Indigenous Led Carbon Projects Delivering Significant Benefits for Climate, Country and Community
Tracks
Concurrent Room 3
| Thursday, August 6, 2026 |
| 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM |
| Concurrent Room 3 |
Overview
Anna Boustead, Indigenous Carbon Industry Network
Details
1. Indigenous carbon projects contribute to significant emissions reductions
2. Indigenous carbon projects ensure long term independent revenue for the community and generate jobs on Country
3. Indigenous groups and organisations need more support to establish projects, and access to experts to ensure longevity and integrity of new projects.
Speaker
Anna Boustead
Ceo
Indigenous Carbon Industry Network
Indigenous led carbon projects delivering significant benefits for climate, Country and community
Presentation Overview
ICIN is a peak industry body representing Indigenous owners and operators of carbon projects nationally. Full members include 23 Indigenous land and sea organisations which generate ACCUs, and 10 Associate member organisations without carbon projects.
Indigenous carbon projects contribute to significant economic development in the North through Savanna Fire Management (SFM). These projects attract a premium price on the carbon credits compared to other projects due to their high integrity, co-benefits which extend far beyond the initial emissions reductions. CINs member projects use SFM enabling groups to generate carbon credits whilst caring for Country, source revenue, and leads to meaningful employment opportunities.
In 2024, Indigenous-owned carbon projects were issued their 10 millionth credit and 17 of the 34 Indigenous-owned savanna fire management carbon projects reached ten-year operating milestones.
There are now 46 savanna fire management projects that have been operating for ten years or more covering 175,000 km2 of landscape across the north of Australia, with Indigenous projects accounting for 70% of this area.
These projects have significantly changed fire management practices, reducing late-season fires by 70% in favour of early-season cool burns, and are transforming how Country is cared for, minimising habitat disturbance, and drastically cutting smoke and greenhouse gas emissions. Human-induced regeneration (HIR) projects involve active land management practices and initiatives that results in carbon stored in project areas.
Indigenous carbon credits provide a vital source of independent revenue for Indigenous organisations. This funding supports the future of carbon projects, sustains fire management programs, and creates meaningful employment for Indigenous people on Country. It also enables investment in cultural education and community development, strengthening both communities and landscapes for generations to come.
Further support and investment associated with startup, upfront costs are needed to ensure the longevity and integrity of organisations wishing to establish a carbon project.
Indigenous carbon projects contribute to significant economic development in the North through Savanna Fire Management (SFM). These projects attract a premium price on the carbon credits compared to other projects due to their high integrity, co-benefits which extend far beyond the initial emissions reductions. CINs member projects use SFM enabling groups to generate carbon credits whilst caring for Country, source revenue, and leads to meaningful employment opportunities.
In 2024, Indigenous-owned carbon projects were issued their 10 millionth credit and 17 of the 34 Indigenous-owned savanna fire management carbon projects reached ten-year operating milestones.
There are now 46 savanna fire management projects that have been operating for ten years or more covering 175,000 km2 of landscape across the north of Australia, with Indigenous projects accounting for 70% of this area.
These projects have significantly changed fire management practices, reducing late-season fires by 70% in favour of early-season cool burns, and are transforming how Country is cared for, minimising habitat disturbance, and drastically cutting smoke and greenhouse gas emissions. Human-induced regeneration (HIR) projects involve active land management practices and initiatives that results in carbon stored in project areas.
Indigenous carbon credits provide a vital source of independent revenue for Indigenous organisations. This funding supports the future of carbon projects, sustains fire management programs, and creates meaningful employment for Indigenous people on Country. It also enables investment in cultural education and community development, strengthening both communities and landscapes for generations to come.
Further support and investment associated with startup, upfront costs are needed to ensure the longevity and integrity of organisations wishing to establish a carbon project.
Biography
Anna Boustead, CEO of ICIN
Anna is an environmental communications and policy specialist based in Darwin, Larrakia country, with 25 years’ experience working for Indigenous corporations and community-led environmental organisations, including roles with NAILSMA, Environment Centre NT, Environment Victoria and Landcare NT.
