Civil society groups came together in December 2022 to form Carbon Sovereign Sabah, an open campaign aimed at increasing carbon literacy in the state and empowering Sabahans with knowledge of their rights to autonomy and self-determination.  The campaign was first introduced to the public on 21st December 2021 via Instagram @carbonsovereignsabah, where the digital graphic content is aimed at educating Sabahans on the realities of carbon trading — in both the local and global spheres — and their rights in relation to the emerging world of carbon finance.

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Some social media posts of note include Forest Carbon 101 — a series of Instagram posts explaining the basics, origins, and realities of carbon trading, with emphasis on nature-based solutions, Malaysia’s current climate mitigation commitments, and carbon marketplaces — and What is Additionality? — a post explaining how carbon credits are calculated and the estimated restoration costs that would go into generating such revenue.

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Currently in the works are discussions to co-design a carbon literacy programme targeted towards indigenous movement leaders, civil society, and other related parties that arms participants with the knowledge and insights needed to enter into carbon trade.

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