Resource information
These explainers represent a preliminary response to requests from communities for information on the topic of carbon markets.a They are likely to be updated based on further feedback and questions, including when it comes to practical strategies for the defence of rights in the context of carbon market developments.
For decades, indigenous peoples and their representatives have demanded that all policies, funding and initiatives aimed at addressing the climate crisis must respect and protect their rights, cultures, livelihoods and knowledge. They have insisted on being treated as central actors – and as rights holders – in the design and implementation of climate solutions. Indigenous peoples have historically been particularly active in trying to influence climate policies that relate to protecting forests. Such policies are often referred to by one catchphrase: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation. ‘REDD+’ for short. ‘No Rights, No REDD+’ has become a famous advocacy slogan across the world.1 In the past few years, a topic that has rapidly been gaining attention in climate discussions at all levels is ‘carbon markets’. Some of these discussions concern the role of forests in these markets, and whether carbon markets can bring in finance to pay for REDD+ activities.
