Robust national policies are critical to protecting community rights. National law and policy defines processes for land acquisition, community participation in decision-making, and distribution of funds from investment. International mechanisms for carbon trading under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and private sector standards bodies that certify carbon projects often defer to or rely heavily on requirements in national law. Public agencies responsible for defining and implementing national policies are also more accessible and accountable to communities than global mechanisms.

To support the development of robust law and policies, Namati and the Grassroots Justice Network analyzed national legislation and policy frameworks for carbon trading in eight countries.

This toolkit has the following components:

• Integrating Carbon Justice Principles into National Law or Policy: Examples and Lessons Learned;
• Checklist for Effective National Carbon Market Legislation;
• How to Understand and Navigate Power Dynamics Around National Carbon Policy
• Appendix A: Table Comparing National Legislation Across 4 Countries
• Appendix B: Key Terms
• Appendix C: Case Studies From Emerging Legislation