Valuing the Priceless: August 2025
- Wildlife Works
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
In a recent podcast appearance, our founder Mike Korchinsky reflected on the Wildlife Works journey, from the early days of Wildlife Works and the pioneering of REDD+ project models, to the birth of Equitable Earth and its evolution into being acquired by ERS. The episode explores the real roots of NbS market volatility, and the path toward a resilient, equity-first climate finance system that works for communities and ecosystems alike. Don’t miss this candid, wide-ranging conversation on the lessons learned, the state of the market, and what comes next.
The Equitable Earth standard is entering a powerful new chapter under the leadership of Ecosystem Restoration Standard, which has officially acquired the standard and rebranded itself to take on the Equitable Earth name. This reflects their expansion into other nature-based methodologies and their commitment to community-led projects.
As momentum builds around new standards and policies, exciting developments are also unfolding across the global REDD+ landscape. Here are some of the key updates from around the world.
Countries Making Strides in REDD+
Kenya made history as the first African country to launch a national REDD+ registry. This transparent, centralized platform marks a significant milestone for African climate action. Wildlife Works proudly attended the launch and contributed to its development, a moment of deep pride for our team. Source: Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
Brazil has announced its intent to establish a national carbon standard as part of its broader emissions trading framework. This move aims to ensure rigorous domestic oversight for REDD+ and afforestation credits. Source: QCI
Papua New Guinea celebrated a major achievement: receiving REDD+ results based payments for the first time, nearly 20 years after initiating the process. Source: UN-REDD
Indonesia is treading carefully on international carbon trade, allowing the export of carbon credits on a case by case basis, as policy negotiations continue. Source: QCI
Recent Policy and Standards Shifts in the Voluntary Carbon Market
ICVCM's Evolving Standards
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) approved a second ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation) methodology, this time from the American Carbon Registry. However, the approval was conditional, applying only to natural forest restoration. ICVCM continues to be cautious, especially around large, commercial monoculture plantations.
New Scientific Advisory Group: Shift CM
ICVCM announced the formation of Shift CM, a new advisory group focused on nature based solutions. With over 40 scientists and researchers including those from Yale University and The Nature Conservancy the group may influence future crediting protocols.
CORSIA Eligible Credit Insurance Developments
Verra and Gold Standard introduced new requirements for insurance products to serve as risk mitigation for CORSIA eligible credits. Market signals are cautiously optimistic—prices are rising, but major supply constraints remain due to the lack of government authorizations and corresponding adjustments.
Article 6.4 Consultations and Nature Based Challenges
Stakeholders are now drafting inputs for the Article 6.4 consultation on a nonpermanence and reversals standard. Some provisions could significantly hinder nature based climate solutions due to onerous requirements, such as indefinite monitoring. However, since the 6.4 framework is increasingly influencing voluntary carbon markets worldwide, thoughtful engagement now can help set fair, science-based standards that recognize the unique strengths of nature-based solutions, safeguard their credibility, and scale their impact for decades to come. Several prominent conservation organizations have submitted feedback for this consultation along these lines, highlighting the critical role nature-based solutions play, especially while other approaches are still costly with little ability to scale.
Employee Spotlight
Our global conservation work would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and passion of our team members. Each month, get to know our team members and what they do through our Employee Spotlight Series.
In this month’s spotlight meet Will Gochberg PhD, Wildlife Works Technical Climate Policy Analyst. From conducting research on land tenure systems in Africa to working in academia, Will's rich experience and keen analysis on policy makes him an indispensable part of our team.
Learn more about Will and his policy perspectives for the carbon market in this Q&A.
Wildlife Works is Hiring:
Corporate:
Colombia:
Brazil:
