be conditionally registered before securing free, prior, and informed consent. We ask that the Australian Government continue to work with Indigenous groups to progress reforms to the ACCU Scheme that support FPIC practices and the growth of Indigenous-led carbon projects and to fund this process properly.
7. Secure long-term funding is needed to support the important role of ICIN to promote Indigenous leadership in the carbon industry and ensure that Indigenous groups are informed about and involved in industry developments in the industry. We ask that the Australian Government provide ICIN $10m over 3 years to provide resources to help Indigenous communities to understand carbon markets, facilitate discussions about Indigenous leadership in the carbon industry, and provide outreach to Indigenous groups interested in the Indigenous carbon industry.
8. For decades, Indigenous groups have worked in partnership with the scientific community to bring traditional knowledge and Western science together to develop carbon methods and projects. More secure funding is needed for the North Australia and Rangelands Fire Information (NAFI) service over the long term. This service is critical to Indigenous groups doing fire management and delivering carbon projects.
9. We must have a seat at the table to ensure that Indigenous knowledge and practices are recognised and embedded in carbon and other environmental market policy, legislation, and methods. We ask, amongst others, that the Australian Government:
   • Expedite the release of new draft Savanna Fire Management methods that have been in development for several years by the Australian Government.
   • Provide funding for proponent-led carbon method development, particularly where the method generates cultural, social, and environmental benefits for Indigenous communities.
   • Ensure that cultural burning practices are valued and taken into account in any new land and sea management carbon accounting methods.