Adopting carbon farming certification framework: Lessons from the EU's initiative and potential for Türkiye

One of the essential components of carbon markets is certification. In December 2024, the European Parliament reached a political agreement to establish the first EU-level certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products. The voluntary framework aims to reduce carbon emissions in the EU by implementing activities that promote carbon removal and emission reduction. The regulation covers four types of units: permanent storage, temporary storage of wood products, temporary storage, and emission reductions through carbon farming. The initiative has the potential to serve as a model for Türkiye, where the recent land sector mitigation targets provide a foundation for developing a national carbon farming regulation. Since Türkiye lacks a national carbon certification regulation for carbon farming, the EU's framework can provide valuable guidance and inspiration for Türkiye to develop its tailored approach. However, several country-specific challenges must be addressed, including land ownership complexities and the issue of additionality in forestlands. It must also be designed to be both simplistic and robust, ensuring transparency and integrity to attract investment. While initially voluntary, the regulation should consider transitioning toward a compliance-based market in the future. Additionally, we suggest that a well-defined land sector-wide mitigation target for 2030 and beyond may serve as an incentive for effective implementation.