Aboriginal Carbon Foundation Calls for a Broader Vision in Biodiversity Markets
Aboriginal Carbon Foundation CEO Rowan Foley has called for real and meaningful change at the inaugural Global Nature Positive Summit on Gadigal country recently, where he joined an expert panel to address issues surrounding Trading Green: Unlocking the future of biodiversity markets.
“The carbon market’s focus on trees represents a narrow, scientific view of nature,” Mr Foley said during his panel session. “This limited perspective misses the broader social, cultural, and community values essential to meaningful environmental efforts.”
The CEO expressed concerns that the first proposed Nature Repair Method – Replanting Native Forest and Woodland Ecosystems mirrors the carbon market’s narrow approach, focusing on tree planting and protection with only slight gestures toward biodiversity and communities. “We have an opportunity to break free from the carbon sector’s limitations. Biodiversity efforts must go beyond carbon metrics to include social and cultural values, especially those of First Nations peoples.”
A key issue raised is the approach to fire management. “In the first draft methodology, fire is seen as a threat, reflecting a European mindset. But for Traditional Owners, fire is a friend—a vital tool for caring for Country.”
Engaging Traditional Owners to practice cultural burning, the CEO explains, brings employment, community engagement as well as environmental stewardship. “Embracing cultural fire means embracing the respective Traditional Owners, which leads to local jobs and genuine human capital investment.”
The CEO emphasises the need to shift the focus from financial outcomes to core values. “Carbon credits should be seen as the icing on the cake. The core benefits—environmental, social, and cultural—are what truly matter. The same principle applies to biodiversity markets: the certificate is just a co-benefit, not the primary goal.”
Reflecting on market integrity, the CEO acknowledged criticisms of the carbon market and highlighted the importance of transparency and trust in biodiversity programs. “We must build a new model, not replicate the mistakes of the past. Integrity is critical, and we need governance structures that reflect this commitment.”
The CEO proposed a new path forward through meaningful partnerships. “Indigenous Australians have legal rights and ownership of 57% of Australia’s land mass, where much of the biodiversity thrives. An Indigenous co-chair and 50% composition on the Nature Repair Biodiversity Assessment Expert Reference Group is a step toward reconciliation and real engagement. We need to move beyond token representation to true partnerships. This is how we avoid shackling future generations with outdated colonial structures.”
The vision is clear: biodiversity markets must centre environmental, social, and cultural values, offering a path that not only respects First Nations knowledge but also delivers tangible benefits for communities and Country alike. “If we get this right,” the CEO concludes, “we create space for genuine collaboration, ensuring that both people and the environment thrive.”
