‘Carbon fever’ threatens hard-won Indigenous rights in Bolivian Amazon
Leaders in Pando region denounce opaque deals over carbon credits as government and companies rush to monetise Amazon rainforest after 2024 ruling
TL;DR
- Indigenous communities in Bolivia's Pando region are uneasy about "invisible air" being sold as carbon credits to foreigners.
- Bolivia's constitutional court struck down a ban on carbon market funding mechanisms in June 2024.
- Companies and foundations are offering "climate solutions" to Indigenous groups, but leaders express a lack of understanding and doubt about these deals.
- The Federico Hecker Foundation signed a disputed contract for carbon credits across 440,000 hectares of Indigenous territory, with promises of money and development that some say never materialized.
- Critics warn that carbon markets can lead to unfair contracts, land grabs, displacement, and broken promises of jobs and income for Indigenous communities.
- A lawmaker whose family foundation is involved in carbon markets is also promoting legislation to regulate them, raising conflict of interest concerns.
- Indigenous organizations across Bolivia have issued statements rejecting carbon bonds for promoting the commodification of nature and undermining rights.
- The Bolivian government is promoting the country as a source of carbon credits, seeking billions of dollars in sales, with some support from European initiatives.