ABPA Releases Groundbreaking Report on Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System in Northern Ontario

November 14, 2024 – Robinson-Superior Treaty, Fort William First Nation Territory, Thunder Bay, Ontario:   The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) is thrilled to announce the release of its newest research report, “Facilitating Projects on Crown and Public Lands in Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System: A Northern Ontario Focus.” This comprehensive report offers crucial insights into the leadership role of First Nations communities in implementing carbon credit and nature-based climate solutions (NBS) and the challenges they face.

The report emphasizes the importance of First Nations’ knowledge systems, land stewardship practices, and self-determination in addressing climate change. It also provides 18 concrete recommendations to the Canadian and Ontario governments to improve the Improved Forest Management (IFM) protocol for public lands and achieve reconciliation.

Some of the key recommendations include:

• Recognizing First Nations’ carbon rights
• Ensuring Indigenous leadership in all projects advancing on public lands
• Guaranteeing Free, Prior and Informed Consent from rights-holders
• Developing protocols for diverse land use types
• Recognizing Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas (IPCAs)
• Improving Monitoring, Measurement, and Verification (MMV) programs
• Prioritizing data and knowledge sovereignty
• Supporting economic empowerment and sovereignty

Quotes:

“Our new report is a call to action for the Canadian and Provincial government to embrace First Nations’ leadership in the carbon markets. By adopting our recommendations, the government can demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation and create a more sustainable future for all Canadians.” – Jason Rasevych, President, ABPA.

“This report is not just about protecting our environment; it’s about protecting our rights, our cultures, and our communities. We are the original stewards of this land, and we have the knowledge and the responsibility to lead the way to a more sustainable future” Rasevych said.

read the ABPA report

About the ABPA:

The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (www.anishnawbebusiness.com) is a non-profit, member-based organization based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ABPA serves the First Nation business community within Treaty #3, Treaty#5, Treaty #9 and Robinson Huron and Superior Treaty Areas. The ABPA develops and expresses positions on business issues and other public issues relevant to First Nation business, on behalf of its members. They also serve non-First Nation businesses by providing information, guidance, and access to a wide-ranging network through events and sponsorship.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jason Rasevych, President, Anishnawbe Business Professional Association,

jrasevych@gmail.com, 807-357-5320

NT5