Indigenous leaders in Palawan, Philippines, have signed a trailblazing agreement for the country’s first locally owned forest carbon project, aiming to protect 39,000 hectares of forest by monetizing the carbon stored in trees. This initiative not only anticipates halting deforestation but also recognizes Indigenous peoples’ rights to benefit from their resources, possibly inspiring global counterparts. The project plans to generate revenue from carbon credits to reinvest in local conservation efforts, despite the current limitations in carbon trading in the country.
In a significant development for environmental conservation, Indigenous leaders in Palawan, Philippines, have signed an important agreement to create the nation’s first indigenous-run forest carbon project. This initiative aims to quantify the carbon stored in trees, promoting the value of standing forests over deforestation through the sale of carbon credits.
The collaboration includes Conservation International and the Philippine government’s National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, focusing on protecting 39,000 hectares (97,000 acres) of forest within the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape, considered the last ecological frontier of the Philippines. This initiative is crucial for approximately 12,000 Indigenous Filipinos who depend on the region for their subsistence and livelihoods.
The local community faces threats from illegal logging and mining, particularly for minerals like nickel, which are critical for various technologies. The alarming loss of over 20 percent of Mount Mantalingahan’s forests in the last two decades underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. As Panglima Norlito Silnay of the Pala’wan Indigenous group articulated, he aspires for community-based management of the project, free from external exploitation.
This initiative not only responds to local needs but may also inspire similar Indigenous-led carbon projects globally, according to Wilson Barbon from Conservation International. The agreement affirms that Indigenous groups should rightfully benefit from the carbon captured in their forests, marking a progressive step forward in environmental justice.
Despite the nascent status of carbon trading in the Philippines and the lack of a formal system for carbon credit sales, there is apprehension regarding their effectiveness. Barbon remains optimistic that this project will set a benchmark for future carbon credits, integrating biodiversity and community involvement into the valuation of carbon.
Next year, the project is expected to commence generating revenue from carbon credits, which will be reinvested into the conservation of the area. This agreement signifies a promising stride toward achieving ecological sustainability and affirming Indigenous rights in environmental stewardship.
The landmark carbon deal signed by Indigenous leaders in Palawan represents a pivotal initiative in forest conservation and community empowerment. By placing a financial value on carbon storage, it aims to prohibit deforestation and enhance local livelihoods while setting a potential precedent for similar projects worldwide. The initiative highlights the crucial role of Indigenous peoples in environmental protection and addresses concerns regarding carbon trading efficacy. As the project begins to generate revenue, it will aid in further conservation efforts in the region, marking an essential step in the pursuit of sustainable environmental practices.
Original Source: www.conservation.org
