The Nakau Methodology is a set of instructions and guidelines that enable Indigenous landowners to produce Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Units — also known as forest conservation carbon credits.
These credits are sold and then reinvested by the landowners in local initiatives that support the cultural, social and environmental goals of Indigenous communities.
At the heart of the Nakau Methodology is a commitment to sustain benefits flowing to landowners — which is why all projects are owned by Indigenous communities.
We take a community development partnership approach that is fair and transparent. Mutually beneficial collaborations that manage risks and optimise the conditions required for a successful PES projects ensure our work can stand the test of time.
These credits are sold and then reinvested by the landowners in local initiatives that support the cultural, social and environmental goals of Indigenous communities.
At the heart of the Nakau Methodology is a commitment to sustain benefits flowing to landowners — which is why all projects are owned by Indigenous communities.
We take a community development partnership approach that is fair and transparent. Mutually beneficial collaborations that manage risks and optimise the conditions required for a successful PES projects ensure our work can stand the test of time.
We collaborate with people
Nakau works with communities to establish high quality projects that protect and restore forests. The time needed to establish a forest carbon project depends on location, the community and governance systems.
We help them sell their credits
Once a project is certified, Nakau supplies credits to buyers seeking carbon certification. Our buyers are ethical and values-aligned businesses and individuals who want to support locally-led conservation and nature-based solutions.
We apply fair trade principles — 60% of all credit sales go directly to Indigenous landowners and their communities. Local coordinating NGOs receive 20% and Nakau retains 20%.
We apply fair trade principles — 60% of all credit sales go directly to Indigenous landowners and their communities. Local coordinating NGOs receive 20% and Nakau retains 20%.
communities benefit directly
Income from the sale of credits allows Indigenous landowners to make the transformative change they’re seeking. They have the means to move away from activities that degrade or clear precious rainforest — like logging and land-clearing — to a new conservation economy that protects forests and provides the capital for sustainable community enterprise.
Each carbon credit sale is used to bring financial resilience and investment in new livelihood activities. Credit sales also allow more Rangers to receive training in forest management and support local women leaders with new business skills.
Each carbon credit sale is used to bring financial resilience and investment in new livelihood activities. Credit sales also allow more Rangers to receive training in forest management and support local women leaders with new business skills.
Nakau translates as tree in many Indigenous languages of the Western Pacific Islands. A solid tree needs sturdy roots, and the Nakau methodology provides a foundation for disciplined environmental protection and sustainable community development, as well as high-quality, low-risk investments in nature for credit buyers.