Initial approval from carbon markets integrity body

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has announced ACR, Climate Action Reserve (CAR), and Gold Standard as the first carbon-crediting programmes to meet its Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). The CCPs establish rigorous thresholds for disclosure and sustainable development, serving as a benchmark for high-integrity carbon credits. Click here to know more.

New guide for creating a Nature Positive strategy

Advisory firm Pollination and WWF released a guide for companies to establish nature-positive strategies to meet global conservation targets. The report underscores the urgency of addressing nature-related risks and outlines key principles for developing aligned strategies. Click here to learn more. 

Indigenous participation in biodiversity markets might exclude credits

The effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in nature markets could mean introducing initiatives other than biodiversity credits to boost finance, a specialist on the topic said last Thursday. Emil Siren Gualinga, emphasised that Indigenous Peoples must have the opportunity to develop their own initiatives and determine the implementation of targets on their territories. Click here to know more.

Scotland unveils incentive plan to encourage private landowners in nature restoration

The Scottish government is considering legislation to encourage nature restoration on private land through financial support and advice. They are consulting on proposals for a Natural Environment Bill, aiming to modernise protected areas and ensure their effectiveness in protecting and restoring nature. The government plans to work with landowners and managers to identify areas for restoration and provide financial support where appropriate. To know more, you can click here.

Stakeholders urge Australia to limit ministerial call-in powers in EPBC reforms

Stakeholders urge the Australian government to reconsider EPBC Act reforms over ministerial call-in powers. Concerns raised over potential compromise of EPA's independence. The proposed legislation allows ministers to veto EPA decisions on projects based on national interest, prompting calls for clarity from the Carbon Market Institute. Click here to know more.

Full tradability is not essential for environmental markets

French asset manager Mirova emphasises the importance of quality over tradability in biodiversity and carbon projects, likening it to the wine industry. While liquidity is crucial for market efficiency, full fungibility isn't necessary, according to Mirova's position paper on Environmental Market Instruments. Each project's specific quality should be prioritised, they argue. To know more, you can click here.

Southeast Asia mulls 'green financing' amidst smog issues

Senior finance and central bank officials from Southeast Asia and major economies met last Thursday in the scenic Laotian city of Luang Prabang to discuss ways to help the region build resilience against shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters brought on by climate change. To learn more, you can click here.

State governments key to unlocking Malaysia's carbon credit potential

Malaysia's biodiversity-rich rainforests face challenges in generating carbon credits due to complex jurisdictional issues and reliance on logging revenue. Coordinated efforts are needed to unlock the forestry sector's potential, focusing on governance harmonization, Indigenous community engagement, and transparency anticipated climate change legislation could further streamline mitigation efforts. Click here to know more.

Preserving the wealth of nature

Financial institutions have a significant role in supporting biodiversity, protecting nature, and preserving Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) as stewards of natural capital. A new report explores how finance sustainability intersects with the unique position of IPLCs, highlighting the importance of integrating cultural preservation with environmental conservation efforts. To know more, you can click here.

Strengthening UK-Philippines Partnership for Climate and Biodiversity

The 4th UK-Philippines Climate and Environment Dialogue in 2024 emphasised joint action on climate, biodiversity, and oceans. The UK pledged support for initiatives like the Energy Transition Council and introduced the Animal Town app for wildlife conservation. Both nations finalised governance agreements and committed to collaboration on local projects, addressing key areas to advance sustainable development and strengthen their partnership on climate change. Click here to know more.