Indigenous leaders in Palawan, Philippines, signed a landmark agreement for the country’s first locally owned forest carbon project, aimed at protecting 39,000 hectares of forest. This initiative values carbon storage to counter deforestation through carbon credits, recognizing Indigenous communities as rightful beneficiaries and possibly influencing global practices. Revenue from carbon credits will support further conservation efforts.
In a significant advancement for environmental conservation, Indigenous leaders in Palawan, Philippines, have instituted the nation’s inaugural locally owned forest carbon project. This initiative prioritizes the preservation of forests by ascribing financial worth to the carbon stored within trees, thereby incentivizing the protection against deforestation through the sale of carbon credits.
The agreement, formalized by Conservation International alongside the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, is designed to safeguard 39,000 hectares (97,000 acres) of forest within the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape, which represents a vital ecological zone in the country, as reported by Mariejo Ramos of Context.
Approximately 12,000 Indigenous Filipinos inhabit the region, depending on the natural environment for sustenance and economic stability. However, their forests and livelihoods face threats from illegal mining and logging activities. In the last two decades, more than 20 percent of Mount Mantalingahan’s mangroves and forests have been lost, primarily due to mining for nickel, which is essential for technology such as electric vehicles and solar panels.
Panglima Norlito Silnay, leader of the Pala’wan Indigenous group, expressed hope that the project could be managed by the community independently, free from external business influences. This project may serve as a catalyst for similar Indigenous-led carbon initiatives globally, as noted by Wilson Barbon from Conservation International.
While carbon trading in the Philippines is nascent and the framework for selling carbon credits to businesses remains undeveloped, Barbon is optimistic. He recognizes ongoing debates surrounding carbon credit effectiveness yet emphasizes the need for constructive improvement rather than termination of the initiative, stating that it should also encapsulate biodiversity and community involvement. Revenue generation from carbon credits is anticipated to commence next year, with proceeds reinvested into further conservation efforts.
The signing of this landmark carbon deal signifies a critical step towards environmental preservation in the Philippines, particularly within Indigenous territories. By recognizing the value of carbon storage and emphasizing community management, this initiative aims not only to protect valuable forest areas but also potentially influence global carbon trading practices by recognizing Indigenous rights. The collaboration emphasizes sustainable development, aiming to address both environmental and community needs.
Original Source: www.conservation.org
