Having rights in relation to a carbon project gives Indigenous organisations a seat at the table to negotiate the type of project or outcome that works for them.
Recognising that land was never ceded, the Carbon ACCU Scheme Map identifies Indigenous rights and interests recognised under the Australian Government ACCU Scheme, as defined in the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 and the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015.
ICIN's analysis indicates that Indigenous people are responsible for managing and making decisions regarding carbon projects across approximately 59% of Australia's landmass, including the right to own and run a project over 28% of land and the right to veto a project over 31% of land.
This means that with the right policy settings, methods, and free, prior and informed consent practices being embedded, Indigenous people will continue to play a leading role in Australia's carbon industry.
The Nature Repair Market Scheme (Nature Repair Market) is a Commonwealth Government Scheme established to provide a framework for individuals and organisations to do nature repair projects. A Nature Repair Market project protects and restores the environment and generate credits that can be sold on the market. The Nature Repair Market started in February 2025 and is governed by the Nature Repair Act 2023 and Nature Repair (Biodiversity Assessment) Instrument 2025. It is still in the development phase.
As of August 2025, there is only one nature repair method, Replanting Native Forest and Woodland Ecosystems, and it doesn't apply to large areas of Northern Australia. ICIN is working with member organisations such as the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) and the Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) to develop methods relevant to ICIN members, this includes the Introduced Hooved Animal Management method and the Indigenous fire management method.
The Nature Repair Market offers a significant opportunity for Indigenous land and sea managers to place an economic value on their work to care for their country, particularly as Indigenous people hold significant rights and interests to land and sea. Having rights in relation to a nature repair project gives Indigenous groups and organisations a seat at the table to negotiate the type of project or outcome that works for them.
Recognising that land was never ceded, the 'ICIN Nature Repair Map 2025' identifies Indigenous rights and interests recognised under the Nature Repair Market Scheme. Indigenous rights have been grouped into classes based on the relative ‘strength’ of that right. The Nature Repair Market legislation recognises additional Indigenous rights and interests compared to the ACCU Scheme, this includes recognising rights in areas with an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) or a native title claim.
ICIN's analysis indicates that Indigenous people are responsible for making decisions regarding nature repair projects across approximately 71% of Australia's landmass, including the right of veto across 59% of land (Classes 1-3), and the right to be 'appropriately engaged' across an additional 18% of land (Classes 4 and 5).
With the right policy settings, methods, and support, Indigenous people have the opportunity to be leaders in the Nature Repair Market.
Note: The dataset underlying this map is based primarily on publicly available spatial data, complemented by private information sources. It is acknowledged that there may be some errors in the dataset and that Indigenous land and sea interests are broader than what is presented in the dataset. Further, due to the scale of the analysis, the data should not be relied upon for accuracy at a local or project-level scale.
Climate change
NAILSMA has developed tools to help Indigenous communities to understand climate change and the savanna carbon farming industry, including videos, publications and posters.
Australia's Carbon Industry
ILSC have published the discussion paper Indigenous participation in the carbon industry.
Carbon Market Institute (CMI) is the peak industry body, providing information a guidance for participating in the carbon industry.
Clean Energy Regulator (CER) provides information about the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) and Native Title, Legal Right and Eligible Interest-Holder Consent Guidance.
Code of Conduct for the carbon industry in Australia. Overseen by the CMI, this is a voluntary code which seeks to encourage best practice in the carbon industry, including a complaints process.
QLD Government Land Restoration Fund (LRF) provides support for Queenslanders.
WA Government also provides information about the carbon industry.
Carbon methods
Kimberley Land Council has developed a step-by-step guide and videos to help Indigenous communities understand the carbon market and the savanna carbon farming methods.
ALFA NT showcases projects on their website.
The QLD Government showcases a successful Blue Carbon Tidal Restoration project.
The Clean Energy Regulator's video about savanna fire management, the method and benefits.
Co-benefits
Core Benefits Verification Framework developed by the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation is the only accredited third-party verification framework specifically developed for measuring the social and cultural co-benefits of Indigenous carbon businesses in Australia.
Training course
Aboriginal Carbon Foundation provides a 5-day training course in Aboriginal Carbon Farming and Core Benefits Management targeted at Indigenous ranger groups. There are also several recognised core units available in Savanna Carbon Farming Operations which can be delivered by any accredited training organisation.
