Keying It Up

November was an interesting month for those tracking the evolution of payments for ecosystem services and the emergence of environmental markets. Over 6000 participants flocked to Nairobi for the UNFCCC's annual meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol. All eyes were on Kenya, but aggressive movement – in a big picture sense – was largely lacking on the issue of climate change. That's not to say the event was a flop, important decisions were made in and outside of the meeting halls throughout the two weeks, and a much-needed spotlight was thrown on the environmental challenges facing the rural poor in Africa. Nonetheless, we are going to go out on a limb and say that some of the most interesting developments in November 2006 will really be realized in the last month of the year. The European Commission approved National Allocation Plans for ten member states of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme on November 29. The approved caps dropped allocations by an average 6.9% from those that were originally proposed and European Union Allowances were trading around 18 euros in the hours after the announcement. How will the market ultimately absorb the news? We'll find out in the coming weeks...

For now, we invite you to catch up on our latest coverage of watershed conservation in Australia, renewable energy generation in the Amazon, and payments for ecosystem services in South Africa in the following newsletter. And don't hesitate to sign up for the Ecosystem Marketplace's new audience-specific newsletters by clicking on any of the following links:

The Community Forum focuses on community issues related to payments for ecosystem services.

Mitigation Mail is a monthly broadcast of information about market-based approaches to biodiversity conservation.

V-Carbon News will keep you up to date on breaking news related to the global voluntary carbon market as well as timely information concerning emerging carbon markets in North America and Australia.

Other Announcements
Earthwatch Institute, the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and the World Resources Institute (WRI) have just released a new report: Ecosystem Challenges and Business Implications.

     Download the Report »

The Kinship Fellows Program issued a call for applications. According to a press release, highlights of the fellowship for conservation professionals include: a renowned faculty; a focus on market-based approaches; leadership, business and economic skills; hands-on project development; and a $4,500 stipend, lodging and meals. To learn more and apply online, visit www.KinshipFellows.org. The application deadline is January 10, 2007.

— The Ecosystem Marketplace Team

For questions or comments, please contact newsletter@ecosystemmarketplace.com