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

Everland and BNP Paribas Support Indigenous-Led Amazon Conservation

In a significant development for climate action, Everland has partnered with BNP Paribas to announce a pioneering capital markets initiative aimed at funding local conservation projects in the Amazon. This groundbreaking effort, named the Outcome Bond Partnership, is designed to mobilize $50 million for Indigenous and traditional community-led forest conservation projects certified under the Equitable Earth Standard. The launch was unveiled during the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York City on April 30, 2025.

A New Standard for Conservation Financing

The primary goal of this initiative is to address global climate and biodiversity crises by providing necessary funds directly to forest communities. The bond initiative will focus on financing the first 20 community-led REDD+ forest conservation projects within the Amazon rainforest.

An early emphasis will be on projects located in priority landscapes identified by Panthera, aimed at preserving the Jaguar Corridor—a vital habitat for jaguars that also sustains numerous Indigenous peoples. This initiative is expected to yield high-integrity carbon credits, generating upwards of $1 billion in revenue over the next decade, ultimately ensuring financial sustainability for the communities and conservation efforts involved.

Climate financing has often excluded Indigenous groups, denying them the resources needed to protect their environments. Chief Uraan Anderson Suruí, Traditional Leader of the Paiter Suruí People, highlighted the importance of these funds, stating, "For generations, our communities have protected the forests because we understand that our survival—and the survival of all life—depends on them."

The Equitable Earth Standard assures that each funded project includes an equitable revenue-sharing plan that allows Indigenous communities to invest in their priorities, recognizing their essential stewardship role over these vital ecosystems.

The Experts Weigh In

Constance Chalchat, Global Chief Sustainability Officer at BNP Paribas, emphasized the importance of sustainable management of natural resources. She stated, "Indigenous Peoples have safeguarded these vital ecosystems for generations, and Indigenous knowledge, combined with sustainable financial mechanisms, is essential to drive long-term investments."

Gerald Prolman, Executive Chairman of Everland, added that early-stage funding is a crucial hurdle for REDD+ projects, as many successful initiatives are stymied by a lack of initial capital. This bond initiative is expected to unlock opportunities for 20 transformative Indigenous-led forest conservation projects that promise measurable outcomes in climate impact and community welfare.

Ensuring Long-Term Impact

The funding mechanism established by BNP Paribas will structure financial support towards projects meeting high-integrity conservation and community development criteria set by the Equitable Earth Standard. By creating incentives based on successful conservation activities, communities will see direct investment based on their verified successes in mitigating deforestation.

The Jaguar Corridor, offering a unique opportunity to invest in core habitats for one of the world's key species, underscores the interconnectedness of Indigenous peoples, wildlife, and necessary ecosystems. Projects under this initiative not only aim to reduce emissions through avoided deforestation but also recognize Indigenous knowledge and rights.

Michael Sheldrick from Global Citizen articulated that supporting Indigenous communities in the Amazon is crucial, saying, “Deforestation may begin as a local crisis, but the ripple effects threaten us all. The effort to protect the Amazon, led by Indigenous communities, will protect the earth's most critical life source for generations to come.”

Conclusion

As the world strives for climate goals amidst mounting pressure from environmental degradation, this partnership between Everland and BNP Paribas emerges as a promising path forward. The focus on empowering Indigenous communities ensures that conservation efforts are both effective and respectful of local rights and needs. By aligning private sector investment with Indigenous-led solutions, this initiative may very well define the future of forest conservation and climate action.

This groundbreaking initiative highlights the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into modern conservation efforts, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable approach to addressing global climate challenges. As preparations for COP30 in Brazil unfold, this partnership reaffirms the critical role of Indigenous-led conservation in achieving long-term environmental goals.