About the Engagement Forum

Learn more about the Indigenous Peoples and local communities VCM Engagement Forum

Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local communities (LCs) are key partners in the voluntary carbon market and to the fight against the climate crisis. It is critical that we collaborate with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to make sure the voluntary carbon market (VCM) functions in a way that protects and promotes their rights and interests.

The proposal of an IPs and LCs VCM Engagement Forum, announced at COP28, has been the principal output of a two-year initiative and series of global consultations, workshops and discussions led by the Integrity Council. 

A market-wide Engagement Forum has the potential to:

1.

Strengthen and coordinate Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ critical engagement with the market.

2.

Support and empower Indigenous Peoples and local communities to become decision makers to the market. 

The nomination process

In January 2024, the nomination process for the Engagement Forum opened. The Integrity Council received 64 nominations from across the world. Eight representatives from Oceania, Africa, Latin America, Asia and the northern hemisphere have been appointed to the Forum while co-Chairs will be appointed shortly. The first meeting of the Forum was held on the 4th of July 2024.The Integrity Council’s board members and prominent Indigenous representatives Jennifer Corpuz, Dr Kanyinke Sena, Dr. Francisco Souza and expert advisor Tuntiak Katan are leading the development and strategic support of the Forum. Also, the Integrity Council has members of its secretariat dedicated to IPs and LCs work, both supporting the Forum and the leadership of the IPs and LCs board members.

The secretariat also seeks to ensure the Forum’s recommendations are fed back to the continuous improvement work of the Integrity Council in developing a high integrity voluntary carbon market. 

Scenic landscape with green meadows, coniferous trees, rolling hills, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Vision and Values

The overarching goal of the Engagement Forum is to elevate and enforce the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPs and LCs) within the voluntary carbon market led by their interests, values, principles, and vision. The specific vision, principles and values of the Forum are, at present, being developed by the newly convened Forum membership.

There are six Governance Documents for the Forum:   

1. Vision and Values  

2. Terms of Reference  

3. Code of Conduct  

4. Conflict of Interest  

5. Cultural Protocols and Guidelines  

6. Modalities and Procedures   

The aim of these documents is to provide essential information about what the Forum intends to achieve and how it will operate in order to achieve this.  

These are currently being developed by the members of the Forum and shall be shared once approved by the Forum membership. 

“ We see the enormous potential and opportunities that carbon markets can present for Indigenous Peoples. There has to be integrity for the carbon markets to benefit the community. ”

— Kanyinke Sena, Indigenous People and local communities representative, ICVCM Governing Board

VCM Engagement Forum Contact Form

A specific contact form for the VCM Engagement Forum that helps establish that it is distinct entity from the ICVCM.

Name(Required)

Karst mountains and lush vegetation, with a wooden boat and a stilt hut in a misty, tranquil landscape.

Media Highlights

Stay informed about the latest news, insights, and discussions from the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Voluntary Carbon Market Engagement Forum.

Explore our social media channels and blog for updates on our work, events, and initiatives.

Press Releases

New Forum will give Indigenous Peoples and local communities a strong voice in shaping high-integrity voluntary carbon market.

Social Media Highlights

Join the conversation! Engage with us on social media and learn about the diverse and experienced Forum members, representing regions worldwide, bring invaluable expertise to this initiative.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events.

————-

The Integrity Council recognises Indigenous Peoples and / or local communities as different and distinct peoples with discreet rights and interests as expressed in international and national instruments, and in traditional laws.