ICVCM Calls for Indigenous Peoples as VCM Decision-Makers

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market has argued that Indigenous Peoples and local communities must be active shareholders and decision-makers in the voluntary carbon market, not merely beneficiaries. The council's Core Carbon Principles require all new carbon projects to implement free, prior, and informed consent from Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

The ICVCM's position, articulated ahead of COP29, centres on the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as stewards of 40% of the planet's ecologically intact landscapes. The council's Core Carbon Principles break new ground by requiring robust social and environmental safeguards for all new projects, including transparent benefit-sharing arrangements and Indigenous rights protections. The ICVCM has also created the VCM Engagement Forum, a self-governing body enabling Indigenous Peoples and local communities to contribute to policy decisions and advise on the Assessment Framework.

Three Board seats are reserved for representatives from Indigenous Peoples and local communities within the Integrity Council's governance structure, embedding their perspectives directly in decision-making. The council argues that projects incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge are more stable and sustainable, producing better environmental outcomes, enhanced community well-being, and improved operational resilience. The voluntary carbon market is identified as a key mechanism for channelling private climate finance directly to communities in the Global South.

A Continuous Improvement Work Programme is underway to further enhance criteria for sustainable development and environmental and social safeguards in future versions of the Assessment Framework. This programme aims to increase transparency around benefit-sharing arrangements and strengthen protections for the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The Integrity Council stated that a high-integrity voluntary carbon market is only achievable when built on respect for Indigenous rights, cultural knowledge, and ecological stewardship.

Key figure — 40% of the planet's ecologically intact landscapes managed by Indigenous Peoples