Insights

Week 35: Conservation Finance News

Written by Insights Team | 8/26/24 1:30 AM

Putrajaya accelerates CCA bill in line with Sarawak's carbon policy

The federal government of Malaysia is expediting the drafting of a National Climate Change Bill, aligning with Sarawak's proactive carbon policy. Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad highlighted that Sarawak is leading in carbon policy planning, which is influencing national efforts to meet international climate commitments under the UNFCCC. The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, with ongoing engagement between federal and state governments to ensure swift implementation. Click here to learn more.

 

Smallholder farms sustain Malaysia's palm oil industry

Malaysia, the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, relies on smallholder farmers facing challenges like limited resources, fluctuating prices, and international trade requirements. Successful government programs and sustainable interventions support industry development and smallholders' livelihoods. Mechanization, digital advancements, and incentives enhance productivity and sustainability, creating employment opportunities for all. As 203 approaches, Malaysia needs a dynamic framework to address social challenges for oil palm smallholder farmers. Click here to learn more.

 

Sabah Forest Law Enforcement and Offense Mitigation: Lessons Learned

The paper discusses challenges in enforcing forest laws and implementing Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in Sabah, analyzing trends in forest offenses from 2001 to 2013. It examines the state government's strategies, identifying staffing issues, strengths in SFM policy implementation, and opportunities in technology and stakeholder collaboration. Challenges include resource availability and market fluctuations. To learn more, you can click here.

 

Establishing a common carbon framework for the ASEAN

Southeast Asia aims to establish the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework (ACCF) to overcome validation costs and lengthy processes, producing high-quality carbon credits and gaining international acceptance. Trust in ACCF may be challenging due to existing standards like Verra, but Malaysia's initiative as ASEAN chair drives the framework's development. Click here to learn more.

 

Orangutan program offers tax relief for donations

The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation offers tax relief for donations to their orangutan conservation program under the Income Tax Act 1967. Funds support activities like establishing expert teams, planting food sources for orangutans, and allowing companies importing Malaysian palm oil to adopt orangutans within the country. To know more, you can click here.

 

Taxing the wealthiest for climate finance, per study

According to a recent study, campaigners are proposing that the responsibility of funding the new climate finance goal should fall on the world's wealthiest individuals. By implementing a modest 1.7 to 3.5 percent tax on the top 0.5% of earners, it is estimated that a staggering US$2.1 trillion could be raised annually. This amount would surpass the external climate funds required by developing nations, even considering the potential redistribution of wealth. To know more, you can click here.

 

Integrated forest restoration benefits humans, biodiversity, and mitigates climate change simultaneously

Integrated forest restoration plans, addressing biodiversity, climate, and human livelihood, can efficiently deliver benefits across all three areas simultaneously. A study in India found that focusing on multiple objectives achieves high levels of climate change mitigation, biodiversity improvement, and social benefits, benefiting socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This approach offers a blueprint for designing conservation policies and ecosystem restoration activities.To learn more, you can click here.

 

G20 urged to boost biodiversity credit uptake

The G20 should support a credible market for biodiversity credits by enhancing uptake and integrity of nature-based solutions, aligning with national and international policies. Capacity building for Indigenous Peoples and local communities is crucial for project success. This aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) goals. Click here to learn more.

 

Accelerating Reforestation in the Amazon through Conservation Finance

Among the key takeaways from the report, the Amazon rainforest is crucial for people, economies, biodiversity, and climate. Private capital can support sustainable Amazon management through market-based mechanisms and carbon markets with the USD 225 million Amazon Reforestation-Linked Bond linking investors to reforestation projects for positive development and climate outcomes. To learn more, click here.

 

"Hope" governs CTF on climate finance

The Climate and Transformation Fund in Germany faces a 9 billion euro budget shortfall. Uncertainty looms over fund utilization due to projected global underspending. Ministries hope to avoid future financial difficulties, but concerns persist regarding funding climate action and meeting targets. Click here to learn more.