The rapidly developing area of climate change and carbon policy in Australia is opening up new opportunities for Indigenous landholders and communities. The introduction of a carbon tax in Australia means that the market for carbon offsets could be worth around $550 million or more per year in 2013 according to a recent analysis by Brisbane based projects, advisory and training firm Carbon House. And there is strong interest from Australian companies in the concept of ‘Indigenous Carbon’.
Efforts to include Indigenous stakeholders in the carbon economy have been minimal to date. Despite this, Carbon House passionately believes that significant and unique opportunities exist for Indigenous communities and land managers for offset projects such as reforestation, improved land management and renewable energy.
Robert Armstrong, a Carbon Markets Analyst with Carbon House, said that involvement in the carbon economy presents a number of opportunities for Indigenous communities.
“Carbon offset projects provide a range of social, economic and environmental outcomes for the communities they are developed in. For Indigenous communities this means access to meaningful employment, protection and enhancement of cultural and environmental values, training and development of new skills and access to new income streams. This is a core part of our business as we passionately believe that carbon offsets should not just be about carbon. More so they should be about creating lasting co-benefits.”
Mr Armstrong said that there is a strong interest from Australian companies for the concept of Indigenous Carbon.
“Carbon House is currently in discussions with a number of high profile Australian companies about developing Indigenous Carbon projects. The University of Queensland is the first client to invest in this work.”
Mr Armstrong also said that there has been strong interest from Indigenous communities.
“We have run workshops for around 1,000 Indigenous land managers and are also engaging with a number of Indigenous communities who have expressed their interest in having the carbon opportunities of their properties explored and developed.”
Carbon House is currently looking to work with more Indigenous communities throughout Australia, according to Mr Armstrong.
“Due to strong interest by Australian companies, we are looking throughout the country for Indigenous stakeholders interested in partnering with us. We are able to work with communities to undertake a preliminary assessment of the types of projects which may be suitable on their land, at no cost and with no obligation.”
Carbon House can be contacted on (07) 3844 4595 or at admin@carbonhouse.com.au.
About Carbon House
Carbon House is a dynamic and innovative carbon advisory, projects and training firm based in Brisbane. Carbon House works with businesses of all sizes to provide consultancy and advice services, carbon management strategies and carbon offset and renewable energy solutions. Carbon House is also passionate about working with Indigenous communities to help them realise the unique opportunities available in the carbon economy. With vast in-house expertise and experience and an innovative and dynamic outlook, Carbon House is positioned at the forefront of the industry as carbon markets develop domestically and internationally.
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