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TOP STORY
FEATURE: Colombian safeguards draft decree could suffocate existing nature-based carbon projects if enacted, market players say
Provisions on crediting periods and the ownership of carbon credits in a draft decree regulating land-based mitigation activities could place even greater financial strain on an already weakened Colombian carbon market if enacted, stakeholders have told Carbon Pulse.
INTERNATIONAL
FEATURE: New era pending? Major corporate standards progress nature measurement revamp
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) have furthered efforts to embed an influential set of state of nature metrics across their frameworks, which they said could usher in a new era for corporate disclosures.
FEATURE: Corporates excited about new SBTi climate standard’s nod to market instruments
Companies are “excited about finally having clarity” on using market instruments to show progress towards their climate targets under the newly released Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Corporate Net-Zero Standard, say consultancies referring to the standard’s “incredible ripple effect”.
Nature-based solutions fund raises €124 mln in first close
A new fund aiming to scale up nature-based solutions has raised €124 million in a first close, with a target of sequestering at least 7 mln tonnes of CO2 over 25 years.
Forest projects sequester carbon but fall short on biodiversity, ecosystem health -study
Most forest carbon projects analysed by a group of researchers failed to improve the wider ecological health of the land they cover, even when they succeeded in reducing deforestation, according to a new study.
Bloomberg Philanthropies pledges $260 mln to ocean protection
Bloomberg Philanthropies has allocated $260 million to expand ocean conservation worldwide, including in the high seas.
Asset manager hits back at Verra CEO’s claim standardisation would grow biodiversity credit market
An asset manager focused on tropical forest protection pushed back against Verra at London Climate Action Week (LCAW) on Monday, disputing the crediting standard’s claims that the emerging biodiversity credit market needs greater standardisation to grow.
Nature-based carbon projects face catch 22, report says
Project developers working on nature-based carbon are trapped within a structural catch 22 whereby an offtake is necessary to receive investment, but funding is required to secure an offtake, according to a report launched at London Climate Action Week (LCAW) on Monday.
Declining local species prevalence linked to higher extinction risk, study finds
Species with declining prevalence in local populations are largely associated with higher extinction risk, according to a study that suggests monitoring such changes could help inform conservation efforts.
Private investment in nature grew fivefold in a decade -report
Private investment in nature increased from $2.8 billion in 2016 to over $14 bln in 2025, reflecting growing momentum in a market that includes environmental credit-linked deals, a report said on Monday.
Researchers propose ‘too big to fail’ status for critical ecosystems
Critical natural systems that underpin economic activity should be treated as “too big to fail” assets requiring enhanced oversight and protection, according to an analysis published on Monday.
Oil crop supply chains drive global biodiversity loss -study
The cultivation of oil crops generated a global extinction risk equivalent to the loss of 1.5% of global species by 2020, according to a study that examined the impacts of crop expansion.
Frontier clears ERW methodology for supplier use
Buyer group Frontier has approved an enhanced rock weathering (ERW) methodology developed by a Helsinki-based carbon crediting platform for suppliers selling carbon removal credits.
Rock weathering could offset growing permafrost-driven river CO2 emissions -research
Chemical weathering triggered by permafrost thaw could offset a substantial share of CO2 emissions from rivers draining frozen landscapes, and in some regions may eventually outweigh them altogether, according to new research.
RFUK unveils decade-long plan to shift rainforest protection towards Indigenous-led governance
Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) has unveiled a new strategic vision through 2033 centred on expanding Indigenous and community control over tropical forests, arguing that rights-based conservation and local stewardship offer the most effective response to accelerating deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Independent monitoring could serve jurisdictional, investor needs in J-REDD+, speakers say
Independent due diligence on jurisdictional claims will be increasingly necessary for generating buyer-facing confidence in jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) programmes, speakers said during an online event on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC
BRIEFING: Thailand carbon market coalesces around THB 50-200 price band as buyers, developers expect growth
Thailand’s voluntary carbon market is beginning to converge around a domestic price range of THB 50-200 ($1.50-6.10) per tonne of CO2 equivalent, with both buyers and project developers viewing the market positively in terms of climate action and future compliance, according to a survey.
Indonesia to pilot biodiversity credits in Indigenous lands
The Indonesian government and the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Biofin initiative are launching a pilot project to explore biodiversity credits in Indigenous-managed landscapes.
Philippines expands forest restoration project with carbon aims to 120,000 ha
The government of the Philippines and a developer agreed on Tuesday to restore 120,000 hectares of degraded rainforest under an expanded nature recovery project that is expected to generate carbon credits, Carbon Pulse has learned.
New Zealand bank, state-owned enterprise partner to drive removals, biodiversity improvements
One of New Zealand’s leading banks has announced a partnership with a state-owned enterprise to help landowners monetise native forests via carbon removals and boost biodiversity.
Public funding dominates New Zealand biodiversity finance with less funding than previous years -report
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DoC) and other public bodies have provided most biodiversity funding in 2025-26, but resources have fallen despite economic growth, according to a report.
India proposes risk buffer for nature-based projects under offset scheme, seeks input
India has launched a consultation on draft rules that would allow nature-based carbon projects into its emerging carbon market, proposing a risk-buffer system for forest, wetland, mangrove, and soil carbon activities.
Malaysia seeks ICVCM, CORSIA alignment for national forest carbon registry
Malaysia is seeking to upgrade its national forest carbon registry to meet standards set by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market and the aviation sector’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.
AMERICAS
US company launches to build monitoring platform for new ‘Earth credits’
A US-based startup has launched with $500,000 in funding to enhance monitoring in nature-based markets, with a view to issuing a new type of credit.
Proposal to change environmental safeguards in Canada threatens biodiversity, experts say
A new proposed bill in Canada risks weakening federal environmental laws, threatening coastal species at risk and marine biodiversity, according to experts.
Costa Rican coral reef restoration project brings to market $160k of marine biodiversity credits
A US-based non-profit has issued $160,000 worth of marine biodiversity credits, generated through a coral reef recovery project in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica to receive LEAF Coalition’s first-ever funding disbursement
Costa Rica will soon receive funds from the LEAF Coalition public-private buyers’ club, becoming the first country in the world to receive results-based forest carbon finance through this programme.
Peru’s national carbon registry adds two new standards
Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM) has accredited two new standards and added 17 new methodologies to the national carbon registry RENAMI, as per a resolution issued Thursday.
Petrobras, BNDES announce winners of 5 mln-carbon credit call
Brazil’s state-controlled oil company Petrobras and national development bank (BNDES) announced on Monday the three winners of the pair’s call for contracting 5 million carbon credits.
Brazilian carbon project developer names new co-CEOs as it eyes expansion
A Sao Paulo-based carbon credit project developer announced on Monday it has appointed two new co-CEOs, as the company looks to grow its project pipeline.
Brazilian state to launch $80 mln carbon tender, governor says
The Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul will launch a tender worth $80 million for the commercialisation of carbon credits in the coming days, Governor Eduardo Riedel said, tying the initiative to productivity gains, planted forests, and payments for environmental services.
Competitive US water markets could mitigate drought risk -report
Fostering competitive water markets could be key to mitigating drought and wildfire risk as the US weathers increasingly hot and dry summers, according to a Montana-based think tank.
Brazil regulates payments for ecosystem services
Brazil has issued long-awaited regulations governing the country’s national policy on payments for ecosystem services (PES), establishing rules for both public and private initiatives.
Amazon NbS fund concludes deployment of R$250 mln into carbon pipeline
A R$250-million ($48.7 mln) nature finance vehicle has completed its investment period after fully deploying capital across its portfolio of 11 nature-based solutions (NbS) in the Brazilian Amazon, according to a report published this week.
US tech platform boosts CDR spending, adds biochar to offset mix
A US tech platform increased carbon removal (CDR) spending by nearly 30% in 2025, while also adding biochar credits to its portfolio.
American forest carbon developer acquires land management firm
An Arkansas-based forestry company is joining a carbon project developer, according to a deal announced Friday.
New agtech platform aims to unify farm carbon data, MRV, and sustainability programmes
A new agricultural technology company has been launched in the US through the combination of two existing digital agriculture businesses, with ambitions to build a neutral data and verification platform linking farm-level activities to sustainability, compliance, and carbon market outcomes.
EMEA
UK forestry firm launches $115-mln Ghana reforestation fund
A UK‑based forestry company has announced the launch of a $115‑million Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) to finance large‑scale commercial hardwood plantations in Ghana’s Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve.
Gambia explores payments for ecosystem services in national plan
The Gambia’s national biodiversity plan has explored payments for ecosystem services (PES) and carbon credits as innovative tools for raising financing for conservation.
EU leaders told to keep their hands off nature as competitiveness debate intensifies
WWF has urged EU environment ministers to reject what it called the “false trade-off” between environmental protection and economic competitiveness, warning that weakening nature laws would increase costs for businesses.
UK falling behind EU on nature protection since Brexit -report
Many of Great Britain’s environmental laws have been weakened since Brexit following a policy of deregulation, while the country has fallen behind the EU in some areas, a report said on Tuesday.
Protein diversification can cut farm emissions and boost food resilience, EU agency says
Europe should diversify the proteins it produces and consumes to cut agricultural emissions and reduce its reliance on imported animal feed, the European Environment Agency (EEA) said in a report published on Monday.
Barclays looks to better integrate nature in financial decision making
British bank Barclays has teamed up with an environmental finance-focused research group to improve its ability to assess nature‑related impacts, risks, and dependencies.
EU’s CRCF forest methodology needs baseline, risk-based rules to avoid over-crediting -report
The EU should tailor its Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF) methodology for improved forest management (IFM) to regional climate risks and forest conditions, while tightening baseline rules to reduce over-crediting risks, a policy brief published Thursday said.
Mozambique mangrove project secures Verra validation under blue carbon methodology
A Mozambique mangrove restoration project covering 155,000 hectares across 750 km of coastline has been validated under Verra’s VM0033 blue carbon methodology, becoming the largest such project in Africa to meet the standard, its developer said Monday.
Verra reinstates Northern Kenya grassland carbon project following community approval process
Carbon standard Verra has reinstated the Northern Kenya Grassland Carbon Project after a community formally reaffirmed its participation through a process conducted in line with Kenyan law.
EU urged to expand ETS to international flights as kerosene shock reignites aviation climate debate
The EU should resist calls to weaken aviation climate policies in response to the recent kerosene price shock and instead extend its ETS to cover all flights departing the bloc from 2027, according to a policy paper published this week.
Small batch of European soil carbon credits trade at over €50 per unit, 5 mln more in pipeline
A small batch of an anticipated 5 million European soil carbon credits from one developer have traded at an average of just over €50 a credit.
COMMENT
If a Month of Football Is Worth a Tax Break, the Climate Is Worth More
If governments are willing to suspend tax rules to host a football tournament, they should consider doing the same for verified carbon and recycling credits to unlock the private capital needed for climate action.
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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
INTERNATIONAL
Coffee (CO)2 go – COFCO International, an overseas agribusiness platform of China’s COFCO Corporation, has signed an MoU with a fund managed by Patria Investments, a Latin America-focused global alternative asset manager, to explore sustainable agricultural supply chains and carbon removal credits in Brazil. The agreement includes assessing opportunities tied to coffee, other agricultural commodities, low-carbon logistics infrastructure, and Patria’s Reforest Fund, which focuses on natural capital projects combining ecological restoration with productive land use.
EMEA
German agency seeks African advisor – German development agency GIZ is seeking a junior advisor in Pretoria to support the South African component of its Article 6 Connect project, which aims to help South Africa and Ethiopia participate in international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement. The project, implemented on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, focuses on capacity building around Article 6, including support for regulations, processes, instruments, and platforms needed for participation in international carbon markets.
In the bank – An ESG e-learning platform aimed at advancing sustainable banking practices across Rwanda’s financial sector has been launched by the Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The initiative aims to equip banking professionals with the skills needed to integrate environmental principles into their operations, reported IGIHE. The sector is seeking to respond to growing sustainability, regulatory, and market expectations, added the outlet.
Rock on – The Natural History Museum of London’s Biodiversity Intactness Index will become available to investors in select BlackRock funds, the organisations announced on Monday. BlackRock will use the dataset to inform its Sustainable Investing Intelligence platform, which manages $125 bln in strategies. The investor will integrate the information in a bid to better serve its clients in meeting their sustainability-related investment decisions, it said in a statement.
Offsite units – UK-based nature restoration company Nattergal has teamed up with National Grid to deliver offsite BNG units for electricity infrastructure in London. The North London Reinforcement project aims to upgrade the electricity transmission network across north and central London. National Grid pledged to deliver at least 10% uplift in biodiversity across all its construction projects.
Cash for deserts – Saudi Arabian startup Terraxy, a soil improvement and carbon capture company in desert environments, has secured $3 mln in second round funding, led by Wa’ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of oil company Saudi Aramco. The funding will support Terraxy’s transition from pilot-scale production to industrial production and deployment across Saudi Arabia, including the establishment of a 30,000-sqm commercial facility in Al Zulf.
First of a kind – Estonian-based forestry carbon developer Ecobase has announced that its European Improved Forest Management (IFM) project has been registered by Verra as Project 5315. Spanning Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Latvia across around 570,000 ha of forest, the project focuses on increasing the carbon stored in existing forests through improved forest management, largely by extending forest rotation ages. It is the first European project to apply Verra’s VM0003 methodology, which allows landowners to boost long-term carbon storage while continuing to manage forests as productive assets.
ASIA PACIFIC
South Korea blue carbon – The Korea Fisheries Resources Agency held a series of workshops this month across seven regions to support its Sea Forest Carbon Trading pilot project, according to news outlet Tridge. The sessions were aimed at local government officials and fishers already involved in the project, as well as those interested in joining. The agency began the workshop series in the Incheon-Gyeonggi region on June 10, followed by sessions for Chungnam-Jeonbuk on June 11, Jeonnam on June 12, Busan-Gyeongbuk on June 17, Gyeongnam on June 18, and Jeju on June 19.
It can work – Japan’s Carbon Zero Global said it has obtained a feasibility assessment for a Vietnamese afforestation project being developed with local partner Infinity Invention, finding the project could generate around 75,934 carbon credits over 2025-65. The assessment examined the applicability of Verra’s VM0047 afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation methodology across about 200 ha of planted forest. The company said the findings support the project’s technical feasibility and could pave the way for participation in both voluntary and international carbon markets.
Firsts – Carbon removal registry Isometric has issued the first enhanced rock weathering certificates to India-focused developer Mati Carbon, covering 492.4 tonnes of CO2 removed from its project in the state of Chhattisgarh, it announced. Mati applies crushed basalt from the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, to rice paddies, where natural weathering processes lock away carbon in ocean-bound bicarbonate ions. The issuance marks the first credits generated under Isometric’s Enhanced Weathering in Agriculture Protocol v1.2.
AMERICAS
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