Public Dialogue on Biodiversity and Carbon Markets Held

NatureUganda, in collaboration with Plan Vivo , hosted a public dialogue on “Biodiversity and Carbon Markets: Plan Vivo Standards Shaping Nature Markets to Achieve High-Integrity Nature-Positive Outcomes.” The event brought together government representatives, conservation practitioners, project developers, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, students, and community organisations to explore how biodiversity and carbon markets can support community-led conservation across Africa.

Held at Hotel Africana and livestreamed to participants across the region, the dialogue introduced participants to the Plan Vivo Nature and Plan Vivo Climate Standards, demonstrating how high-integrity certification can reward communities for conserving and restoring biodiversity while delivering measurable benefits for nature, livelihoods, and the climate. The discussions also explored opportunities presented by the emerging biodiversity credits market, lessons from voluntary carbon markets, and pathways for African conservation projects to participate in responsible nature finance.

A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of placing Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the centre of conservation initiatives. Speakers highlighted the Plan Vivo approach, which combines rigorous certification, transparent benefit-sharing, and meaningful community participation to ensure projects deliver long-term environmental and social impact. The standard builds on more than 25 years of experience in community-led conservation and supports projects through certification, technical guidance, and independent verification.

The interactive question-and-answer session reflected the audience’s strong interest in the practical application of the standards. Participants sought clarification on project eligibility, community land ownership, opportunities for wetland conservation projects, benefit-sharing arrangements, and the applicability of the standards to different land tenure systems. The discussion reinforced the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration as nature and carbon markets continue to evolve in Africa.

Presentations

• How can Biodiversity and Carbon markets create real benefits for nature and communities – (PDF)
• PV Climate overview (PDF)

▶ The full recording is available on NatureUganda’s YouTube channel: