National Indian Carbon Coalition and Climate Impact Partners Forge Exclusive Agreement to Protect Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Forestland

London, UK – May 13, 2025- The National Indian Carbon Coalition (NICC), dedicated to strengthening Indigenous communities through ecosystem stewardship and enhancement, has partnered with Climate Impact Partners, a leading carbon finance organization, to safeguard over 25,000 acres of vital forestland belonging to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI). The partnership provides exclusive access to high-quality carbon removal credits, driving financial support for sustainable land management.  

Located in central Mississippi, the American Carbon Registry (ACR) certified Improved Forest Management project spans nearly 75% of MBCI’s tribal lands. It enhances the carbon sequestration potential of the biodiverse forests by improving management practices, including reducing deforestation for commercial harvesting, extending harvest rotations, and implementing selective cutting to foster healthy growth across all tree ages and native seedling regeneration.  

Carbon finance generated by the project replaces revenue traditionally sourced from commercial timber harvesting, directly funding critical community needs. Over the next 20 years, anticipated carbon revenues will support the construction of a new 300,000-square-foot educational facility – delivering state-of-the-art classrooms, a Career and Technical Education center, and enhanced sports facilities for tribal school students. 

Kelly Fitzwater, Global Supply Chain Director, Climate Impact Partners, commented: “Our partnership with NICC and MBCI is a source of immense pride for us. It not only secures access to high-quality carbon removal credits for our clients but also allows us to support a high impact project that delivers profound environmental and community benefits. This collaboration embodies our commitment to championing carbon initiatives that prioritize both climate action and community well-being.” 

The woodlands are integral to MBCI culture, providing Band members with sustainably harvested hickory and gum for crafting culturally significant items like drums and stickball sticks.  
 
Bryan Van Stippen, NICC Program Director added: "Our collaboration with Climate Impact Partners is vital in ensuring the sustained flow of carbon finance that provides additional access to resources for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. This project delivers significant environmental and community impact on these ancestral lands, embodying our deep commitment to the enduring preservation of tribal land ownership and the meticulous stewardship of our natural resources for generations to come." 

Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians said: “Land stewardship has always been important to our Tribe, and this emerging market gives us an invaluable opportunity to continue to protect and preserve our forested tribal lands and address our children’s educational needs.”