Task I Findings and Recommendations
I8
Finding Removing barriers to a wider range of tribally compatible carbon markets. ■ Most of the tribal experience in carbon markets has been with the California ARB compliance markets through improved forest management (IFM) project types. There has been very few afforestation, reforestation or avoided conversion projects. Some tribes are exploring options in the rapidly developing voluntary market for carbon offsets and other ecosystem services. The shorter commitment time frames and greater flexibility have piqued the interest of many tribes. ■ The absence of a clear and more affirmative statement of the BIA trust responsibility for forest carbon stewardship, guidelines for forest carbon management, as well as guidance for participating in carbon and ecosystem service markets has contributed to hesitancy in market participation and perhaps lost opportunities to develop compatible and sustainable sources of revenue. ■ Small tribes and allotment owners face high barriers to participating in carbon markets. Some tribes have declined to participate because of high transaction costs, verification demands, long term commitments, lack of staff, incompatibility with tribal goals, and other factors.
Recommendation ■ Reduce barriers to entry for compliance and voluntary carbon markets. This would include an assessment of the feasibility of developing market aggregates among tribes and/or with non-tribal partners to more effectively participate in developing markets for climate-smart products and services. ■ Utilize resources provided in the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to provide assistance to small tribes and allotment owners in entering carbon and ecosystem service markets. Provide grants to carbon registries, developers, and associations to offer new voluntary market opportunities for small tribes and owners and to develop new protocols and markets focused on woodlands ecosystems.
184 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States
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