Carbon Markets
Access Toolkit

“As a country committed to climate action and sustainable growth, Panama recognizes the critical role of voluntary carbon markets in closing the $2.7 trillion annual climate finance gap. Carbon markets can generate up to seven times more impact in additional investment and technology transfer, and offer the potential to generate debt-free climate financing. VCMI’s Carbon Markets Access Toolkit provides the strategic framework that countries like Panama need to participate meaningfully in carbon markets. This tool addresses key decision points: when to enter carbon markets, how to use them to finance national climate strategies and how to develop an Article 6.”

“As countries develop financing strategies to achieve their nationally determined contributions ahead of COP30, we recommend adopting this strategic approach for a more sustainable future.”

“Navigating carbon markets is complex and constantly evolving.”

“Informed policymakers are better positioned to make strategic decisions on how their countries can engage with carbon markets to unlock private finance and advance climate and development goals. Resources like the Carbon Markets Access Toolkit provide the clarity and support needed to guide these decisions in alignment with national priorities.” 

“Governments in emerging markets and developing economies have a unique opportunity to harness the catalytic power of high-integrity carbon markets to unlock debt-free climate finance.”

“VCMI’s updated Carbon Markets Access Toolkit is a vital resource to help countries strategically engage with carbon markets, align with Article 6, and deliver on their climate and sustainable development goals, while ensuring integrity through the Integrity Council’s Core Carbon Principles.”

“Emerging markets and developing economies urgently need finance to support climate-positive growth and drive the global transition to net zero.”

“Carbon markets provide significant opportunities for governments to channel international private sector finance towards national and global climate goals by leveraging new sources of capital, technology and skills. However, their complexity often presents a major barrier to participation and reduces the potentially transformative impact they can have.”

“This toolkit provides a clear and comprehensive roadmap for governments to determine the most appropriate level and type of engagement according to their national circumstances and priorities and so ensure that carbon market activities deliver truly transformational outcomes.”