Enabling conditions to unlock private sector demand in carbon markets: Policy considerations for host jurisdictions

Published by Beyond, Emergent and the Symbiosis Coalition, this briefing paper outlines nine policy enabling conditions host countries can set to unlock private sector demand in voluntary carbon markets, covering corresponding adjustment guidance, domestic governance and registries, benefit sharing, carbon rights/FPIC, and REDD+ nesting. It shows how clear, stable frameworks de-risk investment, reduce delays, and support high-integrity credit supply aligned with national climate and development priorities.

State of finance for nature 2026: Nature in the red

Published by UNEP, this report tracks global finance flows for nature and highlights implications for the voluntary carbon market, including declining investment in nature-based credits amid heightened scrutiny of integrity and credit quality.

The state of carbon credits 2025

Sylvera’s 2025 market review shows falling issuance and retirements alongside rising spot-market value, as buyers pay higher prices for higher-quality credits. The report highlights widening price differentials by rating, persistent oversupply of unrated credits, and growing convergence between voluntary and compliance markets.

Carbon markets: five things to look for in 2026

Wood Mackenzie examines five trends likely to influence carbon markets in 2026, from the rollout of new compliance regimes and the start of CBAM financial obligations to slower progress under Article 6. It assesses how changes to corporate claims, reporting and net-zero guidance could affect voluntary carbon market demand, and how integrity tools such as quality labels, ratings and advance purchase agreements may support VCM project finance.

Article 6 explainer: Updated with COP30 decisions

The Nature Conservancy’s explainer clarifies how Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is being operationalised, outlining rules on authorisation, corresponding adjustments and credit transfers, and why these decisions matter for integrity and confidence in voluntary carbon markets.

Nature-Based Carbon Project Finance Benchmark Report 2025

Published by Margaret Morales, this benchmark report analyses how nature-based carbon projects are financed, including primary funding sources, barriers to accessing capital, and the role of offtake agreements in unlocking lower-cost project finance in voluntary carbon markets.

Blue carbon policy readiness: Lessons from 20 countries

Published by Fair Carbon, this policy brief assesses blue carbon readiness across regions, identifying policy, institutional and financing conditions needed to scale high-integrity mangrove and coastal wetland credits, strengthen safeguards, and mobilise investment aligned with national climate and development goals.

The Core Carbon Principles impact report 2025

ICVCM’s report assesses progress in implementing the Core Carbon Principles, showing how CCP-approved programs and methodologies are strengthening market integrity, restoring buyer confidence, and supporting alignment between voluntary markets, national policies and Article 6.