#USA #New York #BNP Paribas #Everland #Amazon Conservation

A Groundbreaking Initiative for Amazon Conservation

Everland has formed a strategic partnership with BNP Paribas to initiate an innovative bond program, channeling $50 million towards community-led conservation projects in the Amazon rainforest. This endeavor was officially announced during the Global Citizen NOW summit held in New York City, showcasing a commitment to Indigenous leadership in environmental protection.

Purpose of the Initiative

The primary goal of this initiative is to support 20 community-led REDD+ projects certified under the Equitable Earth Standard. These projects will not only facilitate forest preservation but also ensure a sustainable revenue stream for the Indigenous and traditional communities that call these areas home.

The region's ecological integrity is vital, particularly for populations of jaguars, whose survival is interconnected with the preservation of their habitats. The Jaguar Corridor—a series of landscapes crucial for the genetic flow of jaguar populations—will be a focal area for these projects, directly benefiting the local communities who manage and protect these ecosystems.

Financial Model and Expected Outcomes

The bond initiative aims to raise funds that will be utilized to execute key conservation activities. As these projects successfully implement their strategies over a 40-year span, they are projected to generate high-quality carbon credits, forecasted to yield over $1 billion in revenue within the first decade. These funds will be integral in ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the conservation projects and the communities involved.

An essential component of the Equitable Earth Standard is the establishment of a fair and equitable revenue-sharing plan, ensuring that Indigenous and traditional peoples can invest in their development priorities while actively participating in the conservation of their ancestral lands.

Voices from the Community

The sentiments of Indigenous leadership were captured in a statement from Chief Uraan Anderson Suruí, who emphasized the need for Indigenous voices in financing climate initiatives as often decisions are made without their input. He remarked, "This new initiative... opens a door for Indigenous peoples to access the financing we need to protect our territories, strengthen our cultures, and secure our future."

Meanwhile, Constance Chalchat, Global Chief Sustainability Officer at BNP Paribas, underlined the significance of integrating Indigenous knowledge in conservation initiatives, highlighting how this collaboration aligns with their commitment to sustainable financial practices.

Project Implementation and Collaboration

Everland's role extends beyond merely structuring the financing. It will ensure robust project preparation, poised for impactful outcomes, including the meticulous vetting of project eligibility and ongoing monitoring to meet performance criteria. This approach is designed to guarantee that the bond initiative yields significant biodiversity and social benefits while offering high-integrity carbon credits in the market.

The importance of supporting Indigenous peoples in conservation efforts was echoed by Frédéric Launay, President and CEO of Panthera, who noted that this partnership brings collective ambition closer to fruition, affirming the worth of Indigenous stewardship in the interconnected ecosystems of the Amazon.

Global Implications and Future Prospects

The announcement comes at a critical juncture as we head toward the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, where world leaders are poised to discuss significant investments in the Amazon rainforest. This initiative exemplifies a model where private investments align with genuine community-led conservation efforts, showcasing how corporate responsibility and grassroots wisdom can be harmoniously intertwined. With public awareness on climate change reaching new heights, efforts like this offer silver linings in the global landscape of sustainability.

This is not merely an investment strategy aimed at generating carbon credits; it embodies a profound commitment to enhancing the lives and futures of Indigenous communities while protecting the world's most vital ecosystems. By prioritizing Indigenous leadership and equitable financing, this initiative aspires to foster a sustainable and just future for both the planet and its inhabitants.

For more information about the partnerships and upcoming projects, visit Everland and Equitable Earth.