Step 1: Initial Engagement & Tribal-Led Carbon Education
The National Indian Carbon Coalition team begins by responding to Tribal leadership and natural resource departments interested in learning how carbon markets can support existing forest stewardship goals. Early engagement focuses on education around Improved Forest Management (IFM), carbon accounting, credit generation, and long-term monitoring requirements. Throughout this phase, NICC supports Tribes in determining whether a carbon project aligns with their values, forest management objectives, and community priorities. Tribal governments lead these conversations, set the pace, and define the decision-making pathways.
Step 2: Pre-Feasibility & Early Assessment
When a Tribal Nation expresses interest in further exploration, NICC conducts a pre-feasibility assessment to determine whether an IFM carbon project is technically viable. This includes preliminary carbon modeling, eligibility scoping, reviewing existing management practices, and identifying potential opportunities and constraints. At all stages, Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and data sovereignty are upheld: Tribes determine what information can be shared and how their data is used. Pre-feasibility provides leadership with early indicators of project potential without requiring significant commitments.
Step 3: Full Feasibility, Inventory & Project Design
If the Nation elects to move forward, NICC supports a complete feasibility analysis. This includes refined carbon modeling, selection of applicable IFM methodologies, inventory design and implementation, and analysis of project scenarios that align with Tribal management goals. Forest inventory and data collection are conducted under protocols agreed upon with the Tribe, with complete data ownership retained by the Tribe. Feasibility also clarifies timelines, credit issuance pathways, revenue scenarios, and verification requirements. At the conclusion of this phase, the Tribe reviews the full feasibility report and determines whether to proceed to development.
Step 4: Project Development & Validation
Upon formal Tribal approval, NICC assists with project development, including complete project documentation and preparation for third-party validation and verification. This includes preparing carbon accounting documentation, management planning materials, and registry submissions. Independent auditors evaluate the project to ensure compliance with the selected methodology and standards. Throughout this phase, NICC follows Tribal process requirements, decision structures, and communication protocols. Tribal sovereignty and self-determination are at the center of all decision points, and data sovereignty remains fully intact.
The Final Step: Long-Term Monitoring, Credit Issuance & Tribal Benefit
After validation and registry approval, credits may be issued and monetized in accordance with strategies determined by the Tribal Nation. Revenues from carbon credits can support forestry programs, cultural resource protection, youth education, economic development, climate resilience, and other priorities identified by the Tribe. IFM projects operate on a multi-decade horizon, creating durable climate benefits and long-term stewardship opportunities. Throughout the lifecycle, the Tribe leads, sets priorities, and retains control; NICC remains a technical partner supporting Tribal vision, Tribal governance, and Tribal management authority.