In an effort to strengthen Indigenous participation in Australia's burgeoning 'blue carbon' market, the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN) recently took part in the Asia-Pacific Blue Carbon Forum hosted by The Nature Conservancy and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. The event served as a platform for experts to share research and initiatives in 'blue carbon', or carbon stored in coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes.

Anna Boustead, CEO of ICIN, introduced a two-year research project called 'A National Approach to Indigenous Engagement in Australia's Blue Carbon & Environmental Markets.' The project aims to co-design guidelines for Indigenous participation in the blue carbon and biodiversity markets.

"If not done well, there is a risk that these new markets may actually further disadvantage and disempower Indigenous peoples and see commercial operators with a greater capacity for capitalising on these markets developing a strong position, " Boustead warned.

She said the need for Indigenous leadership in carbon projects was paramount, saying "Indigenous-owned and led carbon projects deliver transformational outcomes, not just 'trickle-down' benefits."

"Our members' experience in the carbon industry teaches us that the real opportunities, for Indigenous self-determination and empowerment, can only be realised with a strong foundation of Indigenous leadership and engagement"

The project is a collaborative effort with Charles Darwin University and the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance. It will focus on mapping the tenure of blue carbon resources, particularly on Indigenous-owned lands, and will consider ways to support Indigenous-led projects.

The forum also featured a First Nations panel discussion on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), an essential factor in Indigenous decision-making related to carbon projects.

Facilitated by Rachel Bobir of the Quandamooka Nation on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) from Murawin, panellists included Fiona Keighran from Li-anthawirriyarra Sea Rangers and Brian Warner from Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, stressed the necessity of informed decision-making by Indigenous groups.

The ICIN is an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led peak body representing 25 Indigenous organisations that produce carbon credits through land management activities.