WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On March 19, we celebrated a major milestone for the Navajo Nation as we received our first return from the Navajo Forest Carbon Project, an $8.32 million check from Anew Climate, representing initial revenues from carbon credit sales.
This moment is rooted in stewardship, sovereignty, and forward thinking leadership. It reflects our commitment to protecting our natural resources while creating sustainable opportunities that benefit our people today and for generations to come.
This $8.32 million milestone reflects years of planning, partnership, and belief in a vision that prioritizes both our land and our future. When we first began this work, there was uncertainty, but through collaboration and determination, we turned that vision into results.
Through the Navajo Forest Carbon Project, more than 500,000 acres of forestland across Arizona and New Mexico continue doing what they have always done, sustaining life, while now also generating long term economic opportunity for our Nation.
By focusing on forest health and carbon sequestration, we are creating verified climate benefits while establishing a sustainable source of revenue.
This achievement represents years of coordination between our Navajo Nation leadership, the Division of Natural Resources, Forestry Department, Department of Justice, the Resources and Development Committee, Council Delegate Rickie Nez, and our partners at Anew Climate.
These funds will support essential services across our Nation, including education, public safety, infrastructure, water projects, and cultural preservation, while strengthening our ability to invest in our people.
At its core, this project reinforces our sovereignty by creating self directed funding, expanding workforce opportunities for Navajo forestry professionals, and honoring our responsibility to care for Diné lands. It also helps replace revenues once generated by the Navajo Generating Station, showing that innovative, Nation led solutions can move us forward.
Ahéhee’ to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to the continued impact for future generations of the Navajo Nation.
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
