Japan-based developer partners with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency to unlock agricultural carbon potential worth ¥42.8 billion.
JAKARTA — Japan-based nature-based carbon credit developer Green Carbon Inc. has entered into a research collaboration with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to assess emission reduction potential across the country’s land use and agricultural sectors.
The partnership could unlock up to 21.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) credits, with an estimated market value of 42.8 billion Japanese yen, sourced from roughly 10 million hectares of rice fields nationwide.
The initiative marks a significant step in positioning Indonesia’s vast agricultural landscape as a contributor to science-based, measurable climate mitigation efforts.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Measuring Carbon in Rice Fields
Under the agreement, Green Carbon and BRIN will conduct scientific studies to assess emission reduction potential while refining methodologies for measurement, reporting and impact evaluation. The goal is to support the development of credible carbon credit projects grounded in research and verifiable data.
“Indonesia has significant potential for nature-based solutions, particularly from the agriculture and land-use sectors. Through this partnership, we aim to develop measurable and sustainable emission reduction models,” Green Carbon’s management said in a statement on Feb. 20, 2026.
Preliminary calculations estimate that each hectare of rice field can generate around five tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year. With a projected carbon credit price of about 2,000 yen per tonne of CO₂, the total potential value of credits could reach approximately 42.8 billion yen.
Division of Roles: Science and Operations
Under the collaboration framework, BRIN will provide academic and scientific support related to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact assessments. Green Carbon will oversee the technical and operational aspects of carbon credit project development on the ground.
The partnership also includes the development and evaluation of sustainable farming practices, particularly climate-smart agriculture approaches designed to reduce emissions while maintaining food productivity.
By integrating scientific validation with field implementation, the two parties aim to strengthen the integrity and credibility of agricultural carbon credit schemes in Indonesia.
Expanding Nature-Based Solutions in Southeast Asia
Green Carbon has been developing nature-based carbon credit projects across Southeast Asia, including forest conservation, rice field management, mangrove restoration, biochar initiatives and methane emission reduction from livestock.
The company uses satellite data for site selection and project monitoring, a tool intended to enhance transparency and operational efficiency in project verification.
The collaboration with BRIN is expected to reinforce the scientific foundation for agricultural carbon credit development in Indonesia. It may also create opportunities to integrate research findings into future national carbon policies and business schemes.
A Growing Role for Agriculture in Climate Strategy
Indonesia’s agriculture and land-use sectors represent a substantial portion of the country’s emissions profile, but they also offer large-scale mitigation opportunities. With around 10 million hectares of rice fields, the country holds considerable potential to generate verified emission reductions through improved practices and better methane management.
If successfully implemented, the project could position rice field carbon credits as a meaningful component of Indonesia’s broader climate strategy — linking research institutions, private developers and farmers in a coordinated approach.
As global demand for high-integrity carbon credits grows, the Green Carbon–BRIN partnership underscores how agricultural landscapes may become central to future climate markets — provided they are grounded in science, transparency and sustainable farming systems.
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