Article by Naomi Lanoi Leleto, East Africa Advisory Board Coordinator and Program Coordinator for Global Indigenous Grantmaking
An Indigenous Woman’s Take on Carbon Trading
“They tell us they are buying air from us and exporting it to the West. Is that why our air feels lighter these days? Yet, my pockets are as empty as ever! Where is this money they talk about?”
Nasieku, a wise and humble woman elder from Northern Kenya, captivated the room with her sharp wit and deep-rooted sense of tradition during the East Africa Carbon Market Community Land Summit in 2024.
Nasieku’s words, spoken with both humor and humility, sparked laughter but also resonated deeply with the participants, setting the tone and encouraging honest dialogue about the realities of carbon markets. Communities in East Africa hear promises of prosperity tied to carbon credits, yet they are often left grappling with complex systems, unclear agreements, and little to show for it. Nasieku’s call for transparency and accountability became a central theme, highlighting the need to ensure that these systems truly benefit communities, rather than leaving them feeling betrayed and unheard.
A Groundbreaking Gathering by and for Indigenous People: The East Africa Carbon Market Community Land Summit
Convened by IMPACT Kenya in Isiolo, Kenya in 2024, the East Africa Carbon Market Community Land Summit brought together Indigenous leaders, grassroots organizations, government leaders, and stakeholders from across East Africa. It was the first event of its kind, organized by Indigenous communities for Indigenous communities, to address the implications of carbon trading on their lands.
Carbon credits, a concept that was formalized through the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, are generated through activities such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, and sustainable agricultural practices, serving as tools to mitigate climate change. Each carbon credit accounts for the avoidance or removal of one metric ton (1,000 kilograms) of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Companies trade the credits through carbon markets, and buyers, often large international companies, brand them as offsets to the energy they consume and carbon they release into the atmosphere through their production, shipping, and other activities. The system, however, has received much scrutiny, including even from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has warned against “dubious offsets” that allow wealthy nations to continue polluting under the guise of climate action.
East Africa, like other regions across the globe, has become a focal point for carbon projects due to its abundant natural resources and vast rangelands. Many of these projects are situated on Indigenous lands, carrying significant implications for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and the livelihoods of local communities. The summit sought to assess these implications and provide communities with a platform for sharing experiences, voicing concerns, and co-developing strategies for equitable engagement in carbon markets.
What were the Outcomes of the Summit?
The East Africa Carbon Market Community Land Summit concluded with a robust communique that articulated the collective vision, concerns, and commitments of participants. This vision emphasized a carbon market framework that respects human rights, uplifts Indigenous communities, and supports global climate objectives. Participants pledged to continue coordination, document best practices, and develop a unified strategy for negotiating improved terms with those implementing carbon projects. The summit’s inclusive approach placed Indigenous voices at its center, providing a model for equitable climate action. Additionally, the Kenyan government officials present commended the initiative and expressed support for expanding grassroots efforts to engage and educate more communities at the village level.
One of the most astonishing revelations from the summit was the deep mystery some communities experienced around carbon markets. Picture this: people receiving money without knowing its source or purpose. As one participant shared with a bemused smile, “Someone just shows up and hands us money. Is it carbon money? Who knows!”
This confusion aligns with how many communities perceive carbon credits as “selling air abroad.” Their words reveal a significant lack of understanding about the mechanics and value of these credits.
Adding to the bewilderment was the revelation that some communities receive as little as USD $2 per hectare as a “preparation payment.” This prompted laughter and disbelief, with one attendee quipping, “Is this the prelude to a jackpot or just the world’s smallest down payment?”
These stories shone a spotlight on critical gaps in communication, transparency, and education. They underscored the urgent need for clear agreements and advocacy with the organizations implementing these projects to ensure communities not only understand carbon projects but also reap fair and meaningful benefits from them.
A Scoping Study on Carbon Trading in East Africa
The East Africa Carbon Market Community Land Summit emerged following a scoping study and validation process that Global Greengrants Fund, in collaboration with its East Africa Advisory Board, commissioned to explore the state of carbon trading in East Africa. This study sought to understand how Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPs & LCs) are impacted by and engaged in carbon markets.
The scoping study reviewed the practices of verified carbon projects in East Africa, analyzed available literature on carbon projects in East Africa including academic articles and policy documents, and held interviews with representatives from affected communities, community-based organizations, and local civil society groups.
The scoping study revealed significant gaps in knowledge, governance, and benefit-sharing, emphasizing the pressing need for education and advocacy to ensure equitable outcomes. Because the study documented diverse regional experiences, it also created a strong foundation for collaborative, community-driven solutions and informed grantmaking.
Overall Learnings: How Do Grassroots Communities in East Africa Feel About the Carbon Credit System?
Together, the scoping study and summit illuminate both the potential and perils of carbon credits as a tool for climate action.
Grassroots organizations and Indigenous groups worldwide are deeply engaged in efforts to ensure fairness and transparency in carbon projects. While they recognize the potential of carbon credits to address climate change and support sustainable development, they often express skepticism about how these projects are currently implemented.
In East Africa, this skepticism stems from several key concerns raised during the scoping study validation process and the Carbon Market Community Land Summit:
- Transparency: Communities frequently lack access to critical project documents and financial information, leaving them unaware of project terms, revenue allocations, and potential impacts.
- Equitable Benefit-Sharing: Despite their central role in the success of carbon projects, communities often receive only a small portion of the revenue generated, raising questions about fairness and equity.
- Land Rights: Some projects move forward without clear land tenure or proper Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), exposing communities to risks of displacement and exploitation.
- Greenwashing: The potential for carbon markets to enable continued emissions by international companies and wealthier nations, rather than driving genuine reductions, was a recurring concern.
The Path Forward: A Vision for Equitable Carbon Markets
The East Africa Carbon Market Community Land Summit concluded with a bold vision: a carbon market that upholds human rights, uplifts Indigenous communities, and makes a meaningful contribution to global climate goals. Participants emphasized the need for ongoing coordination, the documentation of best practices, and the creation of a united front to negotiate fairer terms in carbon projects. They also emphasized that ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and maintaining transparency throughout the process are critical to ensuring equitable and sustainable outcomes.
At the heart of this vision is the recognition that communities are not passive beneficiaries of carbon projects; they are essential drivers of innovation and accountability. Their leadership is crucial to ensure that carbon markets are equitable and sustainable for future generations. Funders must prioritize championing Indigenous leadership and fostering meaningful participation by embracing participatory grantmaking that actively involves Indigenous communities in the design, governance, and allocation of resources to reflect their priorities.