Sharing the Benefits of Conservation

Nature-based solutions carbon projects, including REDD+, are an important source of climate and biodiversity financing, expected to grow significantly over the next decade. Key to these programs is delivery of benefits to Indigenous Peoples and local communities through equitable governance structures and Benefit Sharing Mechanisms (BSM). General principles for successful implementation of BSMs have been identified, emphasizing the importance of effectiveness, efficiency and equity. However, little practical guidance exists for the design, development, and implementation of BSMs consistent with these principles.

OUR APPROACH: This group convenes project implementers, Indigenous Peoples and local community-based organizations, private sector actors in the carbon market, and researchers with experience developing, running, and funding nature-based solutions carbon projects of various types and contexts. By synthesizing knowledge and lessons learned across these diverse perspectives and experiences, this group will develop guidelines for the creation of benefit-sharing mechanisms for project proponents and project partners, including Indigenous Peoples and local communities, NGOs, private project developers and government agencies. These guidelines will then be tested and refined at various projects within the global network.