#USA #Carbon Credits #Indigenous Peoples #Forest Conservation #Belém

Indigenous Amazon Outcome Bond Initiative: A New Dawn for Forest Conservation

The Indigenous Amazon Outcome Bond initiative is making waves in the realm of climate action, signaling a significant revival for forest conservation projects centered around Indigenous leadership. Everland, a key player in this initiative, recently announced that they have attracted an impressive $160 million in Letters of Intent from companies eager to purchase carbon credits from new conservation projects across the Amazon rainforest. This development not only underscores the importance of Indigenous stewardship but also aims to catalyze substantial financial backing to support sustainable practices in one of the planet's most vital ecosystems.

At a vibrant Global Citizen Festival held in Belém, Brazil on November 1, 2025, Indigenous leader Concita Sompré of the Gavião Kyikatejê people expressed her support for the initiative. She emphasized that the collaboration between Indigenous people and the private sector is a transformative step toward climate justice. "Today, I am filled with hope," Sompré declared, highlighting a shared vision that prioritizes the value of both people and the planet.

Financial Framework and Project Scope

The Indigenous Amazon Outcome Bond aims to allocate $50 million in upfront capital to kickstart as many as 20 Indigenous-centered REDD+ forest conservation projects in the Amazon. This funding is critical as it lays the groundwork for a projected $1 billion in conservation financing over the first ten years of operation. These projects will be verified under the new Equitable Earth Standard, marking a significant shift towards high-integrity carbon credit generation.

Among the key objectives of the initiative is the support for projects that are part of the Jaguar Corridor. This area is vital for the protection of jaguar populations and numerous other species, linking various critical habitats across the Amazon. To foster biodiversity, Panthera, a leading organization in wildlife conservation, will provide specialized guidance on biodiversity considerations, especially concerning apex species like the jaguar.

A Collaborative Commitment

This coalition, comprising Everland, BNP Paribas, Panthera, Equitable Earth, and Forest Trends, is driven by a unified goal: to ensure meaningful investment reaches the communities entrusted with the conservation of vital forests. They collectively acknowledge that for too long, hesitation has replaced action amid the ongoing threat to our planet's ecosystems. Gerald Prolman, Executive Chairman of Everland, stated that a clear path has emerged, built on integrity and respect for Indigenous guardians.

As the initiative gains momentum, it further opens conversations around accountability in climate finance. The model proposed emphasizes a direct financial benefit to Indigenous populations, ensuring that they receive at least 70% of revenue from carbon credit sales. This structure not only incentivizes local engagement but reinforces the communities' rights to shape their futures.

Global Significance

The urgency for actions like the Indigenous Amazon Outcome Bond is underscored by UN findings, which suggest a necessary tripling in global investment for forest protection by 2030 to meet international climate goals. With Indigenous Peoples having historically safeguarded vital ecosystems, their inclusion in this new financial framework is paramount to achieving sustainable land practices and fostering biodiversity.

In summary, the Indigenous Amazon Outcome Bond initiative stands at the forefront of a pivotal shift in conservation finance, embracing an inclusive approach that harnesses the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and the efficient capital flow from the private sector. This partnership represents a hopeful future, signaling that, together, we can forge a path toward protecting the world’s forests while uplifting the communities that have long been their guardians.