Belém, Brazil – At the Singapore Pavilion at COP30 Brazil, a session co-hosted by Climate Impact X highlighted the importance of high-integrity nature-based solutions (NbS) markets in addressing the climate crisis. The discussion emphasized that NbS must be people-centred, data-backed, and investable at scale to achieve meaningful impact.
Speakers at the session stressed the need for inclusive models that work for farmers of all scales, with capacity-building efforts that reflect the needs of those who work the land. They also highlighted the importance of co-creating practice changes with communities, rather than imposing external solutions.
This approach ensures that NbS are tailored to local contexts and priorities, and that communities are empowered to take ownership of their land and resources.
The session showcased innovative approaches to measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) using satellite data, LiDAR, and community-run ground truthing. These approaches can make measurement faster and more efficient, while providing clearer insights into carbon and biodiversity outcomes.
For example, the Kwahu project in Ghana, shared by Ling Min Hoon, Director of Investments at Climate Impact X, demonstrates how technology can be used to support high-integrity NbS.
Investability and integrity were also key themes, with speakers emphasizing the need to manage supply, demand, and policy risks, and to ensure prices accurately reflect the value of NbS. Clearer guidance on what constitutes “high quality” NbS and a gradual convergence of voluntary and compliance markets were also identified as essential for scaling up NbS.
The session featured a diverse range of speakers, including Aadith Moorthy, CEO of Boomitra; Enric Arderiu Serra, Global Head of Environmental Products of Mercuria; Benedict Chia, Director General, National Climate Change Secretariat, Singapore; and Reuben Lai, CEO and Co-founder, Arkadiah Technology.
The discussion was moderated by Saurabh Joshi, Head of Origination & Strategic Partnerships at Climate Impact X.
A key takeaway from the session was the importance of indigenous voices and community-led NbS. Indigenous leaders reminded attendees that nature is not for sale, and that climate finance must serve as results-based finance for land stewards, grounded in free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), co-designed territorial strategies, and meaningful value flows to communities.
The event demonstrated the potential for high-integrity NbS markets to drive meaningful impact, and the need for a people-centred approach to achieve this goal. As the world looks to implement the Paris Agreement, the message is clear: NbS must be designed and implemented in partnership with local communities, and must prioritize their needs and priorities.
The session also highlighted the importance of policy and regulatory frameworks that support the development of high-integrity NbS markets. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provides a framework for international cooperation on climate change, and speakers emphasized the need for clearer guidance on what constitutes “high quality” NbS to ensure that these markets deliver real climate benefits.
Overall, the session at the Singapore Pavilion highlighted the importance of high-integrity NbS markets in addressing the climate crisis, and the need for a people-centred approach to achieve meaningful impact.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
