About
Reimagining The Blue Carbon Landscape
We’re a team of passionate individuals coming together to harness the power of blue carbon.
Our Origins
In 2018, John Vermilye, a long-time ocean advocate, started looking into blue carbon as a way to mitigate the residual footprints of his travel security business. John and Antoinette Vermilye, as Co-Founders of the Gallifrey Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting ocean conservation initiatives worldwide, were already active in marine conservation.
Yet, what they have found on blue carbon, left them disappointed. Through The Gallifrey Foundation, they started a year-long research project looking into the blue carbon market, which culminated in the 2020 Blue Carbon – Mind the Gap report. They discovered the market’s untapped potential to restore ecosystems, combat climate change and support local communities, but they also found that the market was underdeveloped, fragmented and inaccessible due to its technical complexity, with only a handful of certified blue carbon projects worldwide.
The solution was obvious; lower the barriers to creating credible and successful blue carbon projects and bridge the gap between local communities, investors, corporations and philanthropists. This realisation led to the establishment of Fair Carbon, which brings together a group of passionate individuals to support the stewards of coastal and marine ecosystems with information and capacity building they need to champion a more resilient and regenerative future for our beautiful planet.
Our Purpose
Our coastal and marine ecosystems play an essential role in our planet’s health. These diverse landscapes are critical to climate regulation, offer habitat for various species, and provide livelihoods for millions of people across the globe. Yet, researchers estimate that over the past fifty years, half of the world’s mangroves, tidal marshes, and thirty percent of global seagrass meadows have been lost.
The health and resilience of these habitats play a vital role in the future of our planet. We exist to support stewards of these ecosystems to protect and regenerate their lands. Unfortunately, various barriers currently prevent communities, investors and local stakeholders from accessing the resources they need to do so.
Driven by our purpose, our mission is to facilitate the development and growth of a high-integrity blue carbon market for the many, not the few. Through these efforts, we are contributing to build nature markets that give communities and organizations, regardless of their size or location, a chance to play a role in protecting and restoring these beautiful ecosystems.
Our Vision
At Fair Carbon, we dare to dream of a world where we have harnessed the potential of blue carbon and unleashed the power of coastal and marine ecosystems to create a regenerative future for our planet and its people.
We envision a world where local communities benefit from their efforts to protect and restore natural habitats. A world where their collaborative work is rewarded fairly and equitably, enabling them to provide for their families, and build a future for their communities with pride.
In this world, a high-integrity carbon and nature market is booming, and is an integral part of the global economy. Diverse voices from around the world - scientists, policymakers, business leaders, indigenous peoples and conservationists - come together to develop and implement strategies to achieve planetary-scale conservation and restoration.
Our Values
Engaging
Local Projects
We support local communities working to protect, restore, and expand their natural resources by making blue carbon science and methodologies accessible and easy to understand.
Collaboration over
Competition
We prioritize collaboration over competition, fostering partnerships and working together to increase transparency in the markets and achieve shared goals.
High-Quality
Project Development
We are committed to enabling ethical, high-integrity restoration that is scientifically sound and prioritizes community engagement and project longevity.
Our Team
IN-HOUSE
ADVISORS
Frank Vorhies
African Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI)
Leah Glass
Blue Ventures & Silvestrum Climate Associates
Ben Brown
Charles Darwin University
Jennifer Howard
Conservation International
Mark Huxham
Edinburgh Napier University
Luc Cuyvers
Gallifrey Foundation
Dan Laffoley
IUCN
James Kairo
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Carl Gustaf Lundin
Leidar
Rajesh Chandy
London Business School
Suraj A. Vanniarachchy
Macquarie Group
Sigit Sasmito
National University of Singapore
Jared Moore
National University of Singapore
Eva Schoof
Plan Vivo Foundation
Emily Landis
The Nature Conservancy
Sebastian Thomas
UNESCO
Magaret Owuor
University of Bern
Want to join the team and have an impact on the world?
We are always in search of the best science, policy, technical and financial experts in blue carbon and carbon project development. To be considered for future openings, submit your C.V. or Resume and a Cover Letter detailing your expertise and interest in Fair Carbon.