Independent nature-based carbon standard Equitable Earth has opened applications for a new Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP & LC) Working Group—a governance body aimed at embedding community voices into future forest conservation and carbon credit certification efforts.
The announcement marks a step toward institutionalizing inclusivity and local involvement in projects under its growing standard.
The working group is intended to give Indigenous and local communities direct influence over project design, safeguards, benefit-sharing and long-term governance under the Equitable Earth framework.
The standard’s core pillars—carbon, ecological condition and livelihoods—rely on meaningful local participation to ensure that environmental aims do not override social and human-rights considerations.
Relevant: COP30: Equitable Earth Unveils New REDD+ Standard To Bolster Indigenous-Led Conservation
Organizations that wish to join the new group must apply through Equitable Earth’s public call.
Selected members will be part of the standard’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB), helping to guide how projects are developed, monitored, and verified.
The initiative reinforces Equitable Earth’s commitment to co-creation and community-rooted governance after its rebrand earlier in 2025.
Read more: Ecosystem Restoration Standard Is Now Equitable Earth
The timing coincides with growing global interest in high-integrity, community-centered carbon credits, particularly for REDD+ (forest protection) and restoration projects.
By institutionalizing community governance, Equitable Earth aims to set a higher benchmark compared with existing carbon market standards that have faced criticism for neglecting local land rights and customary governance regimes.
The new working group could improve transparency, ensure fair benefit distribution, and strengthen on-the-ground trust—factors seen as critical to scaling forest-based carbon finance without undermining community wellbeing or environmental justice.
