ICIN launches new guidance to support Indigenous organisations with governance and decision making within the carbon industry. 

Launched at AIATSIS 2026, Guidance on Agreement Making for Indigenous Carbon Projects was informed by expert independent legal advice and input from Indigenous organisations across Australia and funded by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation. 

“Indigenous groups and organisations face many challenges to participate in the carbon industry. ICIN has developed this guidance to support groups to increase their understanding of carbon project development and be able to negotiate better outcomes within agreement making,” said CEO of ICIN Anna Boustead at the event. 

“Indigenous people have significant rights and interests in carbon. Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme, they are responsible for managing and making decisions about carbon across approximately 59% of Australia's landmass. There is a need to raise the bar in the carbon market and improve practices of engagement. This guidance supports Indigenous groups to exercise these rights,” added Ms Boustead.  

Another challenge is third parties using governance structures and agreements that limit or remove Indigenous peoples’ rights and interests in carbon. Common governance arrangements, types of agreements for carbon projects and clauses to consider when negotiating agreements are all covered in this user-friendly resource to support Indigenous groups with this challenge. 

The launch event, held at AIATSIS 2026 on the lands of the Kombumerri, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast, was also attended by ICIN Co-Chair Dr Dean Yibarbuk, ICIN Directors Suzanne Thompson and Sarah Parriman, and ICIN staff members Suzanne Munkara and Jamay Deshong.  

At the event, a useful video for Indigenous groups explaining consent rights in the carbon market, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, within the First Nations Carbon Farming Outreach Program, was also launched!  

“We want to share some information with you about your rights and interests in carbon, and how you can protect them. This is important because a carbon project can be a very long commitment and if you are properly informed, you can bring about good benefits for your mob and your Country,” said Tristin Maroney, Director, ICIN in the video.  

The AIATSIS Summit 2026 was hosted in partnership with the Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation (DBAC). 

Find the full guide below.