8 April 2024 | The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, in partnership with Forest Foundation Philippines conducted the 2nd Module of the capacity-building series relative to Carbon project development, Carbon trading mechanisms, its associated risks, and the safeguards for ICCs/IPs.

With the aim to fully grasp the intricate world of carbon markets and trading, the Day 2 of the training commenced with the discussion and sharing of the diverse perspectives from both the industry players and Non-Government Organizations concerned. Further, valuable inputs into the Carbon industry’s standpoint and the pivotal role of NGOs in driving sustainable carbon market initiatives were tackled.

Following the perspectives of concerned stakeholders is the discussion of the steps involved in carbon project development specifically in areas within ancestral domains. Also, crucial role of communities and Indigenous Peoples at every stage of project development were emphasized in this part of the training.

Relative thereto, critical information regarding the Kasibulan/Mindoro REDD+ Project supported by Ayala Corporation was shared. which includes project inception, development process, validation and verification under the Verified Carbon Standard, and the tangible impact of carbon emissions reduction in community development.

Also highlighted on the 2nd leg of the training series are the global examples of forest carbon projects situated in Indigenous Areas, highlighting the collaborative efforts between governments and Indigenous Peoples in project development and implementation, its best practices, and challenges faced in the said projects. Overall, Module 2 emphasized the importance of community involvement in achieving long-term sustainability goals in relation to Forest Carbon Development Projects.

To cap the 2nd part of the capacity-building series, certificates and copies of the NCIP Project Epanaw Coffee Table Books and NCIP 2022 Annual Report were given as tokens of appreciation to the distinguished resource speakers.

Participants of the training are the officials and staff from NCIP Central Office led by Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las and Executive Director Mervyn H. Espadero. Also present via Zoom Cloud Application is Comm. Atty. Rhodex P. Valenciano, Comm. Atty. Pinky Grace Pareja, and Comm. Simplicia P. Hagada together with key officers and staff from the different NCIP Regional Office.