TNC, EDB Partner to Strengthen Singapore as Hub for Nature-Based Carbon Project Development

SINGAPORE, May 6, 2025 – The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a leading global environmental non-profit, has announced an expansion of its Singapore operations to enhance early-stage development of nature-based carbon projects across the region. The initiative is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) under its Carbon Project Development Grant, which aims to accelerate the creation of high-integrity carbon credit projects aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

TNC’s expanded presence will see the formation of a dedicated team in Singapore focused on project origination, feasibility assessment, and stakeholder engagement. The initiative will also involve the recruitment of specialists in applied science, monitoring and evaluation, financial modelling, and community engagement—disciplines crucial to the long-term success of high-quality nature-based carbon initiatives.

The projects will be developed in line with Singapore’s International Carbon Credit (ICC) Framework and targeted in countries where Singapore has signed Implementation Agreements or Memorandums of Understanding for carbon market collaboration under Article 6. By investing in on-the-ground capabilities, TNC aims to build lasting local capacity and enhance the credibility of regional carbon markets.

“This grant builds on a strong history of collaboration between TNC and Singapore,” said Tamara Singh, Managing Director for Singapore and Senior Advisor, Regional Programs, at TNC. “It enables us to bring our science-driven approach to carbon project development—helping reduce emissions, conserve biodiversity, and benefit local communities at scale.”

TNC has a long-standing connection with Singapore, with the country’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew having served as the inaugural Co-Chair of TNC’s Asia-Pacific Council. The EDB also played a pivotal role in establishing the organisation’s presence in Singapore.

Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President of Green Economy at EDB, said TNC’s decision to deepen its engagement in Singapore reaffirms the nation’s role as a hub for carbon services and climate innovation.

“TNC’s expertise in nature-based solutions adds significant value to our ecosystem,” he said. “We look forward to working together to develop high-quality Article 6 carbon projects that contribute to both Singapore’s and the region’s net zero ambitions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Richard Eu, Group Chairman of Eu Yan Sang International Ltd and a member of TNC’s Singapore Advisory Board, noted that Singapore is well positioned to lead regional climate efforts.

“Organisations across Southeast Asia are actively seeking credible decarbonisation pathways. TNC’s expansion supports the scaling of science-backed environmental solutions to meet this growing demand,” he said.

TNC has delivered several landmark projects globally, including the first Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Gold-certified reforestation initiative in China and the first registered blue carbon site in South Australia. It continues to contribute to the development of carbon accounting methodologies at both global and national levels.

Currently, TNC is advancing over 60 carbon projects in 18 countries, including more than 15 nature-based solutions (NbS) projects across the Asia-Pacific region. In Singapore, it is a founding member of the Southeast Asia Climate and Nature-based Solution (SCeNe) Coalition, which brings together environmental groups to scale high-quality NbS with benefits for climate, nature, and communities.