These projects can include:

• restoring wetlands
• planting native trees
• habitat protection
• other nature and climate activities.

Voluntary nature and carbon markets (VNCM) allow private funding to support projects that improve nature and climate outcomes. Projects may be led or supported by groups such as iwi, conservation organisations, philanthropists, investors, and other project developers.

Organisations will need to develop restoration plans that are verified by an independent crediting scheme. Once a project is underway, that scheme will issue credits that can be sold on the voluntary market.

For more information see:

Voluntary nature and carbon markets in New Zealand | Ministry for the Environment

What applicants need to know

• VNCM projects on public conservation land will need permission from DOC through the concessions process.
• The market will require projects to deliver nature and climate benefits that are additional to work already funded by the government.
• Projects are encouraged to consider how their work meets the government’s voluntary nature and carbon market integrity principles.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to use government recognised voluntary nature and carbon market schemes. For more information see: Voluntary nature and carbon markets in New Zealand | Ministry for the Environment 
• Other innovative approaches may be considered where risks can be managed.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to talk to local iwi or hāpū about their plans.

Read the factsheet:

Voluntary nature and carbon market projects on public conservation land (PDF, 293K)

How to apply

You need a DOC concession before carrying out a voluntary nature or carbon market project on public conservation land.

For more information and to make an application see:

Apply for a concession for voluntary nature and carbon market activities

Sites available for planting native trees

As a first step to encouraging uptake of VNCM opportunities, DOC has identified a number of sites on public conservation land that could be appropriate for native tree planting.

For more information on these sites contact us via email: VNCM@doc.govt.nz.

More areas may be added to this list as further work is completed.