Kuamut Rainforest Conservation

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Credit issuances by vintage

Notable buyers

JP Morgan Chase · International Union for Conservation of Nature · Salesforce · EY Global Services Limited

In the news

• The fall of the forest-based carbon offset: A cautionary tale for Malaysia

  The Star · 6/28/2024

  Our take: This article argues that forest-based carbon credits in general are problematic and specifically calls it out as a warning for Malaysia as carbon projects are beginning to grow there. The article is correct that there have been integrity issues with many carbon projects and there have been methodological issues with older forest-based carbon credits that have led to widespread over-crediting. However, it also mistakenly claims that all forest-based credits are no longer considered credible by voluntary standards such as the ISO and VCMI, when these and other credible standards instead advocate for the use of avoided-deforestation credits only from high-integrity projects. Kuamut has been rigorously reviewed by multiple ratings agencies and other experts (including ourselves!) and has consistently been found to be of exceptional quality.

• Can communities truly benefit from carbon credit projects?

  Fair Planet · 6/20/2023

  Our take: This article highlights the critical importance of meaningful community engagement in carbon credit projects with Permian Global's Community Specialist sharing success stories of how proper involvement can transform lives, such as turning illegal wildlife poachers into biodiversity officers. The emphasis on deep community understanding and long-term commitment to local needs demonstrates that Permian Global, Kuamut's project developer, takes a responsible approach that prioritizes Indigenous rights and sustainable community development alongside carbon outcomes. This community-first philosophy also ensures that Kuamut is designed for long-term success, as projects with genuine local support and benefits are more likely to deliver lasting climate impact while avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued other forest carbon initiatives.

• Malaysian state updates forest law to regulate carbon trading

  Quantum Commodity Intelligence · 4/17/2025

  Our take: Sabah's new forestry law amendment requires mandatory licensing for all forest carbon activities, ensuring that projects are properly registered and regulated while protecting Indigenous community rights. This regulatory framework reduces risks that projects will harm local communities by requiring state approval and maintaining community protections, which helps ensure that projects last and deliver benefits to both climate and people. The law positions Sabah to maintain direct control over carbon revenue and creates a more controlled environment for high-quality projects like Kuamut to operate with greater credibility and sustainability.

• Bursa Malaysia Debuts Malaysia’s First Nature-Based Carbon Credits

  CarbonCredits.com · 7/30/2024

  Our take: Bursa Malaysia's Carbon Exchange successfully auctioned Malaysia's first domestically produced carbon credits from the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project, with the auction clearing at RM50 per contract and attracting organizations committed to reducing their environmental impact. The Kuamut project has achieved impressive credentials, including verified carbon units under Verra's VCS standard that cut annual emissions by nearly 800,000 tCO2e, Gold Level status under CCB Standards, and recognition from Sylvera and BeZero as one of the most advanced forest management projects. This milestone demonstrates strong market confidence in Kuamut's quality and integrity, positioning it as a premium Malaysian carbon credit that buyers can trust to deliver real climate benefits while supporting forest conservation and community development.