#USA #Washington #Verra #Namati #grassroots justice

Introduction

In a groundbreaking development, the carbon certifier Verra has unveiled a new standard that emphasizes community rights and transparency in carbon market transactions. This initiative arises from the collaborative efforts of the Grassroots Justice Network and frontline communities worldwide. It showcases a steadfast commitment to ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard in the realm of carbon projects, addressing lingering challenges that have often plagued these initiatives.

New Principles for Carbon Justice

The updated rules introduced by Verra aim to fortify community rights by instituting key principles that were identified by the Grassroots Justice Network. Based on insights gathered from carbon-related projects in over 20 nations, these principles are designed to authenticate the fairness and inclusivity of carbon initiatives. As Elijah Lempaira of Impact Kenya astutely pointed out, access to vital information is paramount for fostering equitable benefit-sharing and ensuring meaningful participation.

The central tenets of the new standard include:
1. Free, Prior, and Informed Consent: Projects that affect community lands must secure the consent of the local population before proceeding. This ensures that communities have a legal say in how projects unfold.
2. Financial Transparency: Developers are now obligated to share detailed financial reports with communities, including total revenues from carbon credit sales.
3. Revenue Sharing: A portion of the profits generated from carbon projects on community land must be allocated back to the local communities, ensuring economic benefits are equitably distributed.

The Change Towards Justice

Namati's CEO, Vivek Maru, expressed optimism regarding these amendments, noting they represent a significant stride toward carbon justice. Many communities are eager to engage in carbon projects but require assurances of fairness in the terms of these agreements.

A notable example of this collaborative spirit was witnessed in October 2025, where legal support from Namati enabled over 220 communities in Sierra Leone's Sittia Chiefdom to establish a carbon agreement reflective of the justice principles emphasized in Verra’s updated rules. This landmark agreement not only safeguards 79,000 hectares of mangrove forests but also ensures that the local communities involved will receive at least 40% of the gross revenue from the associated carbon credits.

Looking Ahead: Striving for Sustainable Practices

Though these advancements are commendable, advocacy groups, including Namati and the Grassroots Justice Network, continue to call for further changes in carbon standards. They are particularly focused on ensuring that other certifications, such as the ART-TREES and the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles, align with Verra’s updated rules.

Future enhancements could include stipulations for a guaranteed percentage of gross revenue for local communities as well as responsible emissions reduction commitments from purchasers of carbon credits. These measures would create a more robust framework that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and social equity.

Conclusion

Through its new set of standards, Verra is not only encouraging ethical practices in the carbon market but is also paving the way for empowered communities who are actively shaping their futures. Namati’s role in fostering these principles highlights their dedication to building a framework of justice that prioritizes transparency, equity, and participation. This narrative is just the beginning as we navigate towards a future where both social and environmental justice can coexist and thrive, ensuring that communities benefit from the resources they help protect.

For more information on Namati's initiatives and the Grassroots Justice Network, visit namati.org and grassrootsjusticenetwork.org.