Solving the climate crisis means truly empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities
The CJ Standard provides tools for assessing the social integrity of projects in order to produce not just a healthier planet but also a fairer world.
Support our flagship climate justice project
Become a part of the project by investing in high-quality natural climate solutions with the Kichwa Peoples of Sarayaku.
The stakes have never been higher
Indigenous Peoples and local communities are the guardians of our most important ecosystems
They manage lands that house over 80% of the planet's biodiversity and store nearly 300 billion metric tons of carbon. And yet, they suffer the effects of climate change the most, despite contributing the least to the problem.
As we near critical tipping points, they need support more than ever
The Amazon is on the brink of irreversible damage. Scientists warn that losing 20-25% of the forest will have devastating effects on the climate. And with 17% already destroyed, the stakes couldn't be higher.
But current initiatives are failing both people and planet
- Restrict access to land and resources that people rely on for their livelihoods
- Channel project funds mostly to intermediaries instead of to the stewards of the land
- Fail to address the root causes of deforestation and climate change
The CJ Standard guarantees climate actions aren’t done to Indigenous Peoples and local communities — but with them and by them
Actively involving IP & LCs in all stages of project development not only respects their rights, knowledge, and capabilities — it leads to more effective and sustainable projects.
Measuring success beyond carbon reduction
Because climate change isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a complex ecological, economic, and social issue that requires a holistic approach for lasting change.
Mitigating climate change
Projects measure carbon benefits associated with conservation, restoration and sustainable forest management.
Protecting biodiversity
IP & LCs track biodiversity and biocultural diversity using observation, camera traps, and bioacoustics recorders.
Supporting local economies and rights
Funds from the project will directly support Indigenous Life Plans and community plans for development and wellbeing, upholding rights and culture.