The Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN) welcomes the release of the Carbon Market Institute’s Code of Conduct, which aims to support for best practice in the carbon industry.
In response to clear advice from ICIN members regarding its reference to native title rights, the Carbon Market Institute has decided to include the ICIN Best Practice Guidelines on Seeking Free, Prior and Informed Consent from Indigenous communities for Carbon Projects within the Code of Conduct.
ICIN members are Indigenous organisations which support the production of Indigenous carbon credits on their country through their land and sea management work.
ICIN Coordinator Anna Boustead said the release of the Code reflected that the industry is seizing an important opportunity to raise the bar on good business practice, particularly regarding recognition of Indigenous rights and interests.
“The carbon industry has positioned itself as a sustainable and ethical industry which will support outcomes that are good for country and good for communities. It is important that business practices of carbon project developers, brokers and agents which seek to profit from the production of carbon credits reflect these high standards which were the foundation of the industry.
Ms Boustead said “Indigenous organisations set the bar high and as a result, Indigenous-owned carbon projects are delivering multiple outcomes including better fire management, protection of cultural sites, improved biodiversity, investment in community programs and infrastructure which support self-empowerment of communities that are recognised worldwide.
“We want to see the carbon industry become a shining light in recognising Indigenous rights and interests to realise these remarkable opportunities – but the industry has some way to go yet.
“The launch of this Code of Conduct is a step in the right direction.
Keri Tamwoy, Chair of APN Cape York said:
“APN Cape York is seeking to ensure that we deliver to the Traditional Owners of the Southern Wik area the highest possible standards in recognition of their human rights and the greatest benefit from tropical savanna carbon farming efforts.
We commend the Carbon Market Institute on operationalising the Australian Carbon Industry Code of Conduct that includes the recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights to free, prior and informed consent. We encourage people who want to take climate action to ensure that their carbon credits come from reputable sources.”
Ricky Archer, CEO of NAILSMA said:
“NAILSMA welcomes the introduction of the industry Code of Conduct. Aboriginal project partners place significant weight on the reputation of those we do business with, and we have a special regard for the track record of potential carbon project partners in dealing with other Indigenous groups.
Those businesses which abide by the code will increasingly be differentiated from those who do not.”
Over the coming months, ICIN will be producing materials on its website to help carbon businesses to understand their obligations to Indigenous communities and to promote genuine partnerships which support self-empowerment of Indigenous communities through their carbon projects.
The Carbon Market Institute’s Code of Conduct can be found here.