Emerging Nature-Based Financing Approaches

Explore Emerging Nature-Based Financing Approaches, a resource created by the First 30×30 Canada Program, led by Nature For Justice, in partnership with IISAAK OLAM Foundation and Nature Focus Development, in collaboration with the RAD Network, that supports Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship, and long-term economic sovereignty.

Designed for Indigenous practitioners, communities, and partners, this resource highlights a range of financing tools, including partnerships, co-investment, carbon and biodiversity markets, ecosystem service payments, public funding, and community-driven economies.

Rather than promoting a single model, we recognize that nature-based financing is place-based, relationship-driven, and rooted in community priorities. Diverse financial strategies can support stewardship while aligning with Indigenous governance, values, and long-term goals.

As a living document, it reflects a rapidly evolving landscape and will continue to grow alongside emerging practices and innovations in the field.

Understanding Atmospheric Benefit Agreements (ABAs) Within Crown Policy Frameworks

The First 30×30 Program, led by Nature For Justice in partnership with IISAAK OLAM Foundation and Nature Focus Development, has collaborated with the RAD Network to develop a resource on Atmospheric Benefit Agreements (ABAs) within British Columbia’s carbon governance framework. This resource explains how ABAs are used to define the allocation of carbon offset credits for projects on Crown-classified public lands, and how they support clarity, revenue generation, and market confidence in carbon projects. Grounded in the recognition of Indigenous rights and ongoing jurisdictional considerations, this resource is designed to support informed, strategic, and self-determined decision-making for Indigenous governments and partners navigating carbon opportunities.

BC Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP) Overview

The First 30×30 Program, led by Nature For Justice in partnership with IISAAK OLAM Foundation and Nature Focus Development, has collaborated with the RAD Network to offer a resource highlighting British Columbia’s Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP), outlining how forest-based carbon projects are developed, measured, and verified within the province’s regulatory system. This resource explains how carbon offsets function as a tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting conservation and ecosystem stewardship. Grounded in the recognition of Indigenous rights and ongoing questions of jurisdiction, this overview is designed to support informed, strategic, and self-determined decision-making for Indigenous governments and partners exploring carbon opportunities.