Amazon tribes triumph in landmark carbon credit lawsuit in Colombia

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Carbon Herald or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Colombia’s Constitutional Court annulled a carbon credit deal in the Amazon’s Pira Parana territory, following claims from six indigenous tribes that the agreement was signed without their consent
• The deal involved US-based Ruby Canyon Environmental and Colombian intermediary Masbosques

🔭 The context: Carbon credits are sold to offset emissions by funding forest preservation, with proceeds intended for local communities
• In this case, $3.8 million worth of credits were sold to Colombian firm Latin Checkout, which then sold them to US airline Delta
• The tribes argued that false representatives had signed the deal, violating their rights to territorial autonomy

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The ruling underscores the importance of indigenous consent in carbon credit projects and highlights skepticism about the effectiveness of carbon credits
• The case raises questions about the legitimacy and environmental impact of such deals

⏭️ What's next: The court mandated that the tribes’ legitimate representatives meet within six months to decide on a new agreement
• If no agreement is reached, the project must be terminated in the territory

💬 One quote: “The project caused community conflicts and eroded indigenous autonomy despite an economic windfall,” said indigenous leader Fabio Valencia

📈 One stat: The contested agreement required indigenous communities to preserve 7,100 sq km (2,741 sq mi) of land

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