The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM)

Wrapping Up COP29: Advancing sustainability through high-integrity #VoluntaryCarbonMarkets ?? Today, we concluded our #COP29 journey with a powerful panel discussion hosted in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme. ?? This session brought together diverse voices to explore how carbon markets can deliver tangible benefits for nature, communities, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ??Key takeaways from the discussion: ?? Tackling deforestation in low-governance regions requires strong local and national governance, capacity building, and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities. Onel Masardule, Co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities VCM Engagement Forum, aptly stated: “We are all on the same planet and feel the effects of the climate crisis. We all need to contribute.”?? ?? Building high-integrity carbon markets demands robust methodologies that deliver in principle and practice, supported by collaboration among stakeholders and governments. Akiko Inoguchi highlighted: “National regulation and guidance are important, but local government has a key role to play as well. Ultimately, they’re the ones interacting with the local community to help facilitate projects and conduct monitoring in line with national regulation.”?? As #COP29 draws to a close, the Integrity Council remains ready to ensure the voluntary carbon market achieves its potential for accelerating climate action.?? ??Discover how we are advancing efforts to create a more transparent and resilient #VCM2.0: https://lnkd.in/eCemmjjv

??Reminder to join us at the Forest Pavilion today for an engaging session on how high-integrity #CarbonMarkets can drive sustainable development, deliver nature-positive outcomes, and ensure real emissions reductions while benefiting ecosystems and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ?? ?? Register to access the live stream: https://lu.ma/vrqvyrgz

Today at #COP29, our Associate Director of Policy Anton Tsvetov took part in a panel discussion on the ‘Implementation and Operation of Voluntary Carbon Markets in the European Context’. The session highlighted the need for collaboration and shared learning to drive transparent and credible carbon markets, with a focus on additionality and permanence—key pillars of integrity in the #VoluntaryCarbonMarket.?? Anton underscored the Integrity Council’s Continuous Improvement Work Programs role in strengthening permanence requirements, testing pooled buffer reserves, and developing innovative risk management approaches like industry-wide buffer pools and insurance solutions.?? "This area of work is moving so fast—new methodologies, new technologies, and so on. To address this, our Continuous Improvement Work Programs (CIWPs) help ensure we, as the ICVCM, stay informed on these developments." he said. ??What’s next? Join the Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities VCM Engagement Forum Co-Chair Onel Masardule at The World Bank panel tomorrow. Onel will be sharing his insights on recognising the critical role CIWPs play in climate mitigation and ensuring that these markets evolve to support their communities effectively and equitably. ?? The panel will feature an expert line up in the intersection of Indigenous rights, sustainability, and carbon markets and will discuss how carbon markets can recognise the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples in climate mitigation, followed by reforms needed to ensure these markets support Indigenous aspirations rather than extract resources. ??When - 9:00 a.m. ??Where - World Bank Pavilion #IndigenousLeadership #CarbonMarkets #ClimateAction #Sustainability

Join us for our upcoming Market Consultation Group Webinar, where we’ll be diving into key updates and progress of our work shaping the future of high-integrity #VoluntaryCarbonMarkets.?? ? ??Agenda Highlights? ? We’ve packed this session with essential updates and discussions, including:? ? Assessment Decisions and Program Assessments in Progress?? ? CCP-Approved methodologies and insights on CCP-labelled credits to date ? Updates on our Continuous Improvement Work Programs (CIWP) ? ? ICVCM at COP29 – A recap of our activities and contributions at #COP29.? ? ??Why Attend?? This webinar is an invaluable opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in the #VoluntaryCarbonMarket, hear directly from the Integrity Council experts about our ongoing work and upcoming plans, and get your questions answered.? ? Whether you’re a private-sector stakeholder, policymaker, or advocate for sustainability, this session is for you. Join the webinar stay at the forefront of carbon market developments ??? ? ?? Date: Monday, November 25? ?? Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. GMT? ?? Link to join: https://lnkd.in/e8EBD4ip #Sustainability #ClimateAction

Following last week's announcement of three CCP-Approved REDD+ methodologies, the Integrity Council?is co-hosting an event with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at #COP29's Forest Pavilion. ?? The event on Thursday is during 'Forests and Biodiversity Day' and will provide valuable insights into how high-integrity carbon markets can drive sustainable development and deliver nature-positive outcomes. This session will highlight the role of ICVCM’s?Core Carbon Principles (CCPs)?in ensuring that carbon credits support real emissions reductions, benefit ecosystems, and advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Panelists include: - Anton Tsvetov?– Associate Director for Policy, ICVCM (Facilitator) - Onel Masardule?– Co-Chair, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities VCM Engagement Forum - Babaria Quispe -- Director of Climate Change, MINAM, Perú Perú? - Akiko Inoguchi – International Consultant, FAO (virtual) This is a unique opportunity to explore policy initiatives that enable private carbon finance to contribute significantly to #SustainableDevelopment, with a focus on developing and forest-rich countries. For those accessing the event virtually, please sign up to access the live stream link. ?? More: https://lu.ma/vrqvyrgz

Last week the Integrity Council approved three methodologies for issuing #HighIntegrity carbon credits to tackle deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in developing countries. ?? Meeting global climate targets requires halting deforestation by 2030, meaning substantial financial investment is needed. Without the finance unlocked through high-integrity carbon credits, achieving this level of investment will be extremely challenging. ?? Learn more with our interactive carousel and blog: https://lnkd.in/evav279B ?? #SustainableDevelopment #Nature #Forests #VCM #VoluntaryCarbonMarket

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market has approved three methodologies for issuing #HighIntegrity carbon credits to tackle deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in developing countries. This decision marks another critical step forwards in creating a transparent, trustworthy market that drives meaningful climate action. Amy Merrill, Integrity Council CEO, said: “There is no chance of meeting our climate and biodiversity goals without increased finance for nature, Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The assessment process has concluded that these approved methodologies are robust and that they manage risk effectively. These decisions are important, bringing the confidence needed to underpin investment and marking the start of a much-needed new chapter for nature in the carbon markets."? Integrity Council Board Chair Annette Nazareth added, “We are grateful for the rigorous engagement of our independent experts, which has enabled us to reach the first set of assessment decisions on this important category of carbon credits.”? ?? What’s Next? Once programs start issuing CCP-labelled REDD+ carbon credits, the Integrity Council's oversight and assurance role means it will ensure ongoing compliance with our high-integrity requirements.? The Integrity Council is also continuing its rigorous work to assess carbon crediting programs and methodologies. Decisions on two additional ART TREES crediting levels - focusing on high-forest, low-deforestation (HFLD) regions and carbon removals - are anticipated by year-end, in addition to assessing clean cookstove methodologies.

The UK government has just published a set of principles, signed by the Chancellor and Secretaries of State for DESNZ and Defra, to guide responsible participation in voluntary carbon and nature markets. https://lnkd.in/exJf_hFc There is no question that we need to improve the quality of carbon credits, based on robust methodologies and delivered in a way that benefits people and nature. A lot of progress has been made over the last year to develop standards and best practice, and we can see that these are already driving improvements. Given the urgency of climate action we need to mobilise all available sources of finance, particularly for developing economies. Scaled up high-integrity carbon markets can play a significant part in this, alongside increased public and development finance. At COP29 many developing country ministers and leaders have been talking about the importance of carbon finance to delivering their NDCs, including Minister Thakuri of Nepal at our launch event yesterday. As Minister McCarthy put it: "For carbon markets to be better trusted in terms of integrity, requires buyers and investors to have more confidence that carbon credits deliver the benefits they claim, and can be used responsibly, without delaying ambitious science-aligned action on cutting emissions. The UK Government wants to help drive this change." Huge thank you to my team and colleagues in HMT and Defra who have been working hard to deliver this, and will be launching a public consultation on how to apply the principles in the UK in the new year. And to all those who helped bring the launch event together. Shivani Katyal Simon Petley Chris Shipley Lucy Jane Collyer Kim Wilkinson Fayyaz Muneer Helen Edmundson Andrew Death Maggie Charnley Joanna Macrae OBE Allister Furey Ben Rattenbury Mark Kenber Lydia Sheldrake Lorna Ritchie Amy Merrill Rachel Kyte Matt Toombs Ben Fagan-Watson Tommy Coyle Marco T. #UKatCOP29

At #COP29, the discussions have continuously underscored the need for high-integrity carbon finance being essential for scaling forest protection and restoration. Forests are one of our most vital natural allies in combating climate change, yet broken promises and inaction have left them vulnerable.?? In his compelling article for Reuters, Gabriel Labbate, Co-Chair of our Expert Panel, highlights the crucial steps we must take to ensure forests remain at the heart of global climate solutions. ?? Key actions Gabriel outlines for forest conservation: ?? Empower Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities: They are the most effective stewards of nature and must be at the forefront of conservation efforts. ?? Harness the potential of high-integrity carbon markets: Robust financial mechanisms are essential to channel funding toward forest protection and sustainable development. ?? Enforce accountability: Global climate commitments must be backed by transparent, actionable plans that prioritise forest preservation. As discussions continue at #COP29, the message remains clear - We require high-integrity carbon markets to fund forest conservation, corporate commitment to offset unavoidable emissions, and a transition to sustainable, deforestation-free land use practices that respect and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities. ?? Read Gabriel’s full article to learn how we can move from promises to action: ?? https://lnkd.in/eG-4vqrJ #IndigenousRights #ClimateAction #REDD+ #NatureBasedSolutions?

Day 5 at #COP29: Integrity Council in the spotlight ?? Today at COP29 Azerbaijan we explored pivotal developments and insights into building robust international carbon markets. Here’s a recap of the key discussions: ?? 1?? Panel: Advancing Carbon Market Integrity for People and Planet Our Board Member Doris Honold shared her insights on how integrity is shaping carbon markets. ?? “We need a reformed, high integrity market, one that is essential if we are to reach our global climate goals and channel money to where it is needed.” said Doris. Doris also discussed how nature-based credits must deliver real and measurable emissions reductions while protecting biodiversity. Our Governing Board today announced the approval of three REDD+ methodologies, which marks a significant step toward incentivising investment in nature protection. ?? ??Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eRZcw6ee 2?? Panel: Leveraging the Power of Markets to Help Achieve Angola’s Climate Goals Pedro Martins Barata, our Expert Panel Co-Chair, shared his insights on how high-integrity carbon markets can play a transformative role in supporting countries like Angola?? He emphasised, “We are committed to raising the quality threshold for carbon credits, delivering a high-integrity market that supports nature, people, and sustainable development.” 3?? Panel: Innovation in the Implementation of Article 6 – Carbon Transaction Facility and Policy-Level Crediting Hosted by the Global Green Growth Institute and Gold Standard, the session was moderated by our CEO Amy Merrill, where panelists discussed innovative approaches to mobilising finance through Article 6 mechanisms.?? 4?? Panel: Launch of the UK Government’s Principles for Voluntary Carbon Nature Market Integrity This important session featured the announcement on the UK government’s intention to set out principles and guidance for carbon credits. This is an endorsement of the Integrity Councils’ work, underscoring the importance of robustness and transparency in accelerating climate action. ?? The panel included insights from our Director of Public Affairs Lorna Ritchie, who shared "It’s not just about the volume of finance, but also about accessibility and quality of that finance." ?? Onel Masardule, the Co-Chair of Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities VCM Engagement Forum also highlighted “There is no integrity without respect and protection of Indigenous rights. It needs to be anchored at the local level, and must be at the core of the carbon markets. Only then can carbon markets build trust, and carbon finance yield impact.” ??What’s next? Find out more about our upcoming plans: https://lnkd.in/eaa8kPcu