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N4C Weekly Briefing

1 - 8 March 2023
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Featured News
If a tree doesn’t fall in a forest, should Gabon get paid?
Financial Times, Kenza Bryan, 6 March
 
Financial Times reports on the "Redd.plus" initiative of the NGO Coalition for Rainforest Nations, in collaboration with S&P Global’s IHS Markit. Analysts have warned that this lacks formal safeguards or transparency on how funds would be distributed, and that it has received low levels of market interest. 

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged $53 million for forest conservation at the One Forest Summit in Libreville, Gabon last week. France plans to put the initial cash towards a nature protection deal with at least one biodiversity-rich country before December’s global climate summit in Dubai. E&E News, Reuters, and Carbon Pulse all cover the summit. Bloomberg and GreenBiz both dive further into the issue of providing financial support for governments to keep their long-standing forests protected and resist the temptation to exploit their resources. 

Associated Press reports that US special climate envoy John Kerry's visit to Brazil strengthened US commitment to work with Brazil on protecting forests, but revealed no new details on how the nations will work together. The Economist notes that saving rainforests from deforestation is a bargain deal compared to runaway climate change and other climate solutions. The Economist also reveals that the biggest threat to forests is lawlessness as criminal enterprises for gold, timber, and agricultural commodities is the motivation for most deforestation.
Biden and Lula want to save the Amazon. Will the private sector answer their call? [Commentary]
Reuters, Natalie Unterstell, Karen Oseland and Kyle Saukas, 2 March

Reuters shares an opinion piece that details how the private sector can align with presidents Biden and Lula to prevent deforestation and the economic risks of nature loss. ESG Investor carries a piece from Dr. Rebecca Drury of Chronos Sustainability who explains why investor action is critical to global biodiversity goals on the exploitation of wild species. BusinessGreen shares an article from Amber Rudd, director of Pinwheel, stating under-priced offsets are dangerous for the planet and for corporate reputations. Reuters publishes a commentary piece from Lucy Thomas, Head of Sustainable Investing for UBS Asset Management, warning investors that if they fail to think about how asset allocation decisions impact nature and climate they won’t be able to secure the future financial returns they depend on. World Economic Forum delivers a post from Sharon Thorne, Global Chair at Deloitte, and Elizabeth Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, detailing why it's time to make your business nature positive. Deutsche Welle, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and 39 other media partners report that many certifiers of sustainable forest products failed to report violations linked to Indigenous rights abuses, illegal logging and unsustainable deforestation. 

BusinessGreen asks if the new Nature Positive Business Pledge signed by UK corporations could lead to the private sector playing an integral role in reversing the decline in global biodiversity. GreenBiz shares insights from their GreenBiz23 event where it was clear to attendees that climate change's impact on nature is affecting businesses today. Edie covers the growth of nature and adaptation considerations for corporate net-zero transition standards.
US firm to bid to turn DRC oil permits in Virunga park into conservation projects
The Guardian, Patrick Greenfield, 1 March
 
The Guardian reports that a New York investment firm, EQX Biome, is to launch a $400 million bid for oil concessions in the Congo basin rainforest and Virunga national park with plans to turn them into conservation projects. EQX Biome has sent an expression of interest to the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) government for 27 oil exploration blocks put up for auction last July, some of which are in critical ecosystems. Quantum Commodity Intelligence shares an interview with EQX Biome's CEO Matthias Pitkowitz who says the company will look to sell carbon and biodiversity credits generated by the projects that would avoid damage done by the oil exploration.
Nations reach accord to protect marine life on high seas
Associated Press, Christina Larson and Patrick Whittle, 5 March
 
The Associated Press reports United Nations members have agreed on a unified treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas - representing a turning point for vast stretches of the planet where conservation has previously been hampered by a confusing patchwork of laws. An updated framework to protect marine life in the regions outside national boundary waters, known as the high seas, had been in discussions for more than 20 years, but previous efforts to reach an agreement had repeatedly stalled. The new treaty will create a body to manage conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas in the high seas. The Washington Post digs into whether the US Senate will ratify the new ocean treaty allowing the nation to fully participate in the implementation of the deal. BBC, CNN, NPR, Axios, The New York Times and The Guardian all cover the signing of the treaty as well. 
Wildfires in boreal forests release record levels of carbon, satellite study shows
Financial Times, Clive Cookson, 2 March 
 
Financial Times covers a new study that finds wildfires in the boreal forests that ring the globe’s far northern latitudes are emitting rapidly increasing amounts of carbon dioxide. Burning boreal forests across Eurasia and North America in 2021 released a record 1.76 billion tonnes of CO₂ — representing 23 percent of the world’s entire CO₂ emissions from fire. The study shows fires and emissions in boreal forests are increasing. While tropical forest fires have traditionally attracted much attention, as a result of deforestation, boreal forests were relatively overlooked according to researchers. E&E News, New Scientist, The Independent, and Grist all cover the study.

The Guardian shares a study that finds a clear correlation between deforestation and local rainfall. The study found that the more rainforests are cleared in tropical countries, the less local farmers will be able to depend on rain for their crops and pastures.
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE 
We are working to use this platform to share more diverse voices and perspectives in the global discourse around NCS. As part of this effort we are starting a new section in the newsletter that will highlight opinions and messages from stakeholders not normally covered in major media outlets. If you see an interesting perspective that you think more people should hear, please share it with us. Opinions shared do not necessarily represent the views of Nature4Climate. 
 
Conservation law takes a step forward in Indonesia
Eco-Business, Noviar Andayani, 6 March

"The more people can be engaged in conservation efforts, the closer we can get to sustaining the planet’s support system for biodiversity and humanity."
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
 
Trillion Trees publishes its 2022 Impact Report. Trillion Trees has committed to bringing 20 million hectares of forest landscapes into high-quality restoration.  This report pivots from headline numbers (83.2 million hectares put into protection and restoration since inception, and 38.6 billion trees protected and restored) to highlight the benefits fo the work and results on the ground in protection and restoration - for people, for biodiversity and the climate.
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Conservation International shares a response to a recent New York Times story claiming that carbon offsets don't provide a climate benefit by refuting its claims with science and facts of how carbon markets work.
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Food Nature Climate Dialogue releases two RFPs for communications support: Media relations in key forest countries in Latin America and English language international media relations in key Asian media markets.
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WRI shares a summary for policymakers Implications for the Private Sector of Non-Carbon Effects of Tropical Deforestation. The summary shares what the private sector needs to know about the latest science on the impacts of forests’ non-carbon effects on climate stability, how this knowledge should inform ongoing private sector action to curb deforestation, and how to accelerate private sector action to reduce deforestation-related climate risk.
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Global Association of Risk Professionals publishes a introductory report to educate risk professionals about the impacts of biodiversity loss.  
CASE STUDY OF THE WEEK 
This Kiwa Initiative project will implement integrated watershed management (IWM) in targeted linked watershed-coral reef areas. This will improve biodiversity, climate resilience, and human health, while providing a model for managing systems health for the Pacific based in decision-support tools, long-term sustainable financing, and effective public policy. It will also facilitate investment in nature-based solutions for drinking water, sanitation, and wastewater. It also aims to use lessons learned to influence policy decisions. This implementation is designed to directly benefit 5,806 landowners (largely indigenous peoples) in the target regions.

N4C is compiling an index of NBS case studies, together with an interactive map, to highlight action on the ground. Each week, we will be choosing a case study to present, to help give concrete examples of work being done to bring NBS theory into practice. 
NUMBER OF THE WEEK
c
23%

New satellite analysis shows wildfires in boreal forests were the source of 23 percent of all emissions from fire in 2021. The study shows fires and emissions in boreal forests are increasing.
GOOD NEWS
Historic agreement between Traditional Custodians and NSW BCT seals permanent protection of Gayini for natural and cultural values
The Nari Nari Tribal Council and the New South Wales Government have signed a historic agreement that secures the permanent protection and sustainable management of more than 55,000 hectares of land at Gayini under the ownership and stewardship of its Traditional Custodians. 
NATURE JOBS/OPPORTUNITIES
 
In this section, we'll be posting NBS-related jobs as a service to the community. If you have an opportunity you'd like featured in the newsletter, please send the details to us. 
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Media Round-Up

Conservation

Manchin indicates opposition to Biden lands nominee over internal memo
The Hill, Rachel Frazin, 3 March

Some good news: Wetlands are doing way better than we thought
The Nature, Beat, Gabriel Popkin, 7 March

 
Australian philanthropy group commits A$240 mln to ocean conservation, R&D efforts
Carbon Pulse, Mark Tilly, 2 March 
 
Britain designates three highly protected marine areas
UPI, Sheri Walsh, 28 February 
 
Asian investor group launches deforestation initiative
Carbon Pulse, Stian Reklev, 28 February 
 
Reducing deforestation by 75% would help regulate global temperatures
La República, Valentina Sánchez Gutiérrez, 5 March 
 
The Next Deadly Pandemic Is Just a Forest Clearing Away
ProPublica, Caroline Chen, Irena Hwang and Al Shaw, 27 February 

Investment will flow from nature-related disclosures, says Glen
Pinsent Masons, Fiona Ross, 24 February
 
WDFW, DNR award $14 million for projects that preserve and restore Puget Sound habitat  
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, 27 February
 
Minister Duclos announces $20M for SOCODEVI to support climate adaptation in Senegal
Relief Web, 24 February
 
CSAA Insurance Group Invests $25M in New California Wildfire Innovation Fund 
Business Wire, 22 February
 
Countries are relying on forests and soil to absorb their remaining carbon – it’s a risky way to reach net zero [Commentary]
The Conversation, Harry Smith, Johanna Forster, Naomi Vaughan, 6 March


Indigenous and Local Communities

Indigenous Comcaac serve up an oceanic grain to preserve seagrass meadows 
Mongabay, Astrid Arellano, 3 March 
 
Yanomami crisis sparks action against illegal gold in the Amazon
Mongabay, André Schröder, 28 February
 
Indigenous paths lead to a green, healthy food system commentary
Context, Matthew Wilson, 2 March
 
Land tenure security could help stem Amazon deforestation: paper
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 2 March 
 
Without regulation, mining in Indigenous Lands occupies an area larger than Rio de Janeiro
UOL, Carlos Madeiro, 2 March
 
‘A war society doesn’t see’: the Brazilian force driving out mining gangs from Indigenous lands
The Guardian, Tom Phillips, 28 February 

Eduardo Mendúa, Ecuadorian Who Fought Oil Extraction on Indigenous Land, Is Shot to Death  
Inside Climate News, ​​Katie Surma, 28 February


Carbon Markets

Attacking carbon projects distracts from real corporate accountability on climate change [Commentary]
ESG Clarity, Carolyn Ching, 3 March
 
More rigour needed for some Article 6 forest finance: paper
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 2 March
 
Indonesia receives initial payment from World Bank forest fund
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 2 March 
 
US startup releases validation paper for forest carbon
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 2 March 
 
David Pocock wants urgent action on carbon credits before vote on key climate policy
The Guardian, Adam Morton, 2 March
 
Trader accreditation, price floor needed to help govern scaled-up biodiversity market -report
Carbon Pulse, Stian Reklev, 1 March 
 
Mirova calls for greater clarity on standards
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 1 March
 
Carbon body officially endorses Puro.earth and Social Carbon
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 1 March
 
Associations warn against financial instrument regulation for carbon
Carbon Pulse, 1 March 
 
India must avoid carbon market pitfalls, think-tank says
Carbon Pulse, 1 March
 
US financier offers $100 mln worth of offsets on Canadian fintech platform
Carbon Pulse, 2 March
 
Forestry credits must rise to $30-50 range to have real impact -UNEP
Carbon Pulse, 1 March
 
Lawmakers consider creation of an EU carbon removals market before 2030
Carbon Pulse, 1 March 
 
Avanços na certificação e oferta de créditos de carbono jurisdicional do Tocantins são destacados por Marcello Lelis em reunião com Earth Innovation Institute
Surgiu, Camila Mitye, 4 March
 
'Balancing the books on CO2': Tide undertakes 'world first' biochar purchase
BusinessGreen, Stuart Stone, 1 March
 
New study questions integrity of California’s forestry offset protocol, details extensive over-crediting
Carbon Pulse, 3 March 
 
Climate Action Reserve developing Guatemala forest offset protocol
Carbon Pulse, 3 March 
 
ANALYSIS: All sources of demand welcome to help build biodiversity market –experts
Carbon Pulse, Katherine Monahan, 3 March 
 
Offset buyers prefer in-house due diligence, worry about issues “beyond carbon” -survey
Carbon Pulse, 3 March 
 
PNG provides detail on carbon market regulations, but doubts linger of its ability to enforce them
Carbon Pulse, 3 March 
 
Bursa Malaysia to auction credits from Cambodian, Chinese projects in inaugural auction
Carbon Pulse, 3 March

Quantum launches new cookstove, ARR carbon credit assessments
QC Intel, 6 March
 
Nature X set to include 11 "well-established" REDD+ projects
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 6 March
 
Dutch developer partners with Ivory Coast on forest projects
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 6 March
 
Brazilian state eyes ART TREES verification for REDD+ sales push
Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 6 March
 
Reducing Bankability Challenges for Nature-Based Solutions
Alex Prather, 3 March
 
US firm secures conditional approval for environmental credits registry and exchange in the Bahamas
Carbon Pulse, 6 March

Expert admits no perfect method to monitor REDD+ credits

Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 7 March
 
Carbon credit originator says achieves 1-bln tonne project pipeline, targets 50 Mt in trade this year
Carbon Pulse, 7 March


Nature Loss

Climate change is fueling more conflict between humans and wildlife
NPR, Nathan Rott, 2 March
 
As livelihoods clash with development, Vietnam’s Cần Giờ mangroves are at risk
Mongabay, Lam Nguyen and Danielle Keeton-Olsen, 28 February
 
Do elections spur deforestation? It’s complicated, new study finds
Mongabay, Liz Kimbrough, 3 March
 
Climate change lawsuits take aim at French bank BNP Paribas
Mongabay, Maxwell Radwin, 3 March
 
‘Brought down by gold’: Communities and nature suffer amid Nigerian bonanza
Mongabay, Gabriel Ogunjobi, 3 March
 
Chinese investment continues to hurt Latin American ecosystems, report says
Mongabay, Maxwell Radwin, 28 February 
 
The Environmental Disaster Lurking Inside Your Chocolate Bar 
Bloomberg, Paul Tullis, 2 March 
 
Global Emissions and Local Deforestation Are Combining to Create Dangerous Levels of Heat Stress in the Tropics
WRI, Anna Lenaker and Frances Seymour, 1 March 
 
Supreme Court keeps wetland damage lawsuits in state courts
AP News, Kevin McGill, 1 March
 
Overconsumption by the rich must be tackled, says acting UN biodiversity chief
The Guardian, Patrick Greenfeld, 2 March 
 
UK risks biodiversity funding shortfall with ministers facing “difficult choices” -govt
Carbon Pulse, 24 February 
 
How auditing giant KPMG became a global sustainability leader while serving companies accused of forest destruction
Archynetys, 2 March
 
Ford’s F-150 Electric Pickup’s Built From Metal Damaging the Amazon Rainforest
Bloomberg, Margaret Sutherlin, 27 February 
 
Dozens of forest fires scorch Cuba, threatening brittle economy
Al Jazeera, 1 March
 
SLBs: Broken promise
Uxolo, Clara Amorim, 2 March

Top E.U. court rules Poland’s tree-cutting policy was illegal
E&E News, Louise Guillot, 6 March 
 
Collagen craze drives deforestation and rights abuses
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Elisângela Mendonça, Andrew Wasley, Fábio Zuker, 6 March
 
Global Emissions and Local Deforestation Are Combining to Create Dangerous Levels of Heat Stress in the Tropics
WRI, Anna Lenaker and Frances Seymour, 1 March
 
Mapping California’s ‘Zombie’ Forests  
The New York Times, 6 March
 
Increasingly Large and Intense Wildfires Hinder Western Forests’ Ability to Regenerate
Inside Climate News, Bob Berwyn, 6 March
 
Kentucky Residents Angered by U.S. Forest Service Logging Plan That Targets Mature Trees 
Inside Climate News, Marianne Lavelle, 5 March
 
Dozens of bushfires spread as heat grips Australia's east  
BBC News, Tom Housden, 7 March


Restoration

Restoration turns pastures into wildlife haven in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest
Mongabay, Sarah Brown, 3 March 
 
Highlands Rewilding raises £10.5m to restore 3,500-acre estate
BusinessGreen, Michael Holder, 1 March 

Restoration turns pastures into wildlife haven in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest 
Mongabay, Sarah Brown, 3 March
 
To Reduce Mortality From High Heat in Cities, a New Study Recommends Trees
Inside Climate News, Danish Bajwa, 1 March
 
Nearly $10M invested for reforestation through forest nursery and native seed partnerships 
Morning Ag Clips, 26 February


Nature Tech

IT firm launches algorithm to track UK seagrass carbon sinks
Carbon Pulse, 1 March

MSCI to incorporate biodiversity data through NatureAlpha partnership 
ESG Clarity, Natalie Kenway, 21 February
 
Can millions of genetically modified trees slow climate change? 
Quartz, Tim Fernholz, 3 March


Sustainable Forestry

Fresh G7 sanctions fail to stop multibillion-dollar “conflict timber” trade
Earthsight, 1 March

Maine woods could store more carbon at current harvest with 'climate smart' forestry, study finds
Maine Public, Susan Sharon, 6 March
 
Fuel From the Forest
Comstock's Magazine, Eric Johnson, 27 February


Agriculture and Soil Health
Still Closed Out
IATP, Michael Happ, 1 March

Brazilian state to pilot carbon project for family-run farms

Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 7 March
 
The growing interest in funding agroforestry
Axios, Ayurella Horn-Muller, 2 March
 
How General Mills is advancing nature and climate goals hand-in-hand
BusinessGreen, Theresa Lieb, 3 March
 
Beam Suntory takes shot at tequila's carbon footprint
BusinessGreen, Stuart Stone, 3 March
 
US green group report takes aim at agriculture offset markets, citing Big Ag ‘power grab’
Carbon Pulse, 2 March 
 
Some Republicans see a farm bill showdown: Food vs. climate
Politico, Adam Aton, 2 March 

As Emissions From Agriculture Rise and Climate Change Batters American Farms, Congress Tackles the Farm Bill
Inside Climate News, Georgina Gustin, 1 March

Events

Options for the Political Phase of the Global Stocktake
Date: 9 March
Host: ​​Oeko-Institut, NewClimate Institute, Wuppertal Institute

A New Era for ESG and Climate Disclosure: How Your Business Should Prepare
Date: 9 March 
Host: Green Biz

Unlocking nature-based solutions through carbon markets: Global analysis of available supply potential
Date: 14 March
Host: Climate Focus
 
Shining a Light on the FLAG Target-Setting Process
Date: 14 March
Host: Science Based Targets
 
Land Webinar | Resilient Landscapes for Sustainable Trade and Development
Date: 14 March
Host: Land and MDPI

North American Carbon World (NACW)
Date: 21-23 March 
Host: NACW

Natural Capital Investment 2023  
Date: 23 March
Host: Environmental Finance

Technical Updates from the SBTi
Date: 27 March
Host: Science Based Targets

International Mass Timber Conference
Date: 27-29 March
Host: International Mass Timber Conference

European Climate Summit
Date: 28-30 March
Host: IETA

Circularity: Accelerating the Circular Economy
Date: 5-7 June
Host: GreenBiz

Nature4Climate's Weekly Briefing summarises content from international media outlets (and our partner organisations) on stories, developments and events that relate to nature-based solutions. Our editorial policy is to circulate articles and opinion pieces whether we agree or disagree with viewpoints represented. Please submit NCS jobs, news, reports and events for the newsletter to info@nature4climate.org.

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