Department of Forestry Forest Carbon and Climate Program

East Lansing, MI, 4/9/24

With a core focus on promoting science-based inputs to ensure the integrity of natural climate solutions, the Michigan State University’s (MSU) Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP) and the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance (NCSA) unite forces to unleash private sector investment in high-integrity nature-based climate solutions.

Leveraging FCCP's track record and unique experience in knowledge transfer and capacity building, the Alliance aims to translate the soon-to-be-published "An Investor Guide for Natural Climate Solutions in the Voluntary Carbon Market" which is being developed by the NCSA in collaboration with ERM, and efforts of the Forest Investor Club into actionable training materials, short courses, and initiatives.

The FCCP of MSU’s Department of Forestry proudly announces its membership in the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance (NCSA), marking a significant milestone as the first academic institution to join the prestigious global alliance.

"Our membership in the Natural Climate Solution Alliance is a testament to our commitment to advancing science-based solutions for climate change," said Daniel Ortega, Director of the FCCP. "We are excited to collaborate with NCSA members to accelerate the deployment of capital into conservation, restoration, and sustainable forest management. By ensuring robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), transparency, environmental and social safeguards, and fostering sustainable development net positive impacts, we aim to make meaningful contributions to NCSA in its efforts to addressing the climate crisis through nature-climate solutions."

Giulia Carbone, Director of the NCSA, said: “Our collaboration with the Forest Carbon and Climate Program at Michigan State University exemplifies the critical role of academia in driving forward science-based solutions for climate change. By combining our expertise and resources, we are poised to continue catalyzing private sector investment in Natural Climate Solutions.”

About NCSA
The NCSA, convened by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World Economic Forum, stands at the forefront of global efforts to identify opportunities and overcome barriers to investment in Natural Climate Solutions (NCS). They also serve as a forum for knowledge sharing and technical capacity building to ensure NCS reach their full potential in abating climate change, primarily through the NCS Procurement Hub - a buyer-only community platform for current and potential carbon credit buyers and investors navigating the complex landscape of NCS carbon credit procurement. It helps companies to maintain integrity when investing in the voluntary carbon market by providing trustworthy information, risk management tools, expert guidance, Q&A, a community of peers, connection to high-quality NCS projects and exclusive events.

About MSU FCCP
The Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP), part of the Michigan State University Department of Forestry, was founded in 2014 to address educational needs and knowledge gaps surrounding forests as climate change solutions. The FCCP 2030 strategic plan will build upon a decade of growth and success in providing world-class education, research, and outreach and engagement benefiting the forest sector, the nation, and people around the globe. Forging new partnerships with industry will ensure MSU contributions unleash private investment needed to close the forest finance gap by building trust in high-integrity forest climate action.

For more information contact:
FCCP – Em Esch, eschemi2@msu.edu
NCSA – Jennicca Gordon, gordon@wbcsd.org