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A ustralia's I ndigenous Carbon Economy: A National Snapshot
Author(s) -
ROBINSON CATHY J.,
GERRARD EMILY,
MAY TRACEY,
MACLEAN KIRSTEN
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
geographical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.695
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1745-5871
pISSN - 1745-5863
DOI - 10.1111/1745-5871.12049
Subject(s) - indigenous , snapshot (computer storage) , carbon offset , business , greenhouse gas , carbon sequestration , climate change , situated , ecosystem services , geography , natural resource economics , ecosystem , ecology , economics , computer science , carbon dioxide , biology , operating system , artificial intelligence
Many I ndigenous communities in A ustralia are well situated to provide greenhouse gas abatement and carbon sequestration benefits, but little is known about the factors affecting the capability of A ustralia's I ndigenous organisations to participate in climate change mitigation strategies. This paper provides a ‘snapshot’ summary of certain aspects of A ustralia's I ndigenous organisations' participation in carbon offset schemes. The snapshot provides insight into the degree to which Indigenous organisations are aware of carbon market opportunities in A ustralia, the level that these Indigenous organisations participate in or engage with carbon‐based economic enterprises, and the key pathways through which Indigenous carbon market opportunities are pursued. Analysis of data collected from a national survey conducted between 2011 and 2012 show that most obstacles to I ndigenous participation in carbon offset schemes relate to land tenure arrangements; geographic and biophysical factors; low levels of requisite technical, human and financial resources; and appropriate recognition of Indigenous knowledge and cultural responsibilities. The snapshot also highlights the value of supporting regionally specific capacity‐building strategies to enable Indigenous people to participate in emerging carbon offset activities and the generation of associated ecosystem services. Cultural, socio‐economic or demographic factors that are also likely to influence the ability of many Indigenous communities to participate in carbon market opportunities are identified as important areas for further research.