30 April 2024 | As part of the continuing promotion of the role of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) as guardians of the environment, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples conducts its 3rd training session on Carbon Project Development, Carbon Trading Mechanisms, Associated Risks and Safeguards for ICCs/IPs.

To guarantee the protection rights of ICCs/IPs in the implementation of forest carbon development projects, the 3rd session delved into the discussion of the environmental and social safeguards in carbon projects. Globally adopted safeguards namely the Cancun safeguards for REDD+ were likewise presented.

Further, the 3rd session facilitated the identification of the potential social, cultural, and environmental risks associated with implementing carbon projects. Consequently, monitoring mechanisms of global movements and organizations for carbon projects implemented in Indigenous Peoples areas were shared.

Additionally, Tanggapang Panligal ng Katutubong Pilipino (PANLIPI) Executive Director, Atty. Jeanette Florita, conveyed her experience in empowering IP communities as they prepare for the implementation of Forest Carbon Projects.

The training was held at B Hotel, Quezon City and was graced by Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las together with officers and representatives from the different NCIP bureau offices namely Office on Policy, Planning, and Research (OPPR), Ancestral Domains Office, Office on Education, Culture, and Health (OECH), Office on Socio-Economic Services and Special Concerns (OSESSC), and the Legal Affairs Office (LAO).

In closing, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples extends its heartfelt gratitude to Forest Foundation Philippines and to the members of the FPIC Benefit Sharing Policy Project Team for spearheading the aforesaid training and ensuring that the rights of the ICCs/IPs are considered and protected.