Thirteen key questions and answers on carbon markets

Forests play a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate by storing large amounts of carbon. Many territories managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities contain healthy, intact forests that contribute significantly to global climate goals. Indigenous Peoples and local communities are increasingly being approached and are considering opportunities to participate in carbon projects. Aligning traditional land management practices with financial benefits can, in theory, create positive
outcomes for both Indigenous communities and the ecosystem. However, carbon markets are complex, and they carry risks, particularly when rights are not fully respected or information is not clearly shared.
This document presents a series of key questions that Indigenous Peoples and local communities have about carbon markets, with a particular focus on their relevance to forest and land-based projects. It is not a comprehensive guide but rather a compilation of questions and insights drawn from the experiences and discussions of Indigenous Peoples and local community representatives during a learning exchange held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2024.
The learning exchange brought together participants from over eight nationalities in Asia, each contributing their perspectives on the challenges, opportunities and complexities of carbon markets, especially in relation to forests and land-based carbon projects. The questions included here reflect concerns and inquiries raised during the exchange. The answers are not directly attributable to RECOFTC but represent the collective responses from the Indigenous Peoples and communitybased co-organizers of the event.
This document is intended for anyone, but especially for Indigenous Peoples and local communities who are engaged in, affected by, or considering land-based carbon initiatives and seeking to better understand what participation in carbon markets may mean for their rights, resources and futures. It focuses especially on how forest-based carbon credits work, how they can support or threaten the rights
of Indigenous Peoples and communities, and what communities should consider before and throughout their participation in any carbon market opportunity.

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