Prosecutors urge freeze on Amazonas-linked carbon credit operations

Brazilian prosecutors recommended the suspension of carbon credit sales linked to Amazonas state over allegations that the operations disregard indigenous rights.

The recommendation was sent to the governor of Amazonas state, mayors and representatives of companies, certification bodies and actors involved with carbon credits, and the REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) segment.

In a press release, the public prosecutor’s office said investigations are underway into carbon credit operations taking place in indigenous territories without local consultations.

“Public control over operations in Amazonian territory is still very fragile, given the vast territory we are mentioning, since the Amazon is larger than the European continent. The prevention of all types of illegal activity depends not only on the public sector, on governments but also on the efforts of the private sector,” Beto Veríssimo, a senior researcher at and co-founder of environmental NGO Imazon, told BNamericas.

But Veríssimo also highlighted advances.

“Mining companies that have been in the region for many years are increasing engagement with communities around their projects. In the past, it was common for [mining giant] Vale to see its operations blocked in Pará as indigenous people protested against some of the company's initiatives,” he said.

“But nowadays this is much less common because the company has worked more on dialogue with communities,” Veríssimo added.

With the recommendation for suspending carbon credit operations, prosecutors want to ensure compliance with best practices, such as proof of reducing climate impacts through reputable and internationally recognized scientific studies. They also seek to promote negotiations to demonstrate respect for indigenous rights and traditions in Amazonas state.

In June, the federal police launched an operation to dismantle a criminal organization suspected of selling carbon credits worth around 180mn reais (US$32.7mn) connected to government-owned land in Amazonas state that was invaded.