As the specter of climate change looms, a new market has emerged, one that seeks to commodify carbon itself, transforming forests into tradable assets in the form of credits
In the ever-evolving tapestry of global environmental concerns, the carbon trend for many has been seen as a critical thread weaving its way through the fabric of our planet’s future. Although, for centuries, humanity treated the atmosphere as an infinite dumping ground, burning fossil fuels without consequence.
So when the consequences are undeniable: climate change that jeopardised ecosystems, displaced communities, and a threatened future we struggle to envision, carbon credits – often used by companies and individuals to offset their emissions – have emerged as a market-driven approach to tackle climate change.
The historical narrative of carbon’s role in climate change is one marked by industrialisation, deforestation, and a relentless pursuit of economic growth. Over the past century, the exponential increase in carbon emissions has pushed our planet to the brink of ecological catastrophe. Recognising the need for urgent action, the international community has turned to innovative solutions, one of which is the carbon credit system.
However, the complexities of this system reveal a stark disconnect between its mechanics and the realities faced by Indigenous Peoples. In this scenario, Indigenous domains, particularly forest areas emerge as a microcosm of the global struggle and an urgent need to find solutions for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
But amid this complex narrative, another story unfolds – one whispered among the leaves, carried on the wind, and etched in the hearts of Indigenous Peoples. This story speaks of generations stewarding their ancestral lands, protecting biodiversity, and living in harmony with their environment. Those who silently guard and protect the world’s biodiversity for hundreds of years, but the core foundation of the traditional knowledge that guides all the practices of sustainable forest management is now being questioned.
As international pressure mounts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon markets emerge as a seemingly attractive solution. Companies and individuals purchase carbon credits to offset emissions, supporting projects that conserve or sequester carbon. While this approach holds promise, its implementation carries a hidden cost: the potential erosion of Indigenous rights and the spiritual connection the Indigenous communities hold with their lands.
Profane Approach of the Current Carbon Market
In Southeast Asia, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and expansive forests, the carbon trend takes on a distinctive hue. Intended as a tool to combat climate change, the current approach and designed system of carbon trade has spectacularly failed to consider the profound connection Indigenous Peoples have to our forests.
This oversight becomes glaringly evident in the lack of recognition given to Indigenous spirituality in discussions surrounding carbon markets. Disregarding the fact that for generations, Indigenous communities have woven our beliefs and practices into the fabric of our environment. Treating forests as mere carbon stocks ignored this profound connection, potentially causing cultural and spiritual harm alongside environmental degradation.
Indigenous Peoples – who manage and depend on our forests, not merely as resources but as sacred spaces deeply intertwined with their spirituality and way of life. In almost all forest-dependent communities, the forest is not limited to merely a physical space. The forest is a living entity and a reflection of the world in its smaller version where humans, animals, and plants as atoms of life sharing space and co-existing together.
Indigenous spirituality, rooted in a holistic understanding of nature, emphasises the interconnectedness of all living beings.
For the Orang Dusun of Sabah, Malaysia, the forest intertwines with the land, tracing ancestry back to the very trees and mountains. The Tagakaolo of Davao del Sur, the Philippines, view the forest as a vibrant community where humans, animals, and spirits coexist in harmonious interdependence. Similarly, the Kajang people of South Sulawesi, Indonesia perceive the forest as their source of life and spiritual sustenance.
These diverse views converge on a central theme: the forest as a living being worthy of respect and reciprocity. This relationship isn’t merely metaphorical; it’s woven into the fabric of daily life, guiding interactions with all aspects of the forest ecosystem.
The Korowai in Merauke, South Papua, Indonesia for instance, practice sustainable hunting methods guided by ancestral spirits, ensuring the animals’ continued abundance. The Yerisiam Gua in Nabire, Central Papua, Indonesia utilise plant extracts for healing, where the knowledge is passed down through generations in reverence for the forest as the pharmacy.
This deep connection fosters a responsibility to maintain ecological balance, evident in the Baduy of Banten, Indonesia’s agricultural system of paddy rice, which mimics natural processes for sustainable food production.
Delving into this unique perspective requires immersing ourselves in the diverse tapestry of Indigenous cultures, each with its intricate cosmology and connection to the forest. However, in the carbon market discourse, this spiritual relationship is often overlooked, and economic considerations take precedence. The commodification of carbon credits neglects the intrinsic value Indigenous Peoples place on their ancestral lands as sacred spaces essential to their cultural identity, but viewing them as more than just repositories of carbon.
The trade that is currently being promoted globally in carbon credits, whether voluntary or government-required compliance markets, must be approached with a nuanced understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of these forests.
Necessary Pause
Without a doubt, the concept of guardianship of the forest by the Indigenous Peoples fosters sustainable management practices. This is why, understanding the Indigenous knowledge systems, deeply informed by their spiritual connection to the forest, offers valuable insights for contemporary conservation efforts – including the carbon market.
The answer to the above question lies in pausing, rethinking, and restructuring these markets to prioritise the rights and voices of Indigenous Peoples.
Firstly, land rights must be explicitly, proactively, and comprehensively addressed. Indigenous Peoples must have full control over their lands and forests, with free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) at the heart of any carbon project. This requires robust legal frameworks, transparent communication, and mechanisms for equitable benefit-sharing.
Secondly, carbon markets must acknowledge and value the holistic contributions of Indigenous Peoples. Beyond carbon sequestration, our role in ecosystem conservation, biodiversity knowledge, and maintaining resilient landscapes must be recognised and rewarded. This necessitates diversifying carbon credit mechanisms to capture these invaluable contributions.
Thirdly, Indigenous spirituality must be integrated into the discussion. Acknowledging the spiritual connection the Indigenous Peoples hold with their lands is crucial for ensuring genuine respect and building trust. Consultation with spiritual leaders and communities must be an integral part of project design and implementation.
Finally, traditional knowledge and practices must be actively incorporated. Indigenous Peoples are not and should not be passive beneficiaries of carbon markets; we are knowledgeable partners with solutions. Our voices must be heard, and our practices valued and integrated into project design and execution.
This pause does not represent inaction; it signifies a shift towards a responsible and just approach.
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