Carbon Credits and Indigenous Communities: Between Potential and Caution

At the invitation of the Chief of the Bragança-Munduruku Village, located in the Tapajós National Forest, the Actus Consultorias team participated in a significant self-recognition ceremony of the community. This event highlighted the value of the ancestral struggle for land demarcation rights and the preservation of culture and the environment.

On this occasion, we had the opportunity to discuss a topic of great importance: carbon credits and their impact on Indigenous territories. Although regulated by the Kyoto Protocol and later strengthened by the Paris Agreement (2015), which set more ambitious guidelines for mitigating climate change, carbon credits still raise doubts and concerns among traditional communities.

The Paris Agreement, through mechanisms such as Article 6, reinforced the need for fair and transparent global markets that respect the rights of communities that have historically preserved forests.

With the support of Consultant Wander Oliveira, whose expertise on the subject dates back to his 2006 thesis titled "Carbon Sequestration: An Alternative for Income and Preservation in the Amazon," we discussed the opportunities and challenges that carbon credits represent. Despite their potential to generate income and incentivize environmental conservation, there are legitimate concerns about safeguarding rights, autonomy, and the protagonism of Indigenous peoples in this market.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to learn more about the rich culture of the village and reinforced our commitment to promoting solutions that balance sustainable development, environmental preservation, and social justice. The path to ethical regulation and adoption of carbon credits lies in recognizing Indigenous communities as key players in this process, respecting their choices and priorities.

We extend our gratitude to the Chief and the village for their warm welcome and trust in our team to facilitate this essential dialogue. We remain dedicated to building bridges between technical knowledge and ancestral wisdom, promoting sustainability with respect and inclusion.

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