Indigenous Carbon Practitioners Champion Justice and Biodiversity at University of Queensland Workshop

Indigenous carbon project practitioners from across Australia, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu recently gathered at the University of Queensland (UQ) to lead discussions on the future of climate finance and environmental stewardship. The workshop, held in June, brought together community leaders, NGO partners, and academics to ensure Indigenous voices remain central to global carbon market regulations. The delegation included practitioners and experts such as Mary Tahu Paia, Fred Tabepuda, Karlene Tevi, Vaeno Vigulu, and Dion Enari. According to reports from the workshop, these leaders are demonstrating how carbon finance—when managed on terms determined by the communities themselves—can bridge the gap between global financial resources and the local protection of forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems. For many Pacific and Indigenous communities, these projects represent a vital avenue for protecting the natural environment while generating income for community development. The UQ session highlighted success stories where carbon credits have funded native tree nurseries and conservation efforts that preserve deep cultural connections to the land and sea. By positioning Indigenous peoples as leading voices, the practitioners aim to ensure that market decisions prioritize Indigenous rights and locally defined development goals. While the workshop participants emphasized that carbon credits should not delay the essential phase-out of fossil fuels, they highlighted the tangible benefits for territories most affected by the climate crisis. The collaboration between Australian and Pacific practitioners, including Brian Warner and Sebastian Thomas, underscores a collective commitment to a rights-based approach. As global climate talks approach, these Indigenous-led initiatives provide a model for how ecological transitions can be grounded in justice, ensuring that those who care for Country are at the forefront of the global response to climate change.